Sockeye Numbers Climbing, Kings Improving & New Drift Boat Access
The Kasilof River continues to gain momentum as we move deeper into June. Sockeye salmon numbers are building daily, king salmon fishing has improved noticeably over the past week, and anglers are starting to see the kind of action that makes this one of our favorite times of year on the river.
Kasilof River Sockeye Salmon Update
Sockeye numbers have increased dramatically over the past week. As of June 21, the Kasilof River sonar has counted 92,035 sockeye salmon, which is slightly ahead of last season’s total, at this time (81,866).
Daily passage numbers have steadily climbed:
- June 15: 4,785
- June 16: 7,085
- June 17: 9,540
- June 18: 14,046
- June 19: 17,369
- June 20: 22,302
- June 21: 16,908
The trend is exactly what anglers hope to see this time of year. More fish are entering the river every day, and fishing opportunities should continue improving as additional schools of sockeye push upstream.
Anglers targeting sockeye can expect catch rates to improve steadily over the next couple of weeks as more fish arrive and spread throughout the system.
King Salmon Fishing Showing Improvement
King salmon fishing on the Kasilof River has also shown encouraging signs recently.
After a slower start, more fresh kings have entered the river over the past week, and guides are reporting increased opportunities throughout the lower river. While king fishing can always be unpredictable, the consistency has improved and anglers are seeing more fish moving through traditional holding water.
As additional tides bring new fish into the system, we expect king fishing opportunities to remain solid before it closes on June 30.
For anglers looking to experience one of Alaska’s most unique salmon fisheries, now is a great time to be on the water. Our recommendation: Book and King salmon and sockeye salmon combo – get your limit on sockeye salmon (3 per person) and then try for the elusive king.
New Drift Boat Take-Out Area Complete for 2026
One of the biggest improvements for the 2026 season is the completion of the new drift boat take-out area on the Kasilof River – Old Kasilof Landing located at 25951 Williamson Lane, Kasilof, AK 99610.
The recreation area is a boat retrieval site with parking and improved river access that is open to the public from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Ready to fish the Kasilof River? Contact Explore Kenai today to reserve your trip and experience one of Alaska’s premier salmon fisheries. Book Here.
