June King Salmon Fishing- Kasilof River
Kasilof River King Salmon – June King Salmon fishing
The Kasilof River is located on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula and is a short 12 min drive from the tourist fishing hub city Soldotna. The Kasilof River is a prime destination for anglers targeting King (Chinook) Salmon in June, in fact it’s one of the only places you can target King Salmon with the opportunity to keep one for the BBQ on the Kenai Peninsula. This glacial-fed river flows from Tustumena Lake to Cook Inlet, offering a scenic and at times productive fishery for King Salmon.
Early Run King Salmon (May – June)
The first run of King Salmon on the Kasilof River begins in mid-May and peaks in June. These early-run Kings are typically hatchery-raised, marked by an adipose fin clip, and can be retained under specific regulations. In recent years the Kenai River has been closed due to the low abundance of King Salmon, but the Kasilof River has remained open and can still provide good fishing for King Salmon if you time it right. All of the fishing for June King Salmon on the Kasilof River is done below the bridge on the Sterling Highway, which is about a 5-mile section of water. With very few holding holes the Kasilof River King Salmon push on incoming tides out of tide water fresh from the ocean and at times can be very eager to bite. By
Fishing Techniques
Anglers use various techniques to target Kasilof Kings, including:
- Back-bouncing or drifting bait/bobber fishing (typically salmon roe)
- Backtrolling with plugs such as Kwikfish wrapped with sardines
All fishing for King salmon on the Kasilof River is done from drift boats, which is often a new experience for many anglers. If you haven’t fished from a drift boat for King Salmon, it is a very special experience and one that must be had to truly feel the power of King Salmon. With no motor on the boat, the rower must control the boat in heavy currents with skill and grace in order to help the angler land the fish. The Kasilof River is a very special fishery and should be on the list of things to do for every angler looking to experience everything the Kenai Peninsula has to offer.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a first-time visitor, June is an ideal time to experience King Salmon fishing on the Kasilof River. Booking a guided trip increases the chances of landing one of these prized fish. Come fish the Kasilof River for King Salmon with Kenai Fishing Company and we will do our best to show you how much fun King Salmon can be.
