Russian River

The Russian River is a very popular 13-mile-long river on the Kenai Peninsula that flows northward from Upper Russian Lake in the Kenai Mountains through Lower Russian Lake, draining into the Kenai River. A privately operated ferry at the confluence of the rivers carrying foot-passengers to the busiest fishing spot in Alaska by far.

Two distinct sockeye runs return to the Russian River. The early run usually arrives by June 15th; with an average return of about 70,00 fish, half of which is usually caught by sports anglers.

The second, or late-run fish usually arrive in mid-July and averages about 100,00 fish. These fish, usually a year younger than their first-run cousins, are usually a little smaller, about 5-6 pounds on average.

Red Salmon - Sockeye:
Blue-tinged silver in color, sockeye salmon live four to five years. They weigh up to 7 pounds, and are the slimmest and most streamlined of the five species of Alaskan salmon. Known to fishermen in Alaska as reds, the sockeye is historically our most valuable fish because of its high oil content and ability to hold its bright red flesh color.

King Salmon - Chinook:
Lightly spotted on their blue -green back, chinook salmon live from five to seven years, and weigh up to 120 pounds. Known also as Chinook salmon, they have the highest oil-content, which is what gives a salmon its rich flavor. The king is the largest of all salmon species, and the most desirable to sport fishers.

Location:
From Anchorage - The famous Russian River is just 90 minutes south of Anchorage at Mile 55 of the Sterling Highway. Located on the Kenai Peninsula, accessible by road from the Russian River campground. Closed to all fishing April 15 - May 30. Check regulations for limits and other restrictions that apply to the season you will be fishing.

Cooper Landing
Cooper Landing is best know for red salmon fishing in the Russian River and as the starting point for raft trips down the Kenai River. A number of companies run raft trips ranging from gentle floats to Class III whitewater in the Kenai Canyon.

If you are an angler, Cooper Landing is a good place to be. But even if you have no intention of baiting a hook, you can still enjoy the salmon runs on the Russian River. The Russian River Campground, a few miles down the road, provides access to the river by a set of steep stairs where you can see sockeye spawn in early June of mid-July.

Bears in the area
The Russian River is a clear, shallow stream that draws thousands of visitors each season who are in search of the prized sockeye salmon or rainbow trout. Similar to the rest of the Kenai Peninsula, brown and black bears inhabit this area, searching for food for themselves and/or their young. Unfortunately, the food sources they often find are coolers full of lunches, stringers of fish, and other sources of human generated food.

Fishing in Bear Country

You are responsible for your own safety in bear country. In any outdoor activity - fishing, wildlife viewing, hiking, hunting, picnicking, berry picking, even going to work - you may encounter bears. Be aware of your surroundings and conditions, especially in times of low light and areas of low visibility. Look up and around every few minutes. Check the immediate area for fresh bear signs. Consider moving to a different spot if such signs are encountered. Make plenty of noise. Go out with a friend or a group of friends. Let someone know your trip plans.
Don’t make it easy for bears to find food - garbage, birdseed, picnics, fish, or game, for example. When you catch a fish you intend to harvest, immediately kill your fish, then bleed it into the water. Bleeding into the water quickly clears the blood from the fish, thus improving quality. It also reduces the chance that blood, which may attract the attention of bears, will get onto clothing or the stream bank.

If you see a bear:
When you are fishing and you see a bear, and if the bear approaches you, give the bear plenty of room to move on. If the bear continues to approach, stop fishing and move away. Give a splashing fish slack, or cut the line. Take your equipment and fish so bear does not associate angling activity with food. See our bear safety page for more information.