King of the River – Drift Boat

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.



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Shared trip
    Half Day Trip
    FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 5:30 AM
    Seasonal trip May 16 - Sep 30
    US $450
    Locals know that the Kasilof River is the best spot to go after King, Red, and Silver Salmon. You’ll head out with other likeminded anglers on this 5-hour shared trip! Drift in the pristine waters as you attempt to hook your targets with gear provided by Capt. Dean. Just remember to buy a fishing license beforehand and bring any drinks and snacks you’d like to enjoy. Departure time varies between 4 AM and 3 PM and is dependent on the incoming tide.
  • Shared trip
    Full Day Trip
    FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 5:30 AM
    Seasonal trip May 16 - Sep 30
    US $600
    Prepare yourself for the heart-pounding thrill of going one on one with Alaska Salmon! You'll spend 8-hours drifting in the pristine waters of the Kasilof River on this shared trip. Local residents know that this is one of the best spots to go after King, Silver, and Red Salmon. Capt. Dean provides all your gear and cleans your catch at the end of the day. Bring along snacks, drinks, and a valid Alaska fishing license. Departure time can vary based on the incoming tide.
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FAQs about King of the River – Drift Boat

King of the River – Drift Boat offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $225 per person - Half Day Trip (5 hours)
  • US $300 per person - Full Day Trip (8 hours)

When you book a trip with King of the River – Drift Boat, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Radar

Trips booked with King of the River – Drift Boat include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle (G Loomis rods, Tekota 300LC for Silver Salmon)
  • Live Bait
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • First Mate (Deckhand, 10-20% is customary )
  • Fly Fishing Equipment (Red Salmon only, request in advance )

King of the River – Drift Boat offers the following types of fishing:
  • River Fishing
  • Inshore Fishing (Red Salmon )

King of the River – Drift Boat offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Heavy Tackle
  • Jigging
  • Fly Fishing (Red Salmon only )
  • Drift Fishing

Top targeted fish species with King of the River – Drift Boat include:
  • Salmon
  • Salmon (Chinook)
  • Salmon (Coho)
  • Salmon (Pink)
  • Salmon (Sockeye)

Meet the Captain

Dean Schlehofer
Kasilof, Alaska, United States
30 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
167 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since February 2020
I have been fishing the Kenai River since 1986. Growing up in Connecticut, I often saw magazines writing about giant King Salmon in the Kenai. It was my dream to one day go to Alaska and catch one of those Kings. In 1981 my family and I miraculously moved to Alaska. I always seemed to fish north of Anchorage but in 1986 I went south to the Kenai with my friend Charles on his 16' aluminum boat. My first King weighed in at 37 lbs. A few weeks later I bought my first boat. On July 28, 1986, I landed an 80 lbs King Salmon. My dream of landing a trophy King had come true. I was the one who was hooked.

About this listing

Targeted species

Salmon Salmon
Salmon (Chinook) Chinook Salmon
Salmon (Coho) Coho Salmon
Salmon (Pink) Pink Salmon

Boat specs

Willie (Aluminum fishing) originally built in 2020. Powered by a 8HP Yamaha engine, with a maximum cruising speed of 15 knots.

Length
18 ft
Capacity
12 persons

Types of fishing

River Fishing
Inshore Fishing
Red Salmon

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Jigging
Fly Fishing
Red Salmon only
Drift Fishing

Amenities

GPS
Fishfinder
Radar

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
G Loomis rods, Tekota 300LC for Silver Salmon
Live Bait
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
First Mate
Deckhand, 10-20% is customary
Fly Fishing Equipment
Red Salmon only, request in advance

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 30 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 30 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.

Listing policies

Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
No minimum age, life jackets provided
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed

Payment

Pay online in full

Pay online in full through FishingBooker and save on credit card fees at the dock.

No additional fees.
Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

Visa
Mastercard
American Express

Kasilof Fishing Calendar

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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.7 / 5
out of 5 stars from 24 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.5 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (7)
Full Day Trip
Half day with Josh
Half day with Josh
+4
Angler rating
17
3
2
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
78%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
79%
Appropriate for children
78%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
78%
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Showing:
5 of 24 reviews
Nathan L.
Plant City, FL
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
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...
Nathan L. recommends King of the River – Drift Boat
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You found this review helpful
  Dean Schlehofer Captain replied

David E.
Palmer, AK
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Full Day Trip

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip on July 11, 2023
Our family took a full day trip with Captain Dean and Deckhand Sam.  We had a great day despite the weather.  Caught our...
David E. recommends King of the River – Drift Boat
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David E. recommends King of the River – Drift Boat
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Tim T.
Bristol, TN
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day on Kasilof with Captain Jason

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip on July 17, 2023
Awesome trip.  Great time.  Jason is the man!!
Tim T. recommends King of the River – Drift Boat
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Tim T. recommends King of the River – Drift Boat
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Marc M.
Minnetrista, MN
Very good
4.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Bad
2.0 / 5
Overall

Misrepresentation of Charter & No knowledge of process

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip on July 30, 2023
Our guide was great (Josh) but the actually company was horrible. We learned that Josh was a subcontractor - not uncommon for...
Marc M. does not recommend King of the River – Drift Boat
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Marc M. does not recommend King of the River – Drift Boat
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Richard H.
Comer, GA
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Very good
4.0 / 5
Overall

August fishing trip

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip on August 14, 2023
Richard H. recommends King of the River – Drift Boat
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Richard H. recommends King of the River – Drift Boat
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You found this review helpful