INFORMATION

A limit of super fresh 1 st run Sockeye from the Russian River

Each year, the Russian River host a return of a 1 st and 2 nd run of Sockeye with the 1 st run peaking on or about the 20 th of June and the 2 nd run peaking on or about the 20 th of July. I often tell people that fishing for these hard fighting fish is more like “catching” than fishing as both novice and experts easily catch their limits of these great eating fish. Most years, the limit per person per day is 3 fish and the fish average about 8 pounds. Every now and then, the ADF&G will raise that limit to 6 fish per person per day like last year, which saw a record amount of fish return to the fishery. Fish counts for these 2 runs headed specifically to the Russian River can easily exceed 400, 000 fish with about a third of that reaching the fish weir above the Russian River falls. The ADF&G keep very close tabs on this great fishery to ensure that the run remains strong for years to come.

Catching these fish is as easy as obtaining the rod of your choice rated to at least 25 pound test as this is necessary for fishing in crowded conditions. Your choice of equipment can be a fly rod, spinning rod or a conventional rod. The type of rod is of no consequence as the technique is the same and the rod and reel serve as a vehicle, once hooked, for reeling in your fish. Having said that, the rods of choice for most anglers is a fly rod rated to 9wt or a spinning rod rated to a minimum of 25-pound test.

The standard set up for a fly rod is a floating fly line rated to a 9wt rod. I have found that Rio and Scientific Angler both make outstanding fly lines that hold up well with out cracking and endure the constant beating they take while fishing for these fast and hot fish. The standard set up for a fly rod is to attach a 25 or 30 pound test straight mono leader to your floating fly line, a sinker of the appropriate weight and a Coho fly to the end. Maxima Ultra Green in 30-pound test is my favorite as it hold up well in the crowds and allows for a significant amount of chaffing without breaking.

Where To Stay

There are a variety of campgrounds and lodging facilities to choose from to accommodate individual needs. Cooper Landing has Fisherman Cabins up to 4 star facilities. Visit the lodging section at www.fishcooperlanding for more information.

Make reservations as early as possible to ensure availability especially during the months of June and July

The Russian River Ferry takes There are several top-notch shower facilities in People across the to town to accommodate campers and those the confluence of the Russian River. choosing Fisherman Cabin arrangements. Cost: $3 to $5 per person

The type of sinker you use depends on the angler as many employ split shot, rubber core, pencil lead or a banana sinker to get the job done. The same set up is used for spinning and conventional rods as well. No fancy rigs are required to be successful in this fishery. Most folk’s use a direct line set up with the fly attached to the main line and either a rubber core sinker or split shot attached a minimum of 18” above the fly.

Kenai Cache Outfitters Guide Travis Price executes the “right of passage” to another first time angler!

The standard technique for catching Sockeye is as simple as flipping your line in the water and allowing the current to swing your fly into the bank below. A standard technique that works well for me is to use the imaginary lane technique. Picture to your front, 6 lanes. The drift closes to your front is lane 1. Pull a foot of line from your reel and flip it out slightly above 12 o’clock, this is lane 2. Pull another foot, flip it out, and now you are in lane 3. I think you get the picture. Continue this process within reason out to about lane six. Be cognizant of the fishermen around you as excessively long cast can disrupt the rhythm of the other fishermen on the bank. If you hook a fish, say in lane 3, go back to that lane again once you have landed and dispatched your previous fish. Chances are there are more in the same spot and could result in a quick limit.

Guided Fishing

Walk-in guides like “Fly Bob” are available for those pressed for time and want to get right into the fishing.

Float trips are also available for those who would prefer fishing from a boat on the main river. Some of the best Sockeye fishing is accessible only from a boat.

Guides are ideal for those pressed for time and we provide all of the equipment, tackle , transportation and the expertise. We also process, freeze and ship fish.

Area stream & river guide “Fly Bob” with the Kenai Cache Outfitters spends most of his Summer days guiding clients on the Russian River

The amount of weight is critical to catching these great fish in the mouth. are one of the most aggressive salmon of all the species and when fresh have a bad attitude. They are known to strike at anything they are unfamiliar with within a foot of their area. Here are my rules that I share with my clients and store customers during the season:

•Color does Matter! Watch and see what's working and use it!!! Light conditions typically dictate the best shade. Contrast and something different can make the difference. •Lighten up on your weight; lead should be just heavy enough to hit bottom only a few times each drift; cast slightly above 12 O’clock for best results. •Pay close attention to where you hooked your last fish and work it hard. Key in on these spots by matching all factors as best possible. Key factors include, exact position, leader entry point, weight, leader length, weight of line etc. •Feel the rhythm; pay attention to the rhythm of your drift. Set the hook if you feel something different. •Work the water; imagine 6 lanes to your front. Start at 1 and work your way out to 6 and start again •SET THE HOOK AT LEAST ONCE EACH DRIFT. Something should feel different each drift. This rule will develop an unconscious set response when a take does occur. •Contrary to popular believe, Sockeye are “very” aggressive. When pressured, apply finesse techniques such as a longer leader, less weight, a smaller fly, and throw further out. •Sockeye are light sensitive…when the sun is out they will typically hold further out and at the current break. Your more aggressive fish will be here! •Finally, Sockeye grab your fly more often then you think. A good quality graphite, fast action rod gives you the sensitivity needed to consistently put fish on the stringer •Remember, distance between fishermen is relative to the amount of anglers…do not be offended if someone jumps in next to you

Laurie working on her limit of Russian River Sockeye

One of my favorite memories of Sockeye fishing occurred on the world-renowned Russian River between salmon runs. I was hunting for these fish between the falls and the fishing area. About mid river, I spotted a fresh sockeye behind a rock. As I carefully moved into casting position, I took my first shot at this fish. Missed, I was about 3 feet to far. I reloaded and cast again. This time I was about 2 feet over my target objective. Reloaded a 3 rd time and my drift was about a foot from the fish. As the fly swung by him, to my amazement, the fish shot out to the right, grabbed the fly, and just as quickly, moved back behind the rock. For about a nano second, I was in dis-believe until instinct kicked in and I set the hook. The image before me quickly turned to reality as this fish headed down stream, up stream, to the far bank, straight at me, eventually banking it self just above me. Wow, and all this in a matter of seconds. Talk about shock and awe. I was in fishing heaven. As I dispatched the fish and placed him on a stringer, another fish moved in behind the same rock. I couldn’t believe my eyes. To my utter amazement, I repeated the same scenario two more times for a limit of Sockeye salmon. Having said that, we catch them all the time while fishing with clients on Hotshots, flies and spinners.

Okay enough of the stories and back to the process. Caring for your catch is as important to the experience as catching them. A good fish bonker is a must for all fishermen to allow for a quick dispatch of your catch. Immediately thereafter, cut one or both gills to bleed them out to prevent the blood from tainting you fillets and place your catch on a good, heavy-duty stringer. Place your fish in the water, as it is cold and will Keep your catch in tiptop shape. Getting Here

Arrange flight to the Ted Stevens International Airport in Anchorage Alaska.

There are several rental car agencies to choose from so ensure you make your reservations months in advance for the best rates and availability.

Drive South on the Seward Highway for a little over an hour. Turn right on to Sterling Hwy. Cooper Landing is about 20 minutes in from the junction.

Cooper Landing is spread out over roughly 10 miles of Sterling Hwy. The fishing grounds are on the West end.

One of the favorite ways to package these fish is to fillet them. A good quality fillet knife is in order to facilitate a good fillet and eliminate waste. Use a fillet glove as they are worth their weight in gold . Every year we help to patch up several fishermen who did not have one and wish they did after the fact. The final step in this process is to spend the extra time and money to vacuum seal all of your fish as it will keep them from freezer burn for a good year or longer. Packaging fish in freezer bags is fine if for immediate consumption. It only takes a few days before they start to burn thereafter so protect your investment by vacuum packing and enjoy this fish as fresh as the day you caught them.

On a final note, get out there and have fun catching these great fighting and wonderful tasting Sockeye Salmon. Remember, there is plenty of fish for every one so be patient and help each other out. Remember, the distance between fishermen is relative to the amount of fishermen in the area. So don’t be upset when someone steps in above or below you, smile and wish him or her luck. More often then not, the person next to you turns out to be a great guy or gal and it all adds up to a great time.

Overview Russian River Campground is perched between the Russian and Kenai Rivers in southern Alaska.

Hiking, biking and fishing are popular pastimes. Anglers love the campground for its unique location on the Russian River, where salmon "rest" before continuing upriver to spawn. Natural Features: The campground sits at an elevation of 400 feet on the Eastern in the . The forest, spanning more than 5 million acres, is comprised of arid tundra wilderness, jagged mountains, deep fjords and glacier-fed rivers that surround the Prince William Sound.

Recreation: The Russian River is the most popular sockeye salmon stream in Alaska and a top-rated spot for . In fact, it has earned the nickname "Combat Fishing Zone" because of the large number of fisherman lined up on the banks in the summer competing for the day's catch.

Kenai Peninsula is also a hiker's paradise, boasting hundreds of miles of maintained trails. Mountain bikers enjoy the scenic Seward Highway.

Facilities: The large campground offers about 80 reservable campsites for both tent and RV camping.

Water, flush toilets, tables, fire pits and dumpsters are available, as well as paved roads and parking spurs.

Nearby Attractions: The nearby Resurrection Pass Trail takes hikers and bikers on a 39-mile scenic adventure that climbs from 500 to 2,600 feet.

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility Biking Paved Parking Spurs Campfire Rings Picnic Area Drinking Water River Access Fishing Trails Flush Toilets Trash Collection Hiking

The Russian River Campground, located above the east bank of the Russian River neaco Russian River Falls

The falls tumble through a riparian canyon. ©Helen O'Harra

Notable Species

• Sockeye salmon • Black bear • Brown bear • Harlequin duck • Red-breasted merganser • Common merganser • Spruce grouse • American three-toed woodpecker • Hairy woodpecker • American dipper • Bohemian waxwing • Townsend’s warbler

During late June, pools within the stairstep falls on the Russian River swarm with thousands of green-headed, red-bodied sockeye salmon. From two decks on the riverside cliffs, you can watch the salmon attempt to leap the falls to reach spawning grounds upstream. Brown and black bears sometimes appear on the river to scoop salmon from the water. The two-mile, wheelchair-accessible trail to the falls and viewing decks traverses mixed spruce-birch woods filled with forest birds. Open areas might offer a view of moose. Look for American dippers in creeks and along the river, and watch and listen for spruce grouse along the trail. On clear July evenings, Bohemian waxwings can be seen flycatching along the river below Lower Russian Lake.

Habitat The falls tumble through a riparian canyon with a dense underbrush of alder, ferns and devil’s club. Mixed white spruce forest interspersed with open areas can be seen along the lower trail. Further up the trail lie Lower and Upper Russian Lakes, and alpine areas.

Recreation Connection The Russian River is the state’s most popular sockeye salmon sports fishery. State managers maintain a counting weir and a fish ladder at the falls to ensure enough salmon reach spawning grounds. Sockeye salmon runs peak twice during the summer, in late June and in late July. State fishery managers release daily counts during the season (phone 907-262-9097).

Viewing Tip In June and July, harlequin ducks nest near the turbulent waters around the falls, and there is often a brood or two near the junction of the winter trail and the Russian River. The ducklings are quite photogenic as they frolic boldly in the spray.

Safety Bears have the right of way on trails and streams. Due to careless behavior of some humans, many bears at Russian River associate people with food, making them particularly bold. Review and follow the principles of staying safe in bear country on page 92, and encourage others to do the same. Hike the trail only in daylight and in a group. Stay on the trail.

Getting There The Russian Lakes Trail begins off the access road to the Russian River Campground, at milepost 52 of the . Hike two miles to the falls and overlook. nfluence with the Kenai River, has 80 campsites and more than 100 parking places.

The Russian River, with its camping loops and two parking lots.

Travel south from Anchorage by the Seward and Sterling Highways approximately 110 miles to Milepost 54 on the Sterling Highway, Alaska State Highway 1.