King of the River – Drift Boat 

4.7/5 (26 reviews)
 57685 Sterling Highway, Kasilof, AK 99610, United States

King of the River – Drift Boat 

4.7/5 (26)
 Angler's Choice
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57685 Sterling Highway
Kasilof, AK, United States

Head into the Kasilof River with “King of the River” and see what Salmon fishing in Alaska is all about! One of the things that makes fishing the Kasilof so special is the fact that it’s a drift only river with restricted access to motorized boats.

Capt. Dean Schlehofer has been fishing here for over 3 decades and knows how to get you on your targets. He’s got 2 18’ Willie drift boats, both of which can accommodate up to 4 anglers each. Drift boat fishing is super hands-on and Capt. Dean controls the direction and speed of the boat so you can focus on fishing.

Whichever Salmon you’re after, chances are it passes through the Kasilof River. You’ll hook everything from Chinook (King) to Silver (Coho) and Red (Sockeye) Salmon, in extra-large sizes. Use a combination of live and artificial bait and make good use of Capt. Dean’s top-notch G Loomis and Tekota rods, reels, and tackle.

Fly fishing is also an option if you’re going after Red Salmon, just let Capt. Dean know ahead of time so he can bring along the gear. He also has a deckhand on board with him on all trips to help out and make sure you have a great time. Tips are appreciated and 10% to 20% is customary.

At the end of the trip, they’ll clean and fillet your fish so it’s ready to cook. If you have a fair amount of travel ahead of you, Capt. Dean can arrange special perishable packaging through FedEx for an additional $25. This way, your catch is either mailed to you or packaged safely for transport.

Don’t forget to pick up a valid Alaska fishing license before setting out. You’ll also want to bring any drinks and snacks you’d like to enjoy while you’re on board. Enjoy a spectacular day on Alaska’s Kasilof River with King of the River!

Please note there is a sales tax, about 6%, that is not included in the trip prices.

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Customer reviews

Rating summary

4.7/5
out of 5 stars from 26 reviews
Boat
4.8/5
Crew
4.8/5
Experience
4.5/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (8)

July fishing trip
Full Day Trip
Half day with Josh
+5

Angler rating

19
3
2
0
0

Anglers claimed

Good experience

80%

Appropriate for children

74%

Friendly captain

100%

Satisfied with the boat

100%

Recommend this charter

81%

Caught fish

80%

Showing 1 - 5 of 26 reviews
Showing: 5 of 26 reviews
Randy C.
Randy C.
5.0/5

Jul 23, 2025

Half Day Trip

July fishing trip

VERIFIED

Jason was a great guide super patient

Jason was a great guide super patient  

Review media 0
 Randy C. recommends King of the River – Drift Boat

Mark review as helpful

 Randy C. recommends King of the River – Drift Boat

Mark review as helpful


Jurrien D. K.
Jurrien D. K.

United States

5.0/5

Jul 11, 2022

Half Day Trip

Half day trip with captain Aaron

VERIFIED

The three of us enjoyed a perfect half day of sockeye salmon fishing with Aaron. The weather was great, just as the hints from Aaron to make us inexperienced fishermen more effective. And the result was there, among the three of us we caught 7 salmon. Aaron tool care of it all, so we could take home plenty of salmon for dinner, where the rest we had shipped of to friends in the US. A 5 star experience!

The three of us enjoyed a perfect half day of sockeye salmon fishing with Aaron. The weather was great, just as the hints from...  

Captain replied
 Jurrien D. K. recommends King of the River – Drift Boat

Mark review as helpful

 Jurrien D. K. recommends King of the River – Drift Boat

Mark review as helpful

undefined (The Captain)
Replied on July 18, 2022
Thank you for that awesome review about Aaron! ~Megan Reservations Manager

Heather C.
Heather C.

Hinckley, OH

5.0/5

Aug 1, 2022

Half Day Trip

Half day with Jason

VERIFIED

Our family had a great time and learned a lot fishing with Jason. We were all first-timers and he was very patient with us all. We had three young children in our group of 5. The weather was really poor but he stuck it out with us while we tried to catch what we could under nasty conditions. Communication was great with all involved with the company. Would definitely recommend.

Our family had a great time and learned a lot fishing with Jason. We were all first-timers and he was very patient with us all....  

 Heather C. recommends King of the River – Drift Boat

Mark review as helpful

 Heather C. recommends King of the River – Drift Boat

Mark review as helpful


Nathan L.
Nathan L.

Plant City, FL

5.0/5

Jun 24, 2023

Half Day Trip

Half day with Josh

VERIFIED

Captain Josh made sure we had an amazing trip. Our boat limited out pretty quick. He had lots of great knowledge and really cared about our fishing and experience. Would return back and recommend for other fisherman.

Captain Josh made sure we had an amazing trip. Our boat limited out pretty quick. He had lots of great knowledge and really cared...  

Review media 0
Review media 1
Captain replied
 Nathan L. recommends King of the River – Drift Boat

Mark review as helpful

 Nathan L. recommends King of the River – Drift Boat

Mark review as helpful

undefined (The Captain)
Replied on July 10, 2023
Thank you for the F I V E stars! Fish on with King of the River!

JONAS Y.
JONAS Y.
5.0/5

Jul 29, 2024

Full Day Trip

July fishing trip

VERIFIED

 

 JONAS Y. recommends King of the River – Drift Boat

Mark review as helpful

 JONAS Y. recommends King of the River – Drift Boat

Mark review as helpful


Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
September 2025
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
Half Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
5 Hour Trip, starts at 5:30 AM
Seasonal trip May 16 - Sep 30
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US $450 
Shared tour: for 2 people
Full Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
8 Hour Trip, starts at 5:30 AM
Seasonal trip May 16 - Sep 30
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US $600 
Shared tour: for 2 people

Customer reviews

Rating summary

4.7/5
out of 5 stars from 26 reviews
Boat
4.8/5
Crew
4.8/5
Experience
4.5/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (8)

July fishing trip
Full Day Trip
Half day with Josh
+5

Angler rating

19
3
2
0
0

Anglers claimed

Good experience

80%

Appropriate for children

74%

Friendly captain

100%

Satisfied with the boat

100%

Recommend this charter

81%

Caught fish

80%

Showing 1 - 5 of 26 reviews
Showing: 5 of 26 reviews
Randy C.
Randy C.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

July fishing trip

VERIFIED

Half Day Trip on July 23, 2025

Jason was a great guide super patient

Jason was a great guide super patient  

Review media 0
 Randy C. recommends King of the River – Drift Boat

Mark review as helpful


Jurrien D. K.
Jurrien D. K.

United States

5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Half day trip with captain Aaron

VERIFIED

Half Day Trip on July 11, 2022

The three of us enjoyed a perfect half day of sockeye salmon fishing with Aaron. The weather was great, just as the hints from Aaron to make us inexperienced fishermen more effective. And the result was there, among the three of us we caught 7 salmon. Aaron tool care of it all, so we could take home plenty of salmon for dinner, where the rest we had shipped of to friends in the US. A 5 star experience!

The three of us enjoyed a perfect half day of sockeye salmon fishing with Aaron. The weather was great, just as the hints from Aaron to make us inexperienced fishermen more effective. And the result was there, among the three of us we caught 7 salmon. Aaron tool care of it all, so we could take home plenty of salmon for dinner, where the rest we had shipped of to friends in the US. A 5 star experience!  

 Jurrien D. K. recommends King of the River – Drift Boat

Mark review as helpful

undefined (The Captain)
Replied on July 18, 2022
Thank you for that awesome review about Aaron! ~Megan Reservations Manager

Heather C.
Heather C.

Hinckley, OH

5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Half day with Jason

VERIFIED

Half Day Trip on August 1, 2022

Our family had a great time and learned a lot fishing with Jason. We were all first-timers and he was very patient with us all. We had three young children in our group of 5. The weather was really poor but he stuck it out with us while we tried to catch what we could under nasty conditions. Communication was great with all involved with the company. Would definitely recommend.

Our family had a great time and learned a lot fishing with Jason. We were all first-timers and he was very patient with us all. We had three young children in our group of 5. The weather was really poor but he stuck it out with us while we tried to catch what we could under nasty conditions. Communication was great with all involved with the company. Would definitely recommend.  

 Heather C. recommends King of the River – Drift Boat

Mark review as helpful


Nathan L.
Nathan L.

Plant City, FL

5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Half day with Josh

VERIFIED

Half Day Trip on June 24, 2023

Captain Josh made sure we had an amazing trip. Our boat limited out pretty quick. He had lots of great knowledge and really cared about our fishing and experience. Would return back and recommend for other fisherman.

Captain Josh made sure we had an amazing trip. Our boat limited out pretty quick. He had lots of great knowledge and really cared about our fishing and experience. Would return back and recommend for other fisherman.  

Review media 0
Review media 1
 Nathan L. recommends King of the River – Drift Boat

Mark review as helpful

undefined (The Captain)
Replied on July 10, 2023
Thank you for the F I V E stars! Fish on with King of the River!

JONAS Y.
JONAS Y.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

July fishing trip

VERIFIED

Full Day Trip on July 29, 2024

 

 JONAS Y. recommends King of the River – Drift Boat

Mark review as helpful


FAQs about King of the River – Drift Boat

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The fish you can target

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What is the boat like?

Boat Image
Boat category
Skiffs and flats boats
Capacity
12 persons
Boat length
18 ft
Year built
2020
Boat manufacturer
Willie
Boat type
Aluminum fishing

Engine model
Yamaha
Powered by
1 x 8HP
Max cruising speed
15 knots
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What’s biting in Kasilof right now

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