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Russian River Fishing Guide

Alaska

The Kenai Peninsula river that meets the upper Kenai near Cooper Landing, with coho from late summer and rainbow trout early and late in the season. Closed to Chinook.

Trip at a Glance

Anglers come to Russian River for rainbow trout and coho salmon. In October, rainbow trout is in season, and Parachute Adams, Blue-Winged Olive and Pheasant Tail Nymph are a good place to start. There are 12 shops nearby (4 fly, 8 bait and tackle); the closest is Kenai Cache in Cooper Landing. Kenai River is also nearby if you want to make a trip of it.

Season at a Glance

Rainbow Trout
Coho Salmon
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Area around a representative access point; the river runs beyond it. View Larger Map

What You'll Catch

Russian River Species

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout

Prime Now
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Best: Mar to Apr, Oct to Nov

Coho Salmon

Coho Salmon

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Best: Aug to Sep

Images: Duane Raver, USFWS; Timothy Knepp, USFWS. Public domain.

Plan by Month

What to Use

Month
Fish

12 picks for October. marks species in season in October.

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Rod & Reel

Recommended Setups

Rainbow Trout

Fly 9 ft 5 wt rod, weight-forward floating line, 9 ft 4X to 5X leader. Add a sink-tip and 3X for streamers.

Spin / Cast 6 to 7 ft ultralight or light spinning rod, 1000 to 2500 reel, 4 to 6 lb mono or fluorocarbon.

Coho Salmon

Fly 9 to 10 ft 8 wt rod, sink-tip line, 12 lb leader.

Spin / Cast 8.5 to 9 ft medium rod, 3000 spinning reel, 10 to 15 lb line.

Matched to These Species

Gear for Russian River

Spinners

Mepps Aglia Inline Spinner

A classic spinner for trout, bass, and salmon in moving water.

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Fly Rods

Echo Spey Rod

A two-handed rod for swinging flies across big steelhead and salmon runs.

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Fly Rods

Redington Classic Trout Fly Rod

A smooth, moderate-action rod that is forgiving for new casters and protects light tippet.

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Fly Reels

Redington Behemoth Fly Reel

A strong, sealed drag at a modest price, made in sizes from trout to saltwater.

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Fly Lines

RIO Gold Fly Line

A trout line that casts dries delicately and turns over nymph rigs.

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Fly Lines

Scientific Anglers Mastery Infinity Fly Line

A smooth-shooting, all-around freshwater line.

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Leaders & Tippet

RIO Fluorocarbon Tippet

Low-visibility tippet for nymphs and wary fish in clear water.

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Leaders & Tippet

RIO Tapered Trout Leaders

Nine foot tapered leaders in 3X to 6X for dries and nymphs.

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Nearby

Shops Near Russian River

Farther Out

Nearby

Guides and Charters Near Russian River

Make It a Trip

Nearby Water

Rivers & Streams · Alaska

Kenai River

A glacial river with late summer coho and rainbows that grow fat on salmon eggs. Historically famous for giant kings, but king fishing has been closed in recent years, so check ADF&G emergency orders.

Rainbow Trout · Coho Salmon

Saltwater & Coast · Alaska · About 33 mi

Resurrection Bay

Seward's bay, with kings from mid-May through June and silvers from late June into September, fished from boats and from the beaches and harbor breakwaters.

Coho Salmon · Chinook Salmon

Saltwater & Coast · Alaska · About 48 mi

Passage Canal

Whittier's fjord in western Prince William Sound, where boat anglers troll or mooch for coho and hatchery-stocked Chinook salmon.

Coho Salmon · Chinook Salmon

Rivers & Streams · Alaska

Ship Creek

A creek in downtown Anchorage where king salmon return in June and coho salmon in August. Check ADF&G emergency orders before fishing for kings.

Chinook Salmon · Coho Salmon