KASILOF RIVER
SOCKEYE FISHING TRIPS
We offer both half day and full day sockeye salmon fishing trips on the Kasilof River. Most of our guests prefer a half-day sockeye salmon trip as this provides the ideal amount of time to enjoy the float and fish one full tide. For those wanting a little extra time on the water to ensure they have the best overall chance at limit catches, the full day trip is a good choice.
The Kasilof River, often regarded as the “baby brother” to the renowned Kenai River, is a prime destination for sockeye salmon fishing on the Kenai Peninsula. Situated approximately 10 miles south of Soldotna and the Kenai River, the Kasilof offers anglers an earlier opportunity to target sockeye salmon. The sockeye salmon run in the Kasilof River typically begins around June 15, with numbers increasing steadily through June and July. The peak of the run usually occurs between July 10 and July 25.
In recent years, the Kasilof River has experienced remarkably high sockeye salmon returns. In 2024 the Kasilof received over one million sockeye and returns over the last several years have averaged over 900,000 fish. The 2025 Kasilof River sockeye salmon forecast is 1.24 million fish which is 28% greater than the historical average return (1986-2024).
Sockeye Runs On The Kasilof River:
The Kasilof River is the second largest producer of sockeye in Upper Cook Inlet. Over the past 10 years the annual average of Kasilof River Sockeye has been over 600,000 fish with the past three years seeing above average returns. In 2024, the cumulative return was 1,048, 092, in 2023 it was 932,896 and in 2022 it was 971,604.
Kasilof Sockeye Fishing Rates
June / July / August
Kasilof Half Day – $295pp
Up to 5 hours
Kasilof Full Day – $350pp
Up to 8 hours
Where we fish the Kasilof River Sockeye Salmon:
The Kasilof River, designated as a drift-boat-only fishery, offers a peaceful and scenic fishing experience. There are two primary float trips: one from the outlet of Tustumena Lake to the Sterling Highway Bridge and another from the bridge to the takeouts near Cook Inlet. Both drifts provide stunning scenery, with strategic gravel bars where anglers can step out and fish for sockeye as they migrate through shallow waters along the river’s edge. The float from Tustumena Lake, winding through the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, is especially picturesque, though both routes offer an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
How we fish the Kasilof River Sockeye Salmon:
Sockeye salmon spend 1-3 years in the ocean and feed primarily on plankton, insects and small crustaceans. Their passive diet makes them one of the least aggressive salmon in terms of striking lures and thus the techniques we use to catch them are unique. The most common and effective method for catching sockeye is known as flossing or lining and this involves a long leader with a bare hook fished from shore. When done properly this method is extremely efficient at catching the passing sockeye in the mouth. On the Kasilof River, we prefer using fly rods to fish for sockeye. The combination of light tackle and fresh fish straight from the ocean creates an unforgettable fishing experience.
Kasilof River Sockeye Limits:
The limit for sockeye on the Kasilof river is three fish per person, per day. The limit can increase to six fish per person, per day in-season when the escapement of sockeye salmon into the Kasilof River is proceeding at a rate that is projected to exceed the biological escapement goal. In 2024 the limit was raised from three to six fish on June 24 and in 2023, the limit was increased to six fish on June 28.
Things To Know About Sockeye Salmon
*Sockeye salmon in the Kasilof River rear in Lake Tustumena, spending one to two years in freshwater as juveniles and two to three years in the ocean before returning to spawn. While there are some variations between rivers, Upper Cook Inlet sockeye salmon that spend two years in the ocean typically grow to about 18 to 21.6 inches, while those that spend three years in the ocean reach lengths of 20 to 23.6 inches.
*The Kasilof River sockeye salmon runs average around 958,000 fish, with numbers ranging from 500,000 to 1.7 million salmon.
*The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) operates a sonar site on the Kasilof River to monitor sockeye salmon runs. Located about 8 river miles upstream from the river mouth, just above the Sterling Highway bridge, this sonar project tracks the salmon’s movement. The travel time for sockeye salmon to reach this site from Cook Inlet ranges from approximately 12 to 36 hours.
FAQ’s About Kasilof River Sockeye Salmon Fishing
Where is the best place to fish for sockeye salmon?
Can you keep king salmon in Kasilof River?
What is the best month for salmon fishing?
What is the best month for salmon fishing on the Kasilof?
What is the difference between the Kasilof River and the Kenai River?
More Information on Kasilof River Salmon Fishing
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