🧭 A Peaceful Drift, A Powerful Fish – Welcome to the Kasilof
Looking for a chance to target Alaska king salmon in 2025? The Kasilof River offers one of the few remaining opportunities to fish for kings—without the noise of motors, and with the thrill of a drift boat experience.
As regulations shift on the Kenai River to protect its king population, many anglers are turning to the Kasilof for a more intimate, scenic, and rewarding adventure. Here’s everything you need to know.
📅 2025 King Salmon Season Dates on the Kasilof
-
May 1 – August 15: King salmon season is open
-
Best time to fish: Late May through June for peak hatchery returns
🟡 Note: All king salmon fishing on the Kasilof in 2025 is drift boat only – no motors allowed.
See full trip offerings → Kasilof River Trips
🎣 What You’re Allowed to Keep in 2025
Thanks to hatchery returns from Crooked Creek, you can keep fish—if they meet specific criteria.
✅ Hatchery King Salmon (adipose fin clipped):
-
May 1 – June 30: Limit 2 per day
-
July 1 – July 31: Limit 1 per day
🚫 Wild/Naturally-Produced Kings:
-
Must be released immediately
-
Cannot be removed from the water
-
Identified by intact adipose fin
👉 Learn more from ADF&G’s latest Kasilof king regulations
🛶 Why Drift Boat Fishing Makes It Special
Unlike the Kenai River’s fast-paced, power-boat sections, the Kasilof is quiet, calm, and remote. Drift fishing puts you in the action—whether it’s back-trolling plugs or working seams for a hook-up.
🧍♂️ Bonus: With fewer anglers and no engine noise, it’s an unforgettable day of hands-on Alaska king salmon fishing.
See what’s included on our drift boat trips → What’s Included
🐟 ADF&G Conservation in Action
Alaska’s Department of Fish & Game has taken strong steps to protect wild king populations while allowing for hatchery harvest. The escapement goal for wild kings is 700–1,400 at the Crooked Creek facility.
Thanks to these efforts, hatchery fishing on the Kasilof remains open and sustainable—but plan early, as the best king trips fill fast.
Check current fish counts at ADF&G → ADF&G Fish Counts
👨✈️ Guided by Pros – Same Team, Two Sites
All Kasilof River king salmon trips are guided by Ian, the trusted pro behind Kenai Fly Fish. With 150+ 5-star reviews and a calm, professional style, Ian’s drift boat days are one of the best-rated king salmon trips in Alaska.
💬 Want to see what people say? → Read Our Reviews
✅ Ready to Book Your 2025 Kasilof King Salmon Trip?
🎣 Book Your Alaska King Salmon Trip Now →
Or explore: