Late May through mid June the Kasilof River hosts a solid run of hatchery and natural king salmon. We offer guided drift boat trips on the Lower Kasilof May and June for early run Kasilof River king salmon fishing. If you are a local or visiting angler and you want to catch a prized king salmon, the Kasilof is the perfect river in which to do so. . Drifting gives you better access to the fish. Other fish such as silver salmon, trout and huge haddock can be fished in these rivers. A natural king is one that has, at some point in its lineage, bred with a hatchery fish. Crooked Creek king salmon are used to supplement king salmon stocking programs across Southcentral Alaska. The mouth is much like a small lake, and that makes for outstanding fishing for King Salmon, Silver Salmon, Sockeye Salmon, and Steelhead. The 2022 Kenai River late-run king salmon sport fishery will begin under catch-and-release regulations. They rival late run Kenai River king salmon in size and average over 30 lbs. Fishing activity in May and June centers around Crooked Creek, a small tributary to the Kasilof just above tidal influence. Beginning in the early days of May, eager fishing guides head to the Kasilof river to get tuned up for the upcoming King Salmon season. The first run of kings averages 15 to 25 pounds with some fish in the 30- to 40-pound range. It also made them easier to identify in cases of straying, something that was a concern after several crooked creek hatchery fish were reportedly discovered in Slikok Creek, a tributary of the Kenai just downstream from Soldotna. The first enhancement of king salmon began with a smolt release in 1975. The Kasilof River is separated into two sections to float and fish. Our full 8 hour King Salmon Charter on the Kenai River. For those fishing from shore, the Kasilof also offers fairly good access at a number of points, the most popular being the Alaska State Parks and Recreation site near the Crooked Creek Campground. Limiting retention to adipose-clipped kings only was also accompanied by no fishing after retaining a king, single hook only and several other restrictive measures. I am a multi-species angler who will take you on an adventure of a lifetime. Kenai Drift Anglers delivers the finest most custom Willie Boat for our Kenai River Fishing clients. The first run starts mid-May and runs until about the end of June; the second run starts the first part of July and goes through the end of the month, with the season closing on the 31st. Fishing from a drift boat, backtrolling and backbouncing either eggs with a Spin-n-Glo or a sardine-wrapped plug is your best bet for catching prized Kasilof king salmon. Since for many years the hatchery fish returning to Crooked Creek were not adipose-clipped, some of the hatchery stock surely mixed with naturally produced fish in the creek. Fill out the info below and someone from will get back to you. At 82 miles long and paralleling the sterling highway, it's literally in your face from the minute you hit the town of Cooper Landing. This requires the use of our heated and modern 20ft drift boats - a comfortable and relaxing way to fish this river. Consistency makes Kasilof river king salmon fishing very popular in this regard, and the quiet drift boat experience adds to the Kasilofs charm. This section also has several gravel bars to fish sockeye (red) salmon starting at the end of June through the end of July and also supports healthy runs of coho (silver) salmon and steelhead later in the year. The total yearly harvest out of all the Upper Cook Inlet personal use salmon fisheries (Kenai, Kasilof, and Fish Creek) is 25 salmon and 10 flounder for the permit holder and 10 salmon for each additional household member. Dipnetting on the Kasilof is allowed 24-hours per day, 7-days per week. Saltwater Halibut Fishing - $350 per person With me you will learn how to catch fish, I will show you techniques that can be used on any body of water anywhere in the world. The bag and possession limit for king salmon less than 20 inches (jack king salmon), is 10 fish per day, 10 in possession, in combination with coho, sockeye, chum, or pink salmon less than 16 inches in length. The 2022 preseason outlook for the Kenai River king salmon late-run can be found here. No Thanks In 2005, for example, 1903 naturally produced king salmon were counted past the weir on Crooked Creekand adding Thursday will likely help meet the escapement goal while increasing king salmon fishing opportunity for recreation anglers.. The majority of our King Salmon fishing on the Kasilof River takes place during the first run in May and June. Our Alaska Salmon Fishing Trips include early season (May/June) fishing on the Kasilof River for King Salmon. The planted fish were originally taken from wild Crooked Creek stock, raised at the hatchery, and then released not only back into the Kasilof via Crooked Creek but were also introduced to a number of different watersheds throughout the Kenai Peninsula (from Sport Lake near Soldotna to Resurrection Bay in Seward.). The eggs are actually raised in hatcheries elsewhere and then returned to the Crooked Creek facility as smolt for imprinting and subsequent release, added Breakfield. Among the choices for mitigating the possible straying issue, fin clipping was deemed the most affordable. Fishing here can be successful with flies, but most anglers will choose bait when fishing for King Salmon Kenai River Fishing is some of the best known fishing in Alaska due to several key factors: Last year was great. Early run brings bright kings, anglers and new rules. (Salmon fishing on the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers, trout fishing on the Upper Kenai River, Halibut Fishing) Customized Fishing and Touring. All harvested fish that count towards an annual limit must be recorded on a harvest record card or your license. Remember, this fishery is managed in-season by emergency order, and can close at any time. According to Fish and Game Statewide Harvest Survey Data, 53% of the early run kings caught on the Kasilof River over the past five seasons were taken from the bank. The Kasilof has less than five feasible access points and all but two are private. The Kasilof River experience offers access to some of the best King Salmon fishing each season. Beginner or experienced fly anglers are always welcome! At Cooper Landing Fishing Guide, LLC we operate Alaska fishing trips on the Kenai River, as well as the Kasilof River. It was even better!, It was completely hassle free, and we had a fantastic time., We came hungry and left with big fish. Crooked Creek State Recreation Site, Johnson State Recreation Area and Kasilof RV Park are destinations for those looking for campgrounds or with trailers and RVs. Whether you got the itch for catching giant salmon or monster trout, I will adhere to your needs. We provides our guest the only boat on the Kenai River with heated seats for those chilly Alaskan mornings. Two anglers and King Salmon The Kasilof River and the Kenai River flow through the Kenai Peninsula in south Alaska. It began as a Fisheries Rehabilitation and Enhancement Division (F.R.E.D) project to produce sockeye, steelhead, coho and chinook. Today it acts primarily as a recovery and limited holding facility for Chinook only rather than a full blown A-Z hatchery. Kasilof River Early-Run (May 1 June 30). Dont just take our word for it, listen to what our guest have to say about a guided Kenai River and Kasilof river King Salmon fishing trip. Thanks for checking out . Happy Customers The following is courtesy of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game: (Soldotna) The 2022 Kenai River early-run king salmon preseason projection is for approximately 4,300 large (> 34 inches) king salmon. These boats will comfortable accommodate 4 persons. If you're here during this window, you'll be fishing with our Kasilof Guides for your chance of landing one of the biggest chinook salmon in the world. World-class Alaska fishing trips for trophy salmon on the Kasilof and Kenai River. Alaska Fishing Trips, 2021 Alaska Fishing with Mark Glassmaker, Website by OTC Web Design Girdwood, Alaska | SEO by SocialSEO, We Provide: Guide, Drift Boat, All Fishing Gear, You Need: Fishing License With King Stamp, Warm Clothes, Rain Gear, Lunch. The Crooked Creek hatchery was established in the early 1970s, according to the current biologist in charge of Kasilof River King Salmon, Jeff Breakfield. The 2022 preseason outlook for the Kenai River king salmon late-run can be foundhere. The best time to target King Salmon begins in mid-May with the first run - generally hatchery fish and somewhat smaller. Bait and multiple hooks are also allowed. We can also arrange fly-in trips to remote Alaska locations and ocean salmon trips in Kachemak bay. Kasilof River Late-Run (July 1 July 31). They look, fight, and taste the same - the only distinction is the presence of an adipose fin which was not clipped. Nigel Fox. But why book a guided King Salmon trip with us? In fact, the Kenai River famously holds seven spots of the top-ten largest King Salmon caught by rod & reel in the world. I am a multi-species angler who will take you on an adventure of a lifetime. It is a very exciting bite and the battles are usually very exciting as well. To protect this great fishery, since 2018, Great Alaska Adventures has been catch and release only on all Kenai Kings. All bait, lures, waders and gear are provided for back trolling king salmon trips. Here at Kenai Drift Anglers you will be treated like family and welcomed to our home, Alaska. According to Alaska State Parks records, the number of guides on the Kasilof went from 75 in 2000 to 134 in 2002. bookingandreservations@gmail.com Don't count out early and late fishing here as the area, while cold, is accessible year-round. July is Salmon Fishing Prime Time and we also have Halibut Fishing Suggestions. If you drift, someone will have to pick you up downstream. The late run of Kasilof king salmon starts on July 1 and the season closes on August 1. Depending on the strength of the King run, we also have opportunities to fish for Sockeye Salmon on the slower days. The Kasilof transforms into an entirely different river in July and August due to water volume. Our 20 drift boats are ideal for back trolling, bobber fishing and spin fishing for pacific salmon. River captain Nate Humphrey is our main host on Kenai River fishing trips. There is no hatchery salmon between July and September. Kasilof River early-run king salmon From June 10 to June 30, king salmon sport fishing in the Kasilof River drainage will be limited to hatchery fish only and anglers will only be allowed to use a single hook with no bait. Dont just take our word for it, listen to what our guest have to say about a guided Kenai River and Kasilof river King Salmon fishing trip. If you are going to fish the Kenai stay at Jimmie Jacks Lodge. Known for their sheer strength, rod and reel breaking abilities and fast runs, they are a ton of fun to chase. Kasilof River King Salmon Fishing Most anglers focus on the Kenai River during the July King salmon run, so the Kasilof River late run has passed under the radar for years. You get more quality fishing with Jimmie Jack Fishing. Both rivers are famous for the enormous King Salmon that enter the rivers during the Spring and Summer. Our Kasilof river guides will put you right on top of the fish. This run is made up of mostly hatchery fish, but it does have wild fish also. Professional, friendly and successful captains!, Im glad we chose Jimmie Jack Fishing. Back Trolling involves fishing lures methodically down classic runs on the lower Kasilof River below the Sterling Highway Bridge. No motorized watercraft are permitted in this area so driftfishing maintains the tranquility of this beautiful envirnoment, that is of course until the big ones hit. Sign up below! Our experienced Kasilof River guides will take you fishing on the majestic Kasilof River. These anglers use two-handed spey rods to swing large flies across the current for kings. Come join us for World-Class fishing on the Kenai & Kasilof Rivers. They're looking to get off the beaten path to target rainbow trout & arctic grayling. You have a lot of options when it comes to Fishing Guides on the Kenai & Kasilof Rivers. The fish here are very similar. This king salmon fishery has thrived due the hatchery programs nourishing Crooked Creek, the first and only major clear water stream that converges with the Kasilof River, just upstream of the Crooked Creek Campground. Its a long, deep stretch where fresh kings come in and hold for a few days before heading up river. In July, the Kasilof becomes an entirely different river in many regards; the amount of fishing pressure is greatly reduced as the late run Kenai King Fishery explodes. Fishing for King Salmon means landing big fish! Despite the smolt reductions and there being fewer hatchery kings than in the past, the overall number of fish has remained remarkably steady. Sockeye and silver trips result in harvest while our Kenai River king trips are catch and release. This meant that in order to keep a king it had to have a clipped adipose fin, but at the time, only a certain percentage of the hatchery return would arrive with clipped fins. Review the Advisory Announcement and Emergency Order in their entiretyhere. Hi, Jimmie Jack here! Unfortunately, in capturing these enhanced hatchery-raised salmon, many wild fish are taken incidentally; among these are wild Tustamena sockeye, Kasilof Chinook, Kasilof steelhead and Kenai Chinook salmon. Generally starting in early August, we fish hard for Silvers throughout the fall months of August, September and October. It is interesting to note that 90% of guided anglers access this fishery during the May-June early run when an abundance of hatchery fish are available. Several recreation areas include camping and RV parking. You'll be proud of yourself when you hook and land your own fish. A float down the world-class glacially fed Kasilof river is an Alaskan memorable adventure worth indulging in. Clean lodge and boats. There is a combined annual limit of five king salmon over 20 inches from all Cook Inlet Drainage waters, which includes only two fish per year over 20 inches from the Kenai River, except fish under 28 inches in length caught in the Kenai River prior to July 1 do not count towards the annual limit. Hatchery fish can be kept any day of the week. Ill send you more information about the charters available in September, with videos, guide commentary and special offers. The Kasilof River is a fantastic fishery and very capable of matching the Kenai for fishing. Kenai & Kasilof River Red Salmon CALL 907-279-3474 (FISH) August, September Silver Salmon Kenai & Kasilof River CALL 907-279-3474 (FISH) Kenai River and Kasilof River Fishing Guide Professional Fishing Guide Service with 40 years experience Dean Schlehofer, a professional fishing guide, has been fishing the Kenai Peninsula since 1986. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter for updates on Alaska fishing lodges, charters, float trips and more to help you plan your perfect Alaska fishing trip! The mix of both natural producing kings and hatchery stocks means one can expect good fishing in late May, extending at times well past mid June. These bountiful Pink Humpy Salmon fill the river for about three weeks and are available to catch from late July into September. The best times to target Steelhead are April/May and then again in Oct/Nov. Due to straying concerns into the Kenai River, managers deciding to mark all hatchery origin Crooked Creek king salmon in 2000. Well organized fishing trips and fish packaging arrangements. They get advice from our pros on what areas to focus on, fishing access & more! Review the Advisory Announcement and Emergency Order in their entiretyhere. Heavier flows keep lots of anglers away, but your shot at a 50lb+ fish can happen any time during this run. (This article was written by Kenai/Kasilof River guide Mark Glassmaker and was originally published in Fish Alaska magazine in July 2006.). Generally there is a two-fish limit per person, but that has changed over the years with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) releasing Emergency Orders (EOs) and changing regulations for a given year. We offer Fly Fishing, Spin Fishing and Bait Fishing guided fishing charters. At times when the Kenai is slow or emergency restrictions are placed on the early run of Kenai Kings, a significant amount of angling pressure can overwhelm the Kasilof in a hurry. The Kasilof River offers king, silver, and chum salmon fishing, as well as steelhead and rainbows. Plus we do a King Salmon vs. Sockeye Salmon Taste Test. The Kasilof River hasboth hatchery released and wild King Salmon. Its tough to compete with a river twice as big and ten times as accessible. Book a Kenai River guided King Salmon fishing trip with Kenai Drift Anglers today, to insure your Alaska fishing King Salmon trip is a success. With only one primary put-in and a small hand full of take-outs, some crowding during peak times has occurred. Even though it may not carry the reputation of its sibling the Kenai, the Kasilof river king salmon fishing has certainly been well discovered for its own sportfishing opportunities. The local area offers plenty of outdoor options for the whole family, and food and lodging are not challenging to find, though reservations are highly recommended. Due to the close proximity to the road system, a handful of miles from Soldotna, Sterling and Kenai and not too long of a drive from Anchorage, this can be a popular spot. The first section of the Kasilof we fish starts when a boat leaves Tustamena Lake and drifts down to the Sterling Highway. guided fishing for kasilof river king salmon. During this time, we have wild fish and a large number of hatchery fish entering the river. But the Kasilof has not maintained this steady supply of early run king salmon without a few hurdles along the way. The Kenai River & Kasilof River King Salmon fishery is world-class for any angler. The peak time for this return is late May into the first couple of weeks of June. Only king salmon less than 34 inches in length may be retained. The key to success in swinging flies Kings is to keep your fly swimming low and slow near the bottom where kings like to hold. The Kasilof River fishing provides some of the best King Salmon and Steelhead opportunities on the Kenai Peninsula. The beachfront at the mouth of the Kasilof is long and offers excellent outdoor options, including fishing and clamming. We often hold our values of retention to a higher standard than what the regulation allow us to do on the Kenai and Kasilof river. The Kasilof River King Salmon, at 20 to 40 pounds, may not be the giants of the Kenai, but they can put up a giant fight. In addition to a new attitude, the new regulations also revealed some interesting trends within the make-up of the king return. With Alaskan Widespread Fishing Adventures, you are in good hands. This shore-access spot is popularly known as the People Hole. Wild fish can ONLY be retained on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. But much like the proverbial red-headed stepchild, Kasilof river king salmon fishing has always remained a side-act while the mighty Kenai remains the headliner. Kasilof River King Salmon Guided Fishing Most people that think about visiting the Kenai Peninsula and doing some fishing usually head immediately for the world-famous mighty Kenai River. May 16th is the unofficial beginning of our salmon season here on the Kenai Peninsula. When a king strikes, it is a heart-stopping moment. King of the River will drift you down the pristine waters, known to local residents as one of the top salmon fishing areas for big game fishing. From May 15th - June 31st anglers can try their hand at the first run of Kings on the Kasilof. King salmon 34 inches in length and greater may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately. The Kenais lesser known neighbor has a king-sized reputation all its own. Review the Advisory Announcement and Emergency Order in their entiretyhere. The Kasilof River is located just 15 minutes south of Jimmie Jacks Alaska fishing lodge. Phone: +1 907-279-3474 (FISH) Alaska King Salmon (Chinook) Fishing. Court Decision may reduce sockeye returns. Alaska King salmon consistently change their holding grounds and you have to know daily where those changes are being made. The Kasilof River headwaters begin at the Tustumena Glacier and Lake tucked 15 miles inward of the Kenai Peninsula. This said the Kasilof continues to assume more and more independent infamy and is certainly one of the most exciting and predictable road-accessible king fisheries in all of Alaska. The Kasilof gets a combined return of both hatchery and naturally produced kings that are both largely returning to Crooked Creek, a small tributary just above tidal reach. The first run kings are our main focus here. Boy, was I wrong! From here, the river makes a slow and winding entrance for roughly a mile and then carves a very swift, rapid-like descent to Cook Inlet. Our Full 8 hour King Salmon Charter 2-Person Private Boat. Unlike Kenai River fishing trips, Kasilof River king salmon fishing lets you continue fishing once you retain your limit. The Kasilof River from its mouth to the outlet of Tustumena Lake is closed to king salmon sport fishing through July 15 to conserve king salmon in the river, the division said.. Fishing is the big draw for the Kasilof and some recreational fun too. The Alaska King Salmon is the the largest species of the Pacific Salmon. After nearly half a decade, these substantial salmonids make their way back up the mouth of the rivers to the freshwaters of Alaska's interior to commence the cycle once again. Kasilof River King Salmon Fishing While some of the basic techniques of fishing for salmon are the same as the Kenai, the Kasilof is a much different experience. Remember that the Kenai holds the world record for Sports-caught King Salmon, and the Kasilof is equally capable of breaking that record. 100% percent wild/natural king salmon in July. Fish and Wildlife Service, The 9th circuit Court of Appeals ruled commercial enterprises should not be allowed in the National Wildlife Refuge as it was almost entirely wilderness area and does not permit commercial uses in its enabling legislation (Wilderness Act of 1964) There is no exception given for commercial enterprise in wilderness when it has benign purpose and minimally intrusive impact, the court ruled. Kenai or Kasilof River Salmon Fishing Half Day (5 1/2 hours) - $195/per person Full Day (9 hour average) - $275/per person The Kasilof River is fished from a drift boat. This is an unmotorized, drift-only river where backtrolling for salmon is very popular. It wanders through a wide variety of terrain and wildlife sightings are frequent. Whatever method you choose, be sure not to remove a King Salmon from the water unless you can legally retain it. Hi, Jimmie Jack here! The second run, which is made up of wild fish, begins in mid-July. I have also seen side planers with a wrapped plug do well and there have been many times when shore anglers have outfished the drift boat anglers. These lures can hold chunks of salmon roe that attracts migrating King Salmon. Kings are the first available fish, starting around May 16th with the run ending at the end of July. Despite the complexity of its salmon runs and the myriad of sport fishing opportunities it offers, it seems highly unlikely the Kasilof will ever become a household name like the Kenai. Kenai and Kasilof Fishing Season Report for 2022, Read what our satisfied customers have to say . Many visiting anglers have discovered the benefit to planning a variety of fishing trips when they visit the Kenai Peninsula. A 2004 decision made it illegal to commercially enhance sockeye on the Kasilof River since it was being done in Federal waters. The upper Kasilof is often much less busy than the lower river. Catching an ocean bright king over 30 lbs. King Salmon Fishing on the Kasilof River in Alaska - YouTube 0:00 / 2:53 King Salmon Fishing on the Kasilof River in Alaska 1,335 views Aug 14, 2018 4 Dislike Share Jeff. ADF&G manages the Kasilof River early-run king salmon sport fishery to achieve a sustainable escapement goal of 700-1,400 naturally-produced king salmon as monitored through an ADF&G weir located on Crooked Creek. The peace and quiet of the non-motorized section of the Kasilof river will only be broken by the splash of your King Salmon on the line! from a drift boat can be a very rewarding experience. This projection falls within the optimal escapement goal (OEG) of 3,900 to 6,600 large king salmon. Below we will highlight these in order to help you achieve the highest success you desire! With the majority of the July King Salmon effort on the Kenai Peninsula fixed on the Kenai, the Kasilof late run has passed under the radar for years from both an angling perspective, and also when it comes to documentation by fish and game. Interest in the late run of Kasilof kings dates back to 2002 when the Fish and Game launched a feasibility study to see if the kings could be live captured in the Kasilof for testing purposes. Since the Kenai, even on its best days, is not known for producing sheer numbers of one after another fishing, peripheral fisheries such as halibut fishing, trout fishing, fly out fishing and the Kasilof all offer something totally unique. Entire Boat Price for 2. Along with a native run of sockeye, the Kasilof was also artificially enhanced with a stocking program in Tustamena Lake. The Kasilof River supports two distinct runs of kings. Given these circumstances, the board saw fit to return some of the rules they had rescinded just two years prior. Alaskan Salmon have also been seen to lower the risk of some types of Cancer, Dementia and Alzheimer's. This is an unmotorized, drift-only river where backtrolling for salmon is very popular. Our Full 8 hour King Salmon Charter 3-Person Private Boat. The Kasilof provides opportunities for trophy salmon fishing all season, starting with Kings in mid- May. Its ability to produce regular action for those just looking to land one of Alaskas most venerable game fish is paramount to its reputation. Anglers flock annually for a shot at catching a King Salmon from the shores of the Kasilof from this spot. Set gill nets on the beaches south of the Kasilof intercept passing schools of both Kasilof and Kenai bound sockeye along with newly arriving Kenai and Kasilof late run Chinook. The G2GO crew headed to Alaska to fish for King Salmon on the Kasilof River. Not only, providing the tranquility and peacefulness you should expect from Alaska, but also at times providing a higher possibility of hooking a King Salmon. Depending on regulations, we fish for King Salmon through this whole window using back trolling techniques. For the fun of your life, let's go Kenai River salmon fishing. Unlike the Alaska Fishing Trips on the Kenai, where you are required to quit fishing when you retain a king, Alaska Fishing on the Kasilof allowed you to keep fishing after your catch. They returned fishing after retention, gave back multiple hooks and allowed an angler to keep wild fish on two days of the week: Tuesdays and Saturdays. Wild/natural kings can be kept in July. And it's even better if you are coming to Alaska and have never fished before. The Kasilof River is 17 miles long, running out of Tustumena Lake, dumping into the Cook Inlet. Fishing is the big draw for the Kasilof and some recreational fun too. There are opportunities to DIY fish near the mouth of the Kasilof but drift fishing with a guide is your best option because motors are not an option on this river. Two experienced fly fishermen from Begium are organizing a self guided fishing trip to Alaska and looking for advice to help them plan their fishing trip. The limit is combined for all four fisheries Kenai dipnetting, Kasilof dipnetting, Kasilof set gillnetting, and Fish . These fish are recognized by a clipped or missing adipose fin. Takes place on the Kasilof River and the world-famous Kenai River. The kenai peninsula has endless possibilites. I generally re-work runs several times over, methodically rowing back up and trolling back down, picking a different slot each time through the run. We are kid friendly! King salmon fishing on the Kasilof River runs from mid-May through the end of July. This drift-only fishing haven offers up the opportunity to go against Alaska's finest freshwater targets in a more peaceful environment. Perhaps those that know the most about these fabled late run Kasilof kings are the small handful of guides and locals that have fished the run for generations. Nigel Fox. Our Alaska Salmon Fishing Trips include early season (May/June) fishing on the Kasilof River for King Salmon. Excellent staff!. This program was started by the state and taken over in the mid 1990s by local Cook Inlet commercial fishing group Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association. Recently, many fly anglers have chosen to fish from the shore for King Salmon. From my experience guiding clients on the Kasilof, backtrolling a sardine-wrapped Kwikfish through most of the runs and then backbouncing eggs on the tide has been a recipe for success. The Upper Kasilof is less busy, with swifter waters and runs through the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. The Kasilof River late-run king salmon sport fishery will begin limited to hatchery fish harvest only. Because it is fairly shallow, swift and rocky, the Kasilof proves challenging and dangerous for an outboard and motor use while fishing is actually prohibited during May, June and July on the lower portion of the river. When booking a King Salmon charter with Kenai Drift Angler, you not only get to experience the adrenaline of the Alaska King Salmon but a stronger appreciation of their life-cycle and what were doing as guides to make sure we conserve this precious King Salmon fishery for future fisherman. Email Us, Board of Fisheries and Game: Actions & Activities, Threatened, Endangered, and Diversity Program, Alaska Resources Library and Information Services (ARLIS), About the Division of Commercial Fisheries, Western Alaska Salmon Stock Identification Program (WASSIP), Online General Season & Registration Permits, Subsistence and Personal Use Fishing Permits, CSIS Community Subsistence Information System, The Technical Papers and Special Publications Series, cumulative harvest and effort data by fishery. The Kasilof, much like the Kenai, is rich in angling mystic and its chalky, glacial green waters teem with fish. Boat was big and extremely comfortable ~ lots of room outside but also a great indoor area with protection from the elements., Spectacular views, great service and gourmet meals all exceeded our expectations!, Excellent Lodge with a million-dollar view. Depending on whether bait is open or not, many anglers choose to plunk large weights in the water which hold spin-n-glos near the bottom. In some years, the run starts in mid-May. Fishing here can be successful with flies, but for Kings, most anglers use bait. It provides countless annual fishing opportunities for both Alaskans and visitors alike and deserves unique consideration for its individual and distinctive allure. The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge maintains a boat launch facility at the outlet of Tustamena Lake, officially mile 18.5 of the river. Their stories are filled with all the same lore and legend as youll hear from longtime Kenai guides. Kasilof River King Salmon Fishing (8 hour). Differing from the Kenai river, the Kasilof river is only open to non-motorized boats. There are many that credit the Kasilof for taking much needed pressure from the Kenais less predictable early season king returns although the Kenai, with its own recent regulation changes and revised escapement goals, seems far more stable heading into the future. It's with good reason that the Kasilof River is known as the little brother to the Kenai River. The Kasilof River is a drift boat fishery and the Kenai River is primarily a power boat fishery. Professional Fishing Guide service for over 37 years! In fact to be successful Kenai River King Salmon guide, your guide has to spend everyday on the water and making adjustments each evening based on the conditions. Just 15 miles south of the world-famous Kenai River lays a hidden gem that may be a smaller river but has king-size stature. It's a hands-on fishery so no sitting around being bored. Not only is it rare for us guides to have a day off during the Alaska King Salmon season, but even on days off, we King Salmon fish to not ever skip a beat. Only drift boats are allowed. In fact, our primary fishing tactic is back-trolling, back-bouncing and drift fishing. We also target late-run Kings on the Kasilof during the month of July. Fishing here is nearly 100% by drift boat even though there are some walk and wade areas. Alaska Department of Fish and Game operates a hatchery facility just a short distance beyond the confluence of Crooked Creek and the Kasilof and they have been enhancing the early run of Crooked Creek king salmon for the past 30 years. mykingoftheriver@gmail.com, mail The hot spots for fishing are generally the lower Kasilof for two reasons. We back troll, spin fish and bobber fish for these acrobatic, hard-fighting fall fish. Not being able to distinguish between the two stocks meant managers were unable to estimate run strength of the wild or naturally produced Crooked Creek king salmon. Use 21377 Crooked Creek Road, Kasilof, Alaska on your GPS. Will you be next? Alaska Fishing Guides The upper section starts at Tustumena Lake and ends at the Sterling Highway Bridge boat ramp. Anglers may only use one unbaited, single hook, or unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure. Well guide you down the Kasilof river, known to local residents as one of the top salmon fishing areas for big game fishing. The bag and possession limit for king salmon 20 inches or greater in length is one king salmon. Owner & operator Dean Schlehofer has guided thousands of clients over 40 years. Like the Kenai, the Kasilof is glacially fed with more turbidity. 345 Dolchok Lane This was all done to curb pressure and limit harvest numbers until Fish and Game could get a reasonable handle on the number of early season king salmon spawning naturally within Crooked Creek and establish a Sustainable Escapement goal (SEG) which is now set at 650-1700 kings. These are private trips with 2 anglers max, providing an intimate, relaxing and personal fishing experience. For many that fish the Kasilof frequently during this return, the new regulations delivered a different attitude and feel to the fishery, as not being able to readily harvest whatever you catch did reduce fishing pressure. Sign up below! Yes - Contact. In July, the Kasilof becomes an entirely different river in many regards; the amount of fishing pressure is greatly reduced as the late run Kenai King Fishery explodes. Fishing here is on par with the Kenai even though the Kasilof River is smaller. Unlike the Kenai, the Kasilof is largely unfishable with a motor for most of May and June. Its no secret the Kenai river boast some of the most impressive King Salmon in the world. Kasilof River Early-Run (May 1 - June 30) The 2022 Kasilof River early-run king salmon sport fishery will begin limited to hatchery fish only harvest and anglers may only use one single hook or single-hook artificial lure, baited or unbaited. The Kasilof River opens to fishing with bait on May 16 and this dramatically affects success rates. Certainly the influx of hatchery fish is largely responsible for the more predictable fishing, but behind that run of planted, adipose fin-clipped kings is also a strong return of wild spawners from both Crooked Creek and the main stem Kasilof River. Home of the largest king salmon in the world and rainbow trout as long as your arm; the Kenai often backs up its colossal reputation with one magical Alaska Fishing experience after another. The Kasilof River, a river similar in color and flow as the Kenai, yet smaller, is located just south of Soldotna and offers a variety of shore and drift boat salmon fishing opportunities for both guided & unguided anglers. MORE: Browse blogs and articles from our friends at Alaska Drift Away Fishing. We are Kenai River fishing guides operating trips for Salmon, Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden. Per Person Price. Our Kasilof River guides will take you down the drift-only area of the Kasilof River in a 20 drift boat. Until then, the Kasilof early run is once again what it has always been: a fun-filled, action-packed salmon fishery where someone visiting Alaska or from Anchorage can jump in their car, drive to the river, catch a king for the dinner table (or release it ), and head back to Anchorage all in one day. No king salmon may be kept in the Kasilof River personal use dipnet fishery. Kenai King. The lower section begins at the Sterling Highway boat ramp and flows into Cook Inlet with the Kasilof Cabins boat pull-out being the last place to take out. Steelhead fishing on the Kasilof is good but often unnoticed due to the prolific Salmon fishing. The Board did establish regulations allowing Fish and Game managers to adjust in-season the number of days wild harvest is allowed, particularly in years of extreme surplus. If a Kasliof River fishing trip sounds like an appealing invitation to you than you may soon find yourself in the shadow of giants. Kasilof River personal use salmon dipnetting is open June 25 through August 7. thumb_up Alaska Fishing Guides 4oz. Tips from an Alaska fly fishing guide to help you select the right flies for your Alaska fly fishing trip. Kasilof 20 ft 4 persons Popular with anglers looking for Salmon (Pink) fishing charters in Kasilof River It comes as no surprise that the mighty Kasilof River is every freshwater angler's dream. Kenai River king salmon sport fishing general regulations for January 1 through June 30, in Kenai River waters downstream of Skilak Lake are as follows: The 2022 preseason outlook for Kenai River king salmon early-run can be foundhere. The Kasilof River is a glacier-fed river that stretches for 17-miles from Tustumena Lake to Cook Inlet. There is nothing like fighting this massive salmon as it pulls your drift boat all over the river. Nigel Fox. We offer guided drift boat trips on the Lower Kasilof in July for late run Kasilof River king salmon fishing. There are no motors allowed on the river, which is different from the Kenai. As directed by5 AAC 57.160 Kenai River and Kasilof River Early-run King Salmon Management Plan,if the Kenai River early-run king salmon preseason projection falls within or above the OEG, the sport fishery may start under general regulations (5 AAC 57.120) until an inseason projection is available. He is a lifelong Alaskan and has been fishing on the Kenai River since he was a young boy, and each year he learns more about the intricate world of catching trophy salmon and trout on the Kenai and Kasilof rivers. The Kasilof River The Alaska Fishing Season begins on the Kasilof River, drifting through various Salmon holes, hunting for that prized King Salmon. Alaska King Salmon have their special way of making dreams become reality. In the case of: The Wilderness Society and Alaska Center for the Environment vs. U.S. Limits are usually liberal for Sockeye as they are plentiful. The late run of king salmon on the Kasilof is entirely wild and primarily main-stem spawners. For a peaceful Alaskan experience fishing for King Salmon ask Jimmie Jack about these Kasilof River King Salmon Trips! The second run of Kings is made up of big fish where 50-pound fish are not uncommon. The bag and possession limit for king salmon is two hatchery-produced fish that are 20 inches in length or greater. Copyright 2022 Kenai Drift Anglers | Powered by Kenai Drift Anglers. A large number of wild or un-clipped king salmon were present beginning in mid May and at times seemed to outnumber the hatchery return. With only 2 years of definitive data on the status of this stock, Fish and Game recommended limited harvest (two days a week) to be sure this wild segment of the early run of Kings on the Kasilof was truly headed in the right direction. Depending on the season anglers can fish for Kenai king salmon, silver salmon, or sockeye salmon. Of course, you can have some great days on the water without bait, but we all know king salmon are pretty tough to catch and it is always nice to get an upper hand when fishing for these crafty fish, especially in glacial water like the Kasilof. So the next time you are planning to fish somewhere on Kenai Peninsula in June or July, you should make this quiet little river a stop on your list. Most of the early Kasilof River king salmon caught in May and June are hatchery fish. During the fall months of August, September and October, Silver Salmon are on our radar. Clipping the fins and reducing the overall release of hatchery fish occurred at a time when fishing popularity and pressure on the Kasilof was peaking. However, the sockeye salmon will not start to show up in good numbers until June 15th so we cannot really start doing our Kasilof River combo king-sockeye salmon trips until June 15th. The Kasilof River is very different from the Kenai River. A large reason why King Salmon can be difficult to catch, its the lowest returning Salmon around the globe. Shore anglers have luck drifting salmon roe under a float/bobber, or plunked or drifted on the bottom. Results from this study were favorable and subsequent netting, radio telemetry and harvest monitoring projects proceeded in 2003 and 2005. Except for certain sections and in high water, seeing a motorized vessel on the Kasilof is pretty rare. Tide-fresh Kasilof kings are suckers for a sardine-wrapped plug. Our King Salmon Charters consist of fishing many famous Kenai river King Salmon holes and making sure our clients consistently stay on top of the fish. The Willie Boat vessel is powered by a 50 horsepower Yamaha outboard, which gets our clients quickly to the next fishing hole. There is also great fishing from shore, which is accessed from the Crooked Creek State Recreation Site. Each year between 15,000 and 25,000 Kings pass through in July alone, and we offer you the chance to hook your own Kenai River King Salmon! Kasilof RV Park is located approximately 15 miles south of Soldotna, AK. This reduced the size of the run from a 210,000 smolt released in 1999 to a 105,000 release in 2000. We also offer fly fishing for king salmon as well. Read what our satisfied customers have to say , phone King Salmon seasons run from mid-May through the end of July. As a general rule, Alaskas fishery managers are naturally reluctant toward planting hatchery fish on top of wild stocks, although the Crooked Creek project has long been an exception. The Kasilof River is a glacier fed, drift boat only river which makes for a relaxing float in our 20' Willie Drift boat while we target the massive King Salmon that return every summer. Nigel Fox has been partners with Jeremy Anderson and Nick Ohlrich atAlaska Drift Away Fishing for close to two decades. Kasilof River King Salmon Fishing Safe, Professional Guides Best Boats & Charters on the Water Boat limited to 4 anglers All Tackle and Bait Filleting of your catch Full Day (8 hour) Trip in Alaska $275 per person BOOK YOUR TRIP NOW! Join us for King, Sockeye and Silver Fishing on the Kenai Peninsula. Indeed, Alaska King Salmon fishing trips on the Kenai river begin June 1st, with the Alaska King Salmon season ending July 31st. The Alaska Early King Salmon fishing season on the Kasilof river gets underway May 16th, until the end of June. The Kasilof River is a glacier-fed river that stretches for 17-miles from Tustumena Lake to Cook Inlet. As with many sockeye producing river systems in Cook Inlet, king salmon returning to the same river as the sockeye are often intercepted in both onshore set and off shore drift gill nets primarily targeting the more profitable sockeye. Most of the early season boat traffic on the Kasilof River enters the river from the Kasilof River State Park site, located immediately upriver of the Sterling Highway bridge. The Kasilof river second run of King Salmon begins early July, also like the Kenai river the Kasilof river King Salmon season ends, July 31st. 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