Fish for Alaska’s famous King Salmon on the Kasilof River with Cooper Landing Fishing Guide, LLC, a highly-rated Kasilof River Fishing Charter!

KING SALMON FISHING SEASON: May 15th - June 30th annually (ADF&G Emergency Orders may affect the King Salmon season on the Kasilof River system.

Just a short drive from the Kenai River in Kenai, Alaska (approximately 13 miles from the mouth of the Kenai), is a lesser-known fishery, the Kasilof River. The Kasilof provides opportunities for trophy salmon fishing all season, starting with Kings in mid-May.

This is an unmotorized, drift-only river where backtrolling for salmon is very popular. We also offer fly fishing for king salmon as well.

The King Salmon of the Kasilof range in the 15-40lb range during the first run and the second run of fish can be in the 30-50lb+ range.

*Anglers will need a King Salmon Stamp on their licenses to target Kings.

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 where they await their first guided fishing trips of the season.

For most, their guide season starts on May 16th when the river opens to bait. From May 16th - June 30th anglers can try their hand at the first run of Kings on the Kasilof.

From July 1st - July 31st, the larger second run of Kings makes their way up the Kasilof. Heavier flows keep lots of anglers away, but your shot at a 50lb+ fish can happen any time during this run.

This second run of Kings has been subject to closures lately and our guide business has stopped angling for them altogether.

We mainly utilize a method known as “back trolling” to fish for kings on the Kasilof River. This requires the use of our 20ft drift boats - a comfortable and relaxing way to fish this river.

Back Trolling involves fishing lures methodically down classic runs on the lower Kasilof River below the Sterling Highway Bridge. When a king strikes, it is a heart-stopping moment. King Salmon take lures and bait viscously. It is a very exciting bite and the battles are usually very exciting as well.

All bait, lures, waders and gear are provided for back trolling king salmon trips on the Kasilof.

In our experience, even when there are a lot of fish in the river, King Salmon can be difficult to catch. Our guides will work very hard to put you on the fish.

Fly fishing for King Salmon is also offered as we generally use long, 2-handed fly rods (spey rods) to swing flies on the Kasilof River.

Surprisingly enough, this method often yields multiple strikes throughout the day - it can sometimes be as effective or more effective than bait fishing for Kings!

These are private charter trips with 2 anglers max, providing an intimate, relaxing and personal fishing experience. Beginner or experienced fly anglers are always welcome!

I’ve fished this river for over a decade and this is by far my personal favorite way to fish for King Salmon when I am not on the river with clients.

PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU FISH FROM SHORE ON YOUR OWN, DO NOT REMOVE A KING SALMON FROM THE WATER UNLESS YOU CAN LEGALLY RETAIN IT.

The Kasilof River does offer some road access to the salmon fishery, namely at the confluence with Crooked Creek (also known as People’s Hole at the Crooked Creek State Recreation Site). Anglers flock annually for a shot at catching a King Salmon from the shores of the Kasilof from this spot.

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 Kasilof River has both hatchery released and wild King Salmon.  Hatchery fish can be kept any day of the week. These fish are recognized by a “clipped” or missing adipose fin.  Wild fish can ONLY be retained on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.  Always refer to Alaska Fish & Game regulations prior to any fishing trip.

Fishing for King Salmon from the shore is a great way to spend the day or afternoon on the river. 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. These lures can hold chunks of salmon roe that attracts migrating King Salmon. Another method is to cast spoons like “pixies” across the current.

Recently, many fly anglers have chosen to fish from the shore for King Salmon. These anglers use two-handed “spey rods” to swing large flies across the current for kings. 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.

Whatever method you choose, be sure not to remove a King Salmon from the water unless you can legally retain it. Further, flossing for King Salmon is highly unethical and discouraged as a means for taking King Salmon.