Best Times & Seasons to Fish in the Kasilof River

The world-famous Kenai Peninsula is home to some of the best salmon and trout fishing in Alaska. Knowing the best time of year to fish these rich waters can make a huge difference.

The best times to fish on the Kasilof River vary depending on the species. For salmon, the peak fishing season is typically from June to September, while trout fishing can be good year-round.

Month	Kasilof River Fishing Location
January	Lower Kasilof River – Target deep pools and slower currents where steelhead may be found.
February	Johnson Creek – Look for areas with submerged logs and fallen trees where trout seek shelter.
March	Crooked Creek – Explore the deeper sections where Dolly Varden and rainbow trout gather.
April	Quartz Creek – Focus on gravel bars and riffles where rainbow trout are actively feeding.
May	Kasilof River Estuary – Fish near the mouth for incoming king salmon from the ocean.
June	Kasilof River – Find prime spots between Tustumena Lake and the mouth for sockeye salmon.
July	Tustumena Creek – Seek out deeper pools and runs where sockeye salmon are spawning.
August	Crooked Creek – Target the lower sections for silver salmon staging before their journey upstream.
September	Lower Kasilof River – Fish the tidally influenced areas where fresh salmon enter the river.
October	Tustumena Lake – Look for deeper parts of the lake where lake trout and Arctic char gather.
November	Kasilof River – Focus on slower-moving sections and deep pools for steelhead before winter.
December	Johnson Creek – Concentrate your efforts in the lower reaches where trout seek refuge from the cold.

This article will discuss the best times and seasons to fish in the Kasilof River. We will also talk about where some of the best fishing in the state is on a month-by-month basis.

Best Times: Creek & River Fishing on the Kasilof River

Lower Kasilof River – June to September – Target: Salmon, Rainbow Trout.

Crooked Creek – July to October – Target: Salmon, Steelhead.

Johnson Creek – July to October – Target: Salmon, Dolly Varden.

Tustumena Creek – August to October – Target: Salmon, Dolly Varden.

Quartz Creek – June to September – Target: Salmon, Rainbow Trout.

Funny River – July to September – Target: Salmon, Rainbow Trout.

Swiftwater Creek – August to September – Target: Salmon, Rainbow Trout.

Fish Creek – June to September – Target: Salmon, Steelhead.

Ninilchik River – July to September – Target: Salmon, Dolly Varden.

Stariski Creek – August to October – Target: Salmon, Dolly Varden.

Deep Creek – June to September – Target: Salmon, Rainbow Trout.

Kasilof River – June to August – Target: Salmon, Rainbow Trout.

Anchor River – June to September – Target: Salmon, Rainbow Trout.

Deep Creek – June to September – Target: Salmon, Rainbow Trout.

Chickaloon River – July to September – Target: Salmon, Rainbow Trout.

Swanson River – June to September – Target: Salmon, Rainbow Trout.

Tustumena Lake – June to September – Target: Salmon, Rainbow Trout.

Johnson Lake – July to October – Target: Salmon, Rainbow Trout.

Skilak Lake – June to August – Target: Salmon, Rainbow Trout.

Hidden Lake – June to September – Target: Salmon, Rainbow Trout.

Recommended Fishing Guides in Alaska

These Alaska-based charters are some of the best at putting you on great fishing action. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.

Recommended Fishing Charters	Location
Halibut Beach Fishing	Ninilchik, AK
Homer Fishing Adventures	Homer, AK
Jason’s Guide Service	Cooper Landing, AK
Outgoing Angling	Soldotna, AK
Peninsula Sportfishing – Kenai River	Soldotna, AK
ChasingTales Alaska	Sterling, AK
Hi Time Charters	Juneau, AK
Reel Alaska Fishing Charters	Ketchikan, AK
Alaskan Widespread Fishing	Soldotna, AK
Alaska Slammin Salmon Charters	Kenai, AK

Species Seasonal Breakdown

Chinook Salmon

The best times to fish for Chinook Salmon in the Kasilof River are typically during the summer, from June to August. They are most active during early morning and late evening. Look for them in deeper river sections, near gravel bars, undercut banks, and deep pools where they seek shelter.

Coho Salmon

The best times to fish for Coho Salmon in the Kasilof River are typically in the late summer and early fall, from August to October. They are most active during early morning and late evening. Look for them in deeper river sections, such as pools and runs, and near gravel bars and woody structures where they rest.

Chum Salmon

The best times to fish for Chum Salmon in the Kasilof River are usually during the fall months, from September to November. They are most active during early morning and late afternoon. Look for them in slower-moving river sections, such as deep pools, eddies, and the lower stretches of the river near the mouth.

Pink Salmon

The best times to fish for Pink Salmon in the Kasilof River are typically in late summer and early fall, specifically during August and September. Pink Salmon are known to bite throughout the day, but early morning and late afternoon can be particularly productive. Look for them in the river’s lower reaches, near the mouth, and in deeper pools and runs.

Sockeye Salmon

The best times to fish for Sockeye Salmon in the Kasilof River are during the summer, specifically June and July. Early morning and late evening tend to be productive for fishing. Look for Sockeye Salmon in deeper pools and runs, especially near the mouth of the river and areas with good current flow.

Rainbow Trout

The best times to fish for Rainbow Trout in the Kasilof River are spring and fall, particularly April to May and September to October. Early morning and late afternoon are recommended for fishing. Look for Rainbow Trout in riffles, runs, and deep pools along the river, paying attention to areas with cover such as fallen trees or undercut banks.

Dolly Varden

The best times to fish for Dolly Varden in the Kasilof River are from June to August. Early morning and late evening are ideal times to fish. Look for Dolly Varden near deeper pools, log jams, and areas with slower currents in the river.

Arctic Grayling

The best times to fish for Arctic Grayling in the Kasilof River are from June to August. Early morning and late afternoon are recommended times for fishing. Look for Arctic Grayling in the shallower sections of the river, particularly around gravel bars and riffles.

Steelhead

The best times to fish for Steelhead in the Kasilof River are during the fall and spring seasons, from September to November and March to May. Early morning and late afternoon are ideal times to target them. Look for Steelhead in the deeper sections of the river, near riffles, and around submerged structures like logs and boulders.

Whitefish

The best times to fish for Whitefish in the Kasilof River are typically in the fall and winter months, from September to February. Early morning and late afternoon are good times to target them. Look for Whitefish near deep pools, rocky areas, and slower-moving river sections.

Northern Pike

The best time to fish for Northern Pike in the Kasilof River is during the summer months, from June to August. They are most active in the early morning and late afternoon. Some of the best locations for catching Pike in the Kasilof River include the lower sections with slower-moving water, near the mouths of tributaries, and around submerged structures such as fallen trees.

Arctic Char

The best times to fish for Arctic Char in the Kasilof River are spring and fall, particularly in May and September. They tend to be more active during the early morning and late afternoon. Some of the best locations for catching Arctic Char in the Kasilof River are near gravel bars, deep pools, and the edges of current breaks.

Cutthroat Trout

The best times to fish for Cutthroat Trout in the Kasilof River are spring and summer, particularly from May to August. Early morning and late evening are the most productive times of the day. Some of the best locations for catching Cutthroat Trout in the Kasilof River are near undercut banks, riffles, and deep pools with cover.

For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Alaska, please check out this helpful article I wrote. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in the Kenai River, please check out my helpful article. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Bristol Bay, please check out this helpful article I wrote.

Best Fishing in the Kasilof River on a Seasonal Basis

Winter

• Kasilof River Lower Section: Target Steelhead in December and January, focusing on deeper pools and slower-moving sections of the river.
• Tustumena Lake Outlet: Target Lake Trout in December and January, fishing near the outlet where the river flows into the lake.
• Kasilof River Upper Section: Target Dolly Varden in December and January, fishing near the confluences of tributaries and in deeper pools.
• Crooked Creek: Target Rainbow Trout in December and January, fishing in the deeper sections of the creek.

Spring

• Kasilof River Upper Section: Target Steelhead in April and May, focusing on deeper pools and riffles.
• Crooked Creek: Target King Salmon (Chinook) in May and June, fishing near the mouth and in the deeper sections of the creek.
• Tustumena Lake Outlet: Target Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden in May and June, fishing near the outlet where the river flows into the lake.
• Kasilof River Lower Section: Target Sockeye Salmon (Reds) in June, fishing near the mouth and in the slower-moving sections of the river.

Summer

• Kasilof River Lower Section: Target King Salmon (Chinook) in June and July, focusing on deeper runs and holes.
• Johnson Lake: Target Sockeye Salmon (Reds) in July and August, fishing near the mouth and in the lake’s deeper areas.
• Tustumena Lake Inlet: Target Coho Salmon (Silvers) in August, fishing near the mouth and along the shoreline.
• Kasilof River Middle Section: Target Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden throughout the summer, using a variety of baits and lures in the deeper pools and runs.

Fall

• Kasilof River Mouth: Target Silver Salmon (Coho) during September and October, especially during the incoming tide.
• Crooked Creek: Target King Salmon (Chinook) in September and October, focusing on deep holes and eddies.
• Tustumena Lake: Target Lake Trout in September and October, trolling deep with lures or using bait near drop-offs.
• Kasilof River Upper Section: Target Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden throughout the fall, using fly fishing techniques and focusing on pools and riffles