What a trip down the Kasilof river Looks Like with Chadwick’s Fishing Guide Service
For anglers researching Kasilof River fishing guides, sockeye salmon fishing on the Upper Kasilof River offers one of the earliest and most consistent salmon opportunities on the Kenai Peninsula. The Kasilof River receives its sockeye salmon return much earlier than the Kenai River, with strong, fishable pushes of salmon often arriving up to a month before the Kenai run really pops off.
This fishery typically fishes best from approximately June 10 through July 22, making it a prime early-to-mid summer destination for anglers visiting Alaska. Once the Kenai River sockeye run hits full stride—usually around July 18—we transition away from the Kasilof fishery and focus on other peak-season opportunities.
Fishing the Upper Kasilof during this window allows anglers to take advantage of timing, lighter pressure, and consistent sockeye movement. It’s quite the adventure and is consistently one of the most liked and requested experiences we offer at Chadwick’s Fishing Guide Service.
Meeting Location & Easy Logistics
The day begins at a pre-determined meeting time at the boat landing parking lot off Spetz Avenue, located right next to the Highway 1 bridge over the Kasilof River. This location is easy to find and convenient for anglers traveling the Kenai Peninsula.
Clients park their vehicles here and leave them for the day. From the parking lot, you’ll hop into our guide vehicle for a 15–20 minute drive upriver to the headwaters of the Kasilof.
Tustamena Lake: The Headwaters of the Kasilof River
The Upper Kasilof River flows directly out of Tustamena Lake, the largest lake on the Kenai Peninsula and one of the largest lakes in the state of Alaska. This is the area we simply refer to as “the lake.”
Tustamena Lake feeds the river with glacial runoff, giving the Kasilof its signature cloudy, blue-green color. The minerals suspended in the water create a deep, powerful river with a striking, almost Caribbean-blue appearance. It’s a truly unique setting and a big part of what makes this fishery special.
Drift Boats, Wildlife, and the Upper River
From the lake, we step into our boats—20-foot Willie drift boats, built for comfort, stability, and long days on the water. We typically use small motors around 5 horsepower to move through the lake outlet and into the first stretch of very minor rapids.
This upper section of the river is loaded with wildlife. We regularly see moose along the banks, waterfowl throughout the system, and plenty of salmon moving through the river. You’ll often see sockeye salmon jumping and rolling here, but we usually don’t fish this stretch. The fish traveling in this water are difficult to catch, so we continue downstream by motoring or drifting.
Timing, Tides, and Strategy on the Kasilof
A successful day sockeye salmon fishing on the Kasilof is all about timing and strategy. We plan each trip around the tides, using years of experience to anticipate where fish will be throughout the day. Sockeye salmon on the Kasilof follow predictable movement patterns, and knowing when and where to intercept them is critical.
We target fish along shallow sand and gravel bars and inside turns, where sockeye tend to travel tight to shore. These areas allow for the best opportunities to intercept moving fish.
Not all stretches of river are created equal. Some days require fast, aggressive pushes using the motor and strong rowing to secure a section we expect to be productive. Other days allow for a slower, more relaxed drift while taking in the scenery. Every day on the river is different, and that’s part of what makes this trip so engaging.
Fishing the Kasilof River is much like playing a game of chess—once you pass a productive area, there’s no going back upriver. This is where experience and communication matter, and why staying in touch with other guides on the water can make a big difference.
Sockeye Salmon Fishing Action
Once we set up on a productive stretch of water, we’ll instruct clients on the technique used to catch sockeye salmon, making sure everyone is comfortable and confident. When the timing is right, action often starts quickly. Sometimes we may find ourselves set up a little in front of the fish- A great place to be, you just will likely have a period of slower fishing before the main school of fish reaches us. Once it does, usually there is lots of opportunity. This is a good thing because sockeye salmon can be a sporting fish to land, especially if they start jumping or get out into the heavy currents in the center of the river. You won’t be likely to land every fish you hook!
As fish are landed, we net, bleed, and stringer them, we may ice them if water temperatures require it. Fish care is a priority from the moment a salmon is caught.
At the end of the trip, we fillet your sockeye salmon right on the river, then make the final drift back down to the boat landing by the bridge, ending the day exactly where it started—right at your vehicle.
Why the Upper Kasilof Is One of Our Most Popular Trips
The Upper Kasilof River offers a rare combination of early-season sockeye salmon, scenic drift boat travel, wildlife sightings, and strategic fishing. For many anglers, it becomes the highlight of their Alaska fishing trip and one of the most enjoyable days they spend on the water.
If you’re researching experienced, professional Kasilof River fishing guides, Chadwick’s Fishing Guide Service delivers an authentic Upper Kasilof sockeye salmon adventure—one that anglers return for year after year.
