Available June 11th - 30th, July 15th - 31st
The Russian River is a famous tributary to the Kenai. The clear running stream is fed by snowmelt, so you can spot and target the fish in the river as they swim past. Sometimes, the salmon will hold in an area for a few minutes, and sometimes they will push through quickly. When you set your hook on a 6 pound salmon and feel the fish take off in a burst of survival energy, the thrill can be addictive. This fishing trip will challenge you physically and leave you in awe of the hurdles the salmon overcome to complete their life cycle.
The trip begins with an early morning hike into the lush understory along the river, your guide will help you set up in a good fishing spot, where you’ll target 6-8 pound sockeye salmon among other determined anglers (and maybe some bears).
June brings the early-run sockeye into the river. 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.
The Russian River is known for zones of “combat fishing” which takes place around the confluence area, where the Russian and Kenai Rivers meet. 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.
Cooper Landing. Access through the Russian River Campground, 5 miles away from Drifters Lodge
Hike-in access to wade fishing
Flipping/flossing using 10wt fly rods
A hike-in on the Russian River for salmon is our most physically demanding wade fishing trip. The itinerary begins with a 2.5 mile hike into the upper sections of the river. This initial hike takes us away from the vast majority of anglers, who mostly fish the lower sections of the river near the “confluence” area. That area is more accessible, and it’s where the “combat fishing” takes place.
We hike in our waders, so we arrive ready to fish. It’s a moderate elevation gain over portions of the hike, and there are steep scrambles down sections of trail to get to the river. Parts of the trail are primitive, with uneven footing and big steps down as you make your way to the water. You’ll need both hands for balance as you climb down. Once you’re down at the water, you will cover more ground, utilizing your balance as you walk over slippery rocks and downed logs. Remember, after your day of fishing, you still have to hike back out, possibly with the extra weight of your catch!
Due to the physical nature of hike-in wade fishing trips, we recommend doing a little strength and conditioning beforehand. Having the proper attire will also help keep you comfortable on the trip. Wear crew length cushioned wool hiking socks, lightweight hiking pants or stretchy base layers under your waders, and layer up with a fleece and a raincoat on top. You will likely strip most of your layers off during the initial hike, but then want to add them back on once you cool off and begin fishing. Much of the river is densely shaded, and so you can cool off fast even on a warm day. We also recommend bug spray and long sleeves no matter what to keep the mosquitos and flies off. If you have a neck buff or a hooded sun-shirt to wear, that can also be helpful with the bugs.
Cooper Landing. Access through the Russian River Campground, 5 miles away from Drifters Lodge
Hike-in wade fishing
Fly fishing
Available June 11th - September 30th
For all our adventurous fly fishing enthusiasts out there, fishing the Russian River for trout involves hiking through lush forest within the Chugach National Forest to wade fish a beautiful clear running tributary to the Kenai. On a trout-focused day, your guide will hike along the river with you, spotting fish and setting you up to work the area. In contrast to the glacier-fed Kenai, you can do a lot of sight fishing on this stream.
Throughout the summer, Russian River rainbows will chase a wide variety of flesh flies, beads, nymph patterns and dry flies. Trout are catch and release only. The trip involves 3-6 miles of moderate-strenuous hiking. If we’re lucky, we may spot brown and black bears, which are frequently sighted fishing for salmon in this stream.
One of the things that make a Russian River fishing trip exciting is the high likelihood of bear sightings. There’s nothing like a brown bear coming around the corner to remind you you’re in Alaska. Both brown and black bears frequent the area due to the concentration of salmon in this river. It’s a clear stream and shallow in many places, which makes it ideal for the bears to go fishing too. Each year, a few bears will settle in and hang around the Russian River Angler’s Trail. If we are lucky, a sow will choose the area to teach her cubs how to hunt salmon. We love to spot the cubs’ antics over the season as they learn to swim and wrestle in the water. They are predictably observed working their way up and down stream. This is completely normal, and it is part of your guide’s job to be alert and to facilitate good bear etiquette. With the correct behavior on our part, the bears rarely pose an issue, and both people and bears can happily fish away.
Available July 25th - August 15th
This walk-in wade trip takes you into a nearby crystal clear stream. Quartz Creek sees a healthy population of sockeye and king salmon return every year to spawn. Just the sight of these beautiful bright red salmon fulfilling their life cycle is unforgettable. As you look closely between all of these salmon you will see our target species: dolly varden and rainbow trout. They are lined up waiting to ferociously eat salmon eggs. With a good cast of the fly rod and a well-presented bead, you can watch these fish move to devour your egg pattern. This trip requires a moderately physical wade. There is no elevation gain, but good physical condition and balance are needed as you climb over slippery stones and cross the creek in the current. All rainbow trout and dolly varden are catch-and-release only.
Cooper Landing, 5 miles away from Drifters Lodge
Hike-in wade fishing
Fly fishing
Moose Pass, 15 miles away from Drifters Lodge
Hiking trail to lake, wade fishing
Fly or spin fishing
Available June 11th - August 5th
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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