I just updated a bunch of information on my website so will be recycling some of it for some blog posts. This one obviously titled, Kasilof King salmon. Written for folks who may be considering coming up to fish with us.
We are not currently fishing Kenai River kings. Due to closures and dangerously low fish returns, we are only fishing the Kasilof river for kings. The Kasilof has a run of both Hatchery and Wild. The early run is the hatchery run. This is where we kickstart our season. The use of bait opens up on May 15th for King Salmon on the Kasilof river. A beautiful 17 mile glacial fed river system that is home to some incredible sized fish. While its still early in the year, this is a great time for the spey angler to get out while the water is low and slow. There’s not too much river traffic during this time as the fishing can tend be a bit slow to start. However, each year is different and salmon fishing is all about timing. Never a guarantee by any means, King salmon fishing is the toughest fishing we do. A pure numbers game, we rely heavily on good return numbers but each year is a toss up on the peninsula. As of 2023, we are allowed to retain one hatchery king salmon per day on the kasilof river. When the run of wild kings starts in July, it is catch and release only. The head of the fish is not allowed out of the water. If you are a bait fisherman, bait can open and close without much warning. The most conventional way to target these fish is a method called backtrolling. While oaring a driftboat, you slowly back down your offerings, usually bait, to these fish while waiting for your rod to get smashed. Its designed to be a relaxing day with minimal effort for the client. If you enjoy casting and working lures or flies, this may not be the trip for you. Although the most proven method, it can be a bit inactive if the fishing is not the greatest that day. We always make the most it and have a great time regardless. If you enjoy casting and would be interested spey fishing or floating bobbers for kings, we can absolutely do that as well! Remember, kings are a trophy fish and should be treated as one. A fish of a lifetime for most. We still have some of the largest king salmon in the world here and we restrict all customers from retaining a wild king salmon regardless of current harvesting restrictions. Most outfitters around the peninsula these day also encourage the same practices. If you are looking for the challenge and thrill of a lifetime, come up and take a stab at king fishing.
