Kasilof River Sockeye Salmon Fish Counts
Real-time and historical sonar fish counts tracking the productive Sockeye (Red) salmon run on the Kasilof River—Alaska's premier drift-boat-only fishery.
Understanding Kasilof River Sockeye Runs
The Kasilof River hosts one of Alaska's most consistent and accessible Sockeye salmon runs, monitored by sonar near river mile 8. The sonar operates from mid-June through mid-August, counting fish as they migrate upstream. The Kasilof is a drift-boat-only fishery, offering a peaceful and scenic alternative to the more crowded Kenai River.
🐟 Sockeye Run (June 15 – August 15)
Strong returns of bright silver Sockeye salmon migrate upstream to spawn in Tustumena Lake and its tributaries. Peak fishing typically occurs late June through late July when daily counts often exceed 50,000 fish.
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About Kasilof River Sockeye Salmon Fishing
The Kasilof River on Alaska's Kenai Peninsula is renowned for its productive Sockeye salmon runs and peaceful drift-boat-only fishing experience. Located approximately 160 miles south of Anchorage and 15 miles south of Soldotna, this 17-mile river flows from Tustumena Lake to Cook Inlet. The 2025 season set a new record with over 1.1 million Sockeye salmon counted—the highest escapement ever recorded on the Kasilof River.
Fish are monitored by sonar at river mile 8, providing daily counts from mid-June through mid-August. The sonar counts every fish passing upstream, giving anglers real-time data to plan their drift boat trips during peak run periods.
Best Times to Fish Kasilof River Sockeye
The Kasilof Sockeye run typically builds through mid-June, with peak fishing occurring from June 30 through July 26. During peak periods, daily counts often exceed 50,000 fish, with some days reaching over 100,000 in strong years. The Kasilof often peaks slightly earlier than the Kenai River, making it an excellent option for early-season Sockeye fishing.
Drift-Boat-Only Fishery
The Kasilof River is designated as a drift-boat-only fishery from the Sterling Highway bridge downstream to the ADF&G markers at Cohoe. This regulation eliminates motorized boat traffic, creating a peaceful and scenic fishing experience. Anglers drift downstream in rafts or drift boats, casting flies or lures as they go. The drift takes approximately 3-4 hours depending on water levels.
Fishing Techniques & Locations
Sockeye salmon on the Kasilof are targeted using similar techniques to other Kenai Peninsula rivers—"flipping" or "flossing" with weighted flies or bare hooks. Popular launch sites include the Kasilof River State Recreation Site at mile 109 of the Sterling Highway and the Crooked Creek area. Takeout is typically at the lower river near Cohoe or the Kasilof Beach Road area.
Dipnet Fishery
The Kasilof River personal-use dipnet fishery opens around late June for Alaskan residents, typically running concurrent with the Kenai River dipnet fishery. Dipnetting occurs at the river mouth near Cohoe, where fish congregate before moving upstream. Household limits mirror the Kenai River, ranging from 25 to 35+ fish depending on family size.
Understanding Escapement & Regulations
The Optimal Escapement Goal (OEG) for Kasilof River Sockeye is 140,000 to 370,000 fish. When the run is strong—as in 2025—ADF&G may increase bag limits from the standard 3 fish per day to 6 or more. Emergency orders adjust regulations based on real-time sonar counts, so anglers should check current regulations before launching. The Kasilof typically reaches escapement goals faster than other rivers due to its consistent returns.
Tracking Kasilof River Sockeye fish counts is essential for timing your drift boat trip. Peak daily counts typically occur around July 5-20, with cumulative counts reaching 400,000-600,000 fish by season's end in normal years—and exceeding 1 million in banner years like 2025.