Kenai Peninsula’s Premier Drift Boat Launch — King Salmon Fishing, Sterling Highway Mile 109.5, Strict Hatchery-Only Retention, Day-Use River Access
Kasilof River State Recreation Site is a state recreation site at Sterling Highway Mile 109.5, Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska. The site features a boat launch that serves as the primary access point for drift boat fishing on the Kasilof River, day-use picnic areas, access to one of Alaska’s most regulated king salmon fisheries, and proximity to Crooked Creek and Johnson Lake campgrounds for overnight stays.
The Kasilof River is the Kenai Peninsula’s other great salmon river — less crowded than the famous Kenai River but equally productive. This state recreation site provides the primary drift boat launch for anglers targeting king salmon, silver salmon, sockeye salmon, pink salmon, and steelhead. The Kasilof is predominantly a drift boat river — motorized boat regulations exist, and the river’s character favors quiet float fishing through pristine wilderness.
King Salmon Fishing Regulations (2026)
The Kasilof River operates under some of Alaska’s strictest salmon conservation rules. As of the 2026 season (May 1 – August 15):
- Gear restriction — only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure permitted
- Hatchery-only retention — only hatchery-produced king salmon (20″+ with healed adipose fin-clip scar) may be kept; limit 1 per day
- Wild fish release — all naturally-produced kings (intact adipose fin) must be released immediately without removal from water
- Crooked Creek closure — area downstream of Crooked Creek confluence closed to all fishing May 1 – July 31
- Daily limit impact — retaining one hatchery king ends your fishing day in the entire Kasilof drainage downstream of the Sterling Highway bridge
Critical: Always verify ADF&G emergency orders before fishing — regulations can change mid-season based on run strength and escapement goals.
Fish Species & Seasons
| Species | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| King (Chinook) Salmon | Late May – July | Hatchery-only retention; strict regulations |
| Sockeye (Red) Salmon | June – August | Large runs; check dipnet dates |
| Silver (Coho) Salmon | August – October | Excellent catch rates |
| Pink Salmon | July – August | Even years strongest |
| Steelhead/Rainbow Trout | Year-round | Catch-and-release for wild fish |
| Dolly Varden | Year-round | Available throughout drainage |
Things to Do
- Drift boat fishing — primary Kasilof River launch
- Bank fishing — river access near launch
- Picnicking — day-use area with tables
- Wildlife viewing — bears, eagles, moose along river
- Scenic float — wilderness river corridor
Nearby Camping
Kasilof River SRS is primarily a day-use area. For overnight stays, use these nearby campgrounds:
- Crooked Creek State Recreation Site — on Coho Loop Road, popular bank fishing, multiple campsites
- Johnson Lake State Recreation Area — Sterling Highway Mile 111, large wooded campground, lake swimming
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Sterling Hwy Mile 109.5, Kenai Peninsula, AK |
| Type | Day-use — boat launch + picnic |
| Boat Launch | Primary drift boat access for Kasilof River |
| River Character | Drift boat river — motorized regs apply |
| Nearest Camping | Crooked Creek SRS, Johnson Lake SRA |
| Managed By | Alaska State Parks (DNR) |
| Coordinates | 60.3145° N, 151.2590° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you keep king salmon on the Kasilof River in Alaska?
As of 2026, only hatchery-produced king salmon (20 inches or greater with a healed adipose fin-clip scar) may be kept on the Kasilof River — limit 1 per day. All wild kings (intact adipose fin) must be released immediately without removal from water. Only unbaited, single-hook, artificial lures are allowed. Keeping one king ends your fishing day in the drainage downstream of Sterling Highway. Always check ADF&G emergency orders — regulations change mid-season.
Where do you launch a drift boat on the Kasilof River?
The primary drift boat launch for the Kasilof River is at Kasilof River State Recreation Site, Sterling Highway Mile 109.5 on the Kenai Peninsula. This is mainly a day-use area with boat launch and picnic facilities. The Kasilof is predominantly a drift boat river — motorized boat regulations apply. For overnight camping, use nearby Crooked Creek SRS or Johnson Lake SRA.
Last updated: May 2026
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Johnson Lake State Recreation Area is a short drive away, and Crooked Creek State Park is a short drive away.
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Alaska state parks online at alaskastateparks.reserveamerica.com.
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