Dean Schlehofer
Captain

Dean Schlehofer

Kenai, United States
Angler's choice
100+ reviews
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.

Charters

Rating

4.8
231 reviews
4.9
Boat & Equipment
4.8
Captain & Crew
4.7
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

85%
Good experience
98%
Friendly captain
94%
Recommend this charter
82%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
86%
Caught fish

All reviews (231)

Showing 1 – 5 of 231 reviews
  • Keith Larivee
    Keith Larivee
    us
    Washington State, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified
    NEW

    Like the Good old days

    Full Day Trip • 2 adults

    The fishing was outstanding. Carson was a great guide, young, but really knew his stuff and grew up on the rivers. He knew the holes and was very helpful in where to strategically cast. My wife and I enjoyed every bit of fishing with King of the River guide service. I would give Carson a 10 out of 10. Outstanding equipment and very knowledgeable he put us in the coho and the fishing was outstanding. Like the good old days of fishing when there was a lot of fish in the river. My wife and I loved it. It would definitely be going with him again in future years.

  • Andy Newton
    Andy Newton
    us
    Virginia, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great trip!

    Half Day Trip • 4 adults

    Michael was a fantastic guide and captain! Our group was new to “flossing,” but he patiently showed us the proper technique, and we all quickly limited out on sockeye. It was a beautiful, sunny day made even better by catching fish while surrounded by Alaska’s incredible scenery on the Kenai River. It’s always busy this time of year, and there were plenty of anglers along the riverbanks, but everyone worked together and made it a great experience.

    Reported catch:
    Sockeye Salmon
  • Greg Parsons
    Greg Parsons
    us
    Colorado, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great Half day fishing trip

    Half Day Trip • 2 adults

    Two of us enjoyed an afternoon half day of fishing with King of the River. Our Guide, Chris Matusz, did an excellent job of guiding and helping our party. Chris helped us with fishing technique, and helped in every way possible to make a pleasant day for us. He also cleaned and filleted our four Silver Salmon and had other staff at King of the River prepare them for shipping. A great overall experience.

  • Daniel Barnes
    Daniel Barnes
    us
    California, US
    •
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Kings of the Kenai!

    Half Day Trip • 9 adults • 2 children

    The best on the Kenai! Super knowledgeable captain and crew! They will get you on the fish no matter what the conditions are. They are super friendly- great with large family grpups and spend the time to make sure everyone is having fun, catching fish, and making memories- no matter their age. From 76yrs old to 10yrs old everyone in our group had a blast!

    Reported catch:
    Sockeye Salmon
  • Craig Wiley
    Craig Wiley
    Repeat angler
    us
    Pennsylvania, US
    •
    Member since 2025
    •
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Awesome Guide - We Caught Our Limit

    Half Day Trip • 2 adults

    Jason was an awesome guide! He made sure we were out on the river before other boats and provided a thorough explanation of how to fish for sockeye salmon. We had fish on our lines before most people even arrived at the spot. Jason's personality, knowledge of the river / Alaska, and willingness to answer many questions made the trip a great experience!

    Reported catch:
    Sockeye Salmon

Real catches shared by our community

  • King of the River – Drift Boat
    King of the River – Drift BoatKasilof, AK
    Like the Good old days
    Keith L.
    Keith L.
  • King of the River – Powerboat
    King of the River – PowerboatKenai, AK
    Chris our guide was great
    Benjamin D.
    Benjamin D.
  • King of the River – Powerboat
    King of the River – PowerboatKenai, AK
    Great salmon fishing!
    Linda S.
    Linda S.
  • King of the River – Powerboat
    King of the River – PowerboatKenai, AK
    Perfect fishing day in Alaska
    Lorena S.
    Lorena S.
  • King of the River – Powerboat
    King of the River – PowerboatKenai, AK
    Rusty was an excellent guide
    Alastair M.
    Alastair M.
  • King of the River – Powerboat
    King of the River – PowerboatKenai, AK
    July fishing trip
    James T.
    James T.
  • King of the River – Powerboat
    King of the River – PowerboatKenai, AK
    Fishing with Dean
    Tyler K.
    Tyler K.
  • King of the River – Powerboat
    King of the River – PowerboatKenai, AK
    Great fishing in the river !
    Barbara B.
    Barbara B.
  • King of the River – Drift Boat
    King of the River – Drift BoatKasilof, AK
    grat time with my sons and best friend.
    Chuck H.
    Chuck H.
  • King of the River – Drift Boat
    King of the River – Drift BoatKasilof, AK
    Awesome Guide - We Caught Our Limit
    Craig W.
    Craig W.

Our Fishing Locations

What's biting with King of the River – Powerboat in Kenai

The Kenai River Women's Classic invites fisherwomen from across the country to battle huge Salmon in the name of conservation each September. Sounds like a win-win to us.

Top catches for September

Fishing reports

Group of anglers proudly displaying their catch of Silver Salmon while fishing on a scenic river.

SILVER COHO SALMON ON THE KENAI PENINSUL

Aug 23, 2026 • Kenai
King of the River, LLC Fishing Report: August 16th–August 22nd, 2026. Silver “Coho” salmon fishing on the Kenai River has been super hot! We have been catching them daily and have nearly limited out every day since August 16th!!!! No kidding! Kenai River, Alaska: August 16th, 2026, through October 2026: SILVER “COHO” SALMON are ready to serve! Silver salmon are some of the most delicious salmon. August 16th was the first day we could use bait! BAIT gives you the best chance to hook a salmon! Let’s fill your freezers with salmon for the winter! Come and visit one of the best fishing destinations in the world and experience the best of Alaska and the Kenai Peninsula, where every cast holds promise and every catch is a triumph! Call to book your next fishing adventure with us!
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A moose and its calf are seen in a grassy area near some outdoor furniture, surrounded by trees.

Travel and fish in Alaska!

Apr 27, 2026 • Kenai
A moose and two calves are walking on my property next to Beaver Creek in Kenai, Alaska. Alaska is one of the most beautiful places in the world and a top bucket-list destination to travel and fish! Come experience the best fishing on the Kenai Peninsula.
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A young angler proudly displaying a large Silver Salmon while fishing from a boat in a scenic river setting.

Great for beginners or experts or anyone

Apr 19, 2026 • Kasilof
First fish. Big smile. Proud parents. We specialize in making fishing fun and approachable for kids and beginners while keeping everyone safe and comfortable. It’s not about pressure — it’s about the moment. Let us help your family experience their first Kenai River fish.
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Angler proudly displaying a large Salmon while fishing from a boat in a scenic river setting.

King salmon foshing for May to July 2026

Mar 21, 2026 • Kasilof
If Alaska king salmon is on your bucket list, start planning now. The Kenai Peninsula offers some of the best salmon fishing in the world, and our guides are ready to help you experience it firsthand. Come chase big kings and enjoy a true Alaska fishing adventure. ? ? Contact us ? Book your trip today #AlaskaFishing #KenaiPeninsula #KasilofRiver #KenaiRiver #KingSalmon #SalmonFishing #AlaskaAdventure #GuidedFishing #FishAlaska #AlaskaFishingTrip #BucketListFishing All photos were 2025. Get ready for 2026! See you there.
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A successful fishing trip showcasing a variety of salmon laid out along the riverbank, with anglers actively fishing in the background.

Salmon fishing forecast for 2026 summer

Feb 10, 2026 • Kenai
Sockeye Salmon Forecast Looking Incredible in Alaska! NOAA and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game are predicting strong sockeye salmon runs on both the Kenai River and Kasilof River this season. 2026 Forecasts: • Kenai River: **hidden content** sockeye • Kasilof River: **hidden content** sockeye Last Year’s Final Counts: • Kenai River: **hidden content** sockeye • Kasilof River: **hidden content** sockeye All signs point to even bigger runs than last year and excellent fishing opportunities. Fish with King of the River, LLC. With 4 drift boats and 4 power boats, we can focus on the most productive water each day. #adfg #kenairiver #kasilofriver #kenaipeninsula #alaskafishing #sockeye #sockeyesalmon #visitanchorage #visitsoldotna #alaska #alaskalife
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An angler proudly displaying a large Silver Salmon while fishing in a scenic river setting.

Alaska fishing: Summer of 2026

Nov 21, 2025 • Kenai
One of the best fishing seasons last summer. It was unforgettable! Total 5 millions red sockeye salmon runs on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska! Lets book and fish next summer: 2026.
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