Kasilof Steelhead 1500×500

Kasilof River
Steelhead Fishing Trips

Kasilof Steelhead Release 1000×750

Our Kasilof River steelhead fishing trips run from early September through November. We offer both full- and half-day charters, with a focus on quality over quantity—limiting trips to two anglers per boat, three at most. While fly fishing is the preferred method for these trips, we also offer spinning gear for those who prefer it.

All steelhead fishing on the Kasilof is strictly catch and release. The Kasilof River receives a strong annual return of fall-run steelhead. These anadromous rainbow trout begin arriving in mid to late August, with peak numbers typically occurring from September through November.

Kasilof Steelhead Run Timing:

We begin to see the first Kasiof steelhead while fishing for silver salmon in August and early September.  By mid to late September the silver run decreases significantly and the number of newly arriving Kasilof Steelhead increases considerably.

Peak timing for this return normally occurs in the month of October although fresh fish continue entering the river into the month of November. As with all steelhead fishing, anglers should prepare for rainy and cold weather.

Where We Fish For Kasilof Steelhead

We target Kasilof steelhead from the outlet of Tustumena Lake down to the Sterling Highway Bridge. This stretch offers the most water to cover, which is essential in this fishery.

The Kasilof is a large river in the fall, and steelhead tend to hold in select concentrations throughout the system.

As with all quality steelhead fisheries, success here requires patience, precision, and refined technique. But when it all comes together, the reward is worth it—these ocean-fresh fish are powerful fighters, especially in the cold, glacial-fed waters of the Kasilof.

Kasilof Steelhead Fishing Rates

September/October/November

Kasilof Half Day – $295pp
Up to 5 hours

Kasilof Full Day – $350pp
Up to 8 hours

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Things To Know About Kasilof River Steelhead:

*Spawning Season & Conditions: Spawning begins in early spring as water temperatures rise (daily temperatures around 42–46°f).

*Habitat: Maturing adults seek out shallow gravel riffles or clear streams suitable for nesting.

*Nest Preparation: The female uses her tail to dig a redd (nest) about 4–12 inches deep and 10–15 inches wide.

*Egg Numbers: Between 200 and 8,000 eggs can be deposited in a redd. The eggs are fertilized by the male’s milt and then covered with gravel.

*Hatching & Emergence:
Hatching occurs anywhere from a few weeks to four months after spawning (depending on water temperature), with fry emerging a few weeks later after absorbing their yolk sacs.

*Age, Growth, and Maturity: Genetics, food availability, water temperature, population density, and habitat productivity all influence growth and the onset of sexual maturity.  Steelhead generally spend about 3 years in freshwater before migrating to the ocean, followed by an additional 2 years at sea before returning to spawn. Steelhead exhibit significant variability; some return after just one year at sea, while others may spend up to 4 years.

*Return Periods: Kasilof Steelhead are considered Fall-run: they enter freshwater from August through October (and sometimes even through winter), though spawning still occurs in the spring when temperatures are optimal.

*Early Life: Upon emerging, the fry form schools along stream margins or sheltered lake shores. Initially, they feed on small crustaceans, plant material, and various aquatic insects (and their larvae).

*Freshwater to Ocean Transition: Juvenile steelhead begin their migration (smolting) to saltwater from late April through mid-June.

*Ocean Phase: Once in the ocean, steelhead grow quickly due to plentiful food sources. They can travel hundreds of miles into open waters before returning to their natal streams. Detailed patterns of ocean migration remain less well-documented.

How We Fish for Kasilof River Steelhead

We primarily target Kasilof steelhead with fly rods—both single-hand and spey setups—but spinning tackle is available for those who prefer it. These fish time their fall migration to coincide with the silver salmon spawn and often feed on loose salmon eggs.

Single egg patterns or beads are highly effective, and we typically dead-drift them under a strike indicator with a fly rod or beneath a float with spinning gear.

In addition to egg presentations, Kasilof steelhead will aggressively strike swung flies, such as intruder patterns, making both single-hand and spey rod tactics exciting and productive options.

Kasilof Steelhead Limits

Kasilof Steelhead are entirely catch and release.

Kasilof Steelhead Fishing

FAQ’s About Steelhead Fishing

Where is the best steelhead fishing in Alaska?

The best steelhead fishing locations in Alaska include the Kasilof River, Deep Creek, Ninilchik River and the Anchor River on the Kenai Peninsula.  In southeast Alaska, there are many smaller river systems that have good returns of steelhead including several rivers on Prince of Wales Island.  The largest return of steelhead in southeast Alaska is the Situk River near Yakutat.  Kodiak Island Rivers also see good runs of Steelhead with the Karluk being the most popular. In western Alaska, the Sandy River near Cold Bay has a healthy return of steelhead.

Where to fish on the Kasilof River?

Steelhead can be caught throughout the entire Kasilof River, but the best fishing occurs below Tustumena Lake and above the Sterling Highway bridge.

When to fish for steelhead in Alaska?

Steelhead begin arriving on the Kasilof River in late August with the best fishing occurring in late September and October.

Can you keep king salmon in Kasilof River?

You are allowed to keep two hatchery-origin king salmon per person, per day in May and June.  All other wild or naturally produced king salmon in the Kasilof must be released unharmed and are not allowed to be removed from the water.

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