A Float Trip Down the Kasilof River
Welcome to the Kasilof River, where the kings reign supreme and the sockeyes run free! Thank you for choosing Ninilchik Charters for all your guiding needs. We are eager to meet and accommodate you by any means necessary.
You will be traveling with your guide down this 4.5 mile journey on a 5 passenger drift boat like the one seen above. The trip begins at the Sterling Hwy Bridge, winding downriver towards the mouth of the Kasilof River, and finally concluding at the “Old Kasilof Landing”. You’ll have the luxury of enjoying gorgeous scenery, watch the wildlife in its natural habitat and cruise the river in peace and quiet except for the anticipated almighty yell of “FISH ON!!!”.
You are about to embark on an adventure of a lifetime concentrating on some of the best king salmon fishing the world has to offer! And if fishing is not your game, don’t fret, for the ride itself is spectacular on its own and ideal for the camera enthusiast. Nor do you have to worry if you have never fished before, our guides are highly experienced and will help you every step of the way. You never know what you are going to see. Now, just sit, relax and get that camera ready.
Kasilof River Facts
The name Kasilof is from a Russian surname. It holds host to multiple species of fish including King Salmon (Chinook), Silver Salmon (Coho’s), Red Salmon (Sockeyes), Pink Salmon (Chum), Dolly Varden, Rainbow Trout, and Steelhead trout. Although there are many different species of fish in this river, the kings, silvers and sockeyes are the most popular targets. This is due to the catch and release regulations of the trout in the river system year round.
The River begins its 12.5 mile journey from the headwaters of Tustumena Lake flowing in the northwesterly direction towards Cook Inlet. If you have never set eyes on a glacial fed river, you are in for a real treat. The rivers appearance is a brilliant teal color and is a cool 55 degrees in mid-Summer.
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. Although the river is primarily hatchery fed there is still a strong influx of natural run fish as well. The average size king caught in the Kasilof is around 25 lbs., where a 45 pound fish would be exceptional.
