Available June 11th – 30th, July 15th – 31st
Fishing the Russian for sockeye salmon is an adventure you’ll never forget. You’ll wake up early, hike into the lush understory along the river among six foot high ferns, and fish for sockeye among other determined anglers (and maybe some bears). June brings the early-run sockeye salmon into the river, and they push upstream to their spawning grounds.
The salmon have already made an impressive journey up the Kenai River to make it this far, and they still have a big waterfall to pass on their way up the Russian River. In fact, this waterfall is an incredible place to see the jumping salmon in action, making numerous attempts before finally ascending the falls.
Hike-in access to wade fishing
Russian River in Cooper Landing. Distance from Drifters: 5 miles
Flipping/flossing using 10wt fly rods
The Russian River is known for “combat fishing” which takes place around the confluence area, where the Russian and Kenai Rivers meet. You may have seen pictures of anglers lining the banks in this area accessed by the Russian River Ferry. However, on our hike-in trip, we will bypass most of these anglers by hiking several miles upstream. Your guide will choose a good spot to fish, show you the technique, communicate with other anglers around, and keep an eye out for wildlife.
Typically 1-2 million fish return to the Kenai River during the late run, and this is when the meat-hunting fun begins. This run of sockeye salmon draws large numbers of anglers to the area. Both Alaskans and visitors alike know the reputation of these delicious salmon. They’re famously large sockeye, weighing in at 8-10 pounds each, with top quality meat that is delicious cooked as fresh filets, smoked, fried, or prepared pretty much any way you can think of. We personally love it made into patties, lox, and family recipe dips.
The Kenai River and the Kenai Peninsula are historically busiest around the second half of July and first week of August during the peak of the late-run sockeye salmon. It’s a time when salmon fishing dominates the calendar. There is a particular intensity to these dates because guests choose them hoping to maximize the amount of fish they can take home. So, if you’re ready to get in on the action, these dates are a great time. Be ready to wake up at 3am to be first to the best fishing spots!
Available June 11th – 30th
The Refuge is a great spot to target sockeye salmon in June, especially if you do not want to participate in a physically challenging hike-in on the Russian River. You will float in by drift boat to a spot along the bank, where you will get out and wade fish for salmon. If you get a good fishing spot, you’ll usually remain there for the duration of your trip or until you catch your limit. The fish are swimming up the edges of the river in great numbers, and you just have to be ready when they pass by.
Upper Kenai River in Cooper Landing
Drift boat access, then wade fishing from the bank
Flipping/flossing using 10wt fly rods
Available June 20th – July 15th
Your guide will time this trip around the tides which bring in waves of sockeye salmon, aka “reds,” up the 20 mile long Kasilof River, a beautiful glacier-fed stream flowing through the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Meeting times can be as early as 4am. You will float down river in a drift boat and stake out an open gravel bar, where you will wade fish for salmon swimming upstream. Typically it is not necessary to wade past your ankles or knees for the fishing, and the broad flat gravel bars are angler-friendly. We can also bring along camp chairs for an easy spot to sit down and rest. We will utilize sturdy 10wt fly rods to flip for reds.
Kasilof. Distance from Drifters 60 miles
Drift boat access, then wade fishing from the bank
Flipping/flossing using 10wt fly rods
The technique involves casting about 10 feet of line out into the current and swinging your fly downstream in an arc, “flossing” the salmon in the mouth as they swim upriver. If you get a good spot, you will likely stay there for the duration of your trip, before getting back in the boat and floating to the take-out.
Plugging for sockeye gives us a great alternative to a full day of flipping from the bank, which is physically demanding and not always ideal for children or older anglers. While flipping, the demands of standing for long periods in the current take a toll on your strength, even if the water is only up to your calves. The repetitive casting will test your shoulder strength. So, if you have kids under 12 or if your joints will protest hours of flipping, then we have the option of back trolling plugs from either a drift or power boat.
The technique involves letting out lines with a diving lure also known as a “plug,” which will swim itself down in the current and wiggle in place. Plugs come in many flashy color patterns that get the sockeye salmon’s attention and trigger bites of aggression. You’ll leave the rods in the rod holder until a fish comes. At the bite, the rod tip will slam over, your cue to pick up the rod and fight the fish. Plugging can be really effective and much less demanding on the angler. Let us know if it sounds like a good option for you! Keep in mind that we don’t run back trolling trips on Sundays or Mondays in July due to river regulations.
When hooked, these 8-10 lb dime-bright fish put up a great fight. Back trolling from the boat is an option at certain times. The typical limit is 6 fish per person, per day. If you happen to limit out with time to spare, you will want to wrap up early so that you can get the fish on ice and to the processor to keep your catch as fresh as possible.
Available July 10th – August 15th
Wake up early to meet your guide at the ramp and float to a gravel bar where you will bank fish for fresh chrome sockeye salmon. In the glacial water, you can’t always see the fish as they swim upstream, but they are passing by your feet. Flipping for reds involves casting about 10 feet of line out into the current and swinging your fly downstream in an arc, “flossing” the salmon in the mouth as they swim upriver. We use sturdy 10wt fly rods for this technique.
Sterling or Soldotna. Distance from Drifters: 35-60 miles
Drift or power boat access to wade fishing. Or, back trolling from the boat.
Flipping/flossing with 10wt fly rods, or back trolling (plugging) conventional/spin gear.
Contact us to book a half or full day guided fishing trip or to start building a package.
Drifters Lodge is a small, locally owned and operated fishing lodge with a long history of repeat guests and satisfied anglers. We have been in operation since 1998.
Drifters Lodge is permitted to operate on public lands under special use permits from the Chugach National Forest, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, and Alaska State Parks. Drifters Lodge is an equal opportunity provider.
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