Kenai Peninsula Borough County, AK · Inland River
Kasilof River
Kenai Peninsula Borough County, AK
A glacial Kenai Peninsula river just south of the Kenai, known for strong sockeye and king salmon runs and a popular bank and drift fishery. The Kasilof opens earlier than many Cook Inlet streams and is a reliable early-season red-salmon destination.
Live · updated
Top pick today
Sockeye Salmon — Great day to fish for Sockeye Salmon.
Best conditions of 3 species tracked at Kasilof River.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Kasilof River
3 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top pick is open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Sockeye Salmon Great day to fish for Sockeye Salmon. In season 78/100
What's helping
- incoming tide — sockeye salmon prefers incoming tide
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Oncorhynchus nerka — The "red" salmon — the backbone of Alaska’s fisheries and the most prized for the table. Sockeye return to their natal lakes and rivers in enormous summer runs (Bristol Bay alone sees tens of millions), holding in tight schools that anglers target by "flipping" weighted flies. The landlocked form is the kokanee. Bright red at spawning, it is the icon of a healthy Alaska watershed.
Prefers. Water 40–60°F (ideal 52°F) · incoming tide · depth 1–20 ft.
- Daily creel
- 6
Cook Inlet / Kenai: 6 sockeye (and other non-king salmon ≥16")/day, 12 in possession in the lower river. Bristol Bay is 5/day combined with other salmon. Alaska adjusts limits by Emergency Order in-season — check the ADF&G hotline or app the day you fish.
Source: Alaska non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#2 Chinook Salmon Workable day for Chinook Salmon. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Oncorhynchus tshawytscha — The “king” — the largest Pacific salmon and the marquee stocked predator of the Great Lakes. Trolled over open water through summer, then staged off river mouths and run up tributaries on the fall spawning push. Flow and water temperature drive the river bite.
Prefers. Water 42–58°F (ideal 50°F) · either tide · depth 15–150 ft.
- Min size
- 20"
- Daily creel
- 1
King (chinook) salmon: where open, typically 1/day with a 20"+ size rule and an annual harvest record. Cook Inlet/Kenai king fisheries are frequently restricted to catch-and-release or closed entirely by Emergency Order — confirm before targeting, and release any king caught while it is closed. Alaska adjusts limits by Emergency Order in-season — check the ADF&G hotline or app the day you fish.
Source: Alaska non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#2 Steelhead Check local Steelhead regulations before you keep one. Regs unverified 68/100
We don't have confirmed size, creel, or season rules for Steelhead in AK on file yet. The live conditions score still applies — but confirm the current regulations with your state agency before keeping any fish.
What's helping
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Oncorhynchus mykiss — Lake- or sea-run rainbow trout — chrome-bright fighters that ascend tributaries from fall through spring. The Great Lakes tributary steelhead run (Lake Erie’s “steelhead alley,” Lake Ontario, Michigan rivers) is a destination fishery; bite keys on flow and water clarity.
Prefers. Water 40–55°F (ideal 48°F) · either tide · depth 2–60 ft.
No regulations on file for Alaska non-tidal / non-tidal. Check the appropriate state agency directly before fishing.
Location Info
Water Body
Inland River
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
Alaska non-tidal
Coordinates
Notes
Cook Inlet king salmon are subject to frequent Emergency-Order restrictions — confirm with ADF&G. Sockeye dipnetting (residents only) runs at the mouth in summer.
Local reports & rules for Kasilof River: Alaska Dept. of Fish & Game fishing report → · fish-consumption advisories (EPA directory) →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Kasilof River?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Kasilof River you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Kasilof River?
Kasilof River is listed on this site for 3 commonly-targeted species: Sockeye Salmon, Chinook Salmon, Steelhead. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Kasilof River?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Kasilof River against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Kasilof River have?
Kasilof River has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp. Cook Inlet king salmon are subject to frequent Emergency-Order restrictions — confirm with ADF&G. Sockeye dipnetting (residents only) runs at the mouth in summer.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Kasilof River?
state agency regulations apply at Kasilof River. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Kasilof River tidal water?
No. Kasilof River is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.