Kenai, AK
1-800-625-2324

Kasilof River · Cook Inlet saltwater

King salmon on the Kasilof and in Cook Inlet

Kings are our first fish of the season, late May to July 1, drift-boated on the Kasilof and trolled in saltwater when regulations allow.

Call 1-800-625-2324Plan a trip

Chapter 01

Late May to July 1: about five weeks of kings, and where they run now

Each May the kings return to our rivers and inlets in search of their spawning grounds, and May, June and July have always been the peak. Our king window runs from late May to July 1, roughly five weeks, and every one of those weeks depends on what the Alaska Department of Fish and Game allows.

Here is where things stand, plainly. The Kenai River is now CLOSED to king fishing, so we do not offer Kenai River kings. What remains is the Kasilof River, a 30 minute drive from the lodge, and saltwater in Cook Inlet out of Homer, where we target a king and halibut combo from late May into the second week of June. Both are only if regulations allow.

An Ode to the Past: Kenai River kings once ran from 30 to 80 pounds, the largest in the world, and the world record king, weighing in at a whopping 97 pound 4 ounces, was taken just minutes from the resort. Anglers came from far and near every year hoping to break it, and the river was the true “King Salmon Capital of the World.” Our cabins still sit on that water.

The Kenai River from the resort bank, boulders and grass in the foreground, spruce on the far shore and a Willie drift boat moored on the right

The Kenai River from the resort bank, boulders and grass in the foreground, spruce on the far shore and a Willie drift boat moored on the right

Herring in the Inlet, back bouncing on the Kasilof

In saltwater we troll herring at depths of 15 to 100 feet in the open water of Cook Inlet. These kings will take you for the ride of your life, and the spring king and halibut combo is still a favorite for many anglers.

The Kasilof is a shallow, drift boat fishery, so we fish it from 20 foot Willie Drift Boats with four anglers aboard. Your guide teaches the preferred methods, back bouncing or back trolling, and because the rods are lighter than the ones used on the Kenai, you feel every run. Kasilof kings average a respectable 15 to 30 pounds.

Chapter 03

After the king: limits, the fish house and the length of the day

King limits are set on arrival, because the Alaska Department of Fish and Game changes them several times a year. When an emergency order restricts keeping kings, we substitute the charter with the best salmon option going, usually sockeye or silvers, and the day on the water still happens.

Guided charters run up to 6 to 8 hours, weather permitting, and all fishing gear is provided. Most river trips launch from our private boat launch. Back at the resort the fish house fillets, vacuum seals, freezes and boxes your catch, 50 to 100 pounds depending on the package, with an insulated airline approved box to carry it home.

All vessels and guides are insured and licensed. Call 1-800-625-2324.

Kings: late May to July 1

The king window is the first five weeks of the run chart

Kasilof and Cook Inlet kings, late May to July 1
MayJuneJulyAugustSept

Late May to July 1 on the Kasilof, and late May into the second week of June for the Cook Inlet king and halibut combo. The Kenai River is closed to king fishing.