It doesn’t get much better than flossing for salmon on the turquoise Russian River in Cooper Landing, Alaska. My family and I love crossing the Russian River on the ferry, finding a fishing spot, and using Russian River flies to catch the early-season sockeye, making their way up to spawn in Lower Russian Lake.
Over the years, my family has had its share of adventures on this magnificent river. The first salmon we caught as a family was on the Russian River at Mile 55 on the Sterling Highway.
10+ Tips for Flossing Salmon on the Russian River
We’ve caught our limit and also been skunked. We learned what worked and what didn’t. Based on our experience over several years, I’d like to share 10 tips to help you make your family fishing trip successful on the Russian River.
1. Know When to Floss the Russian River for Salmon
There are two runs on the Russian River: an early first run and a late second run. All these salmon make their way through the Kenai River to reach the Russian River and can be caught on portions of it. However, salmon congregate on the banks of the narrower Russian River, making them easier to see.
If you’re planning a fishing trip on the Russian River, an excellent 7—to 10-day itinerary should include fishing during the second and third weeks of June. Runs can be unpredictable, and there are good and lousy salmon runs, so nothing is guaranteed.
Early season Russian River First Run
The first Russian River run occurs around June 15th and ends mid-July. Each year, the midpoint date is around June 27th. Approximately 55,000 fish are in this run, and sportsmen harvest about half yearly.
Late Season Russian River Second Run
The late second-season run starts mid-July and is the most extensive of the two, ending in early August. It contains about 80,000 fish, with fishermen and women harvesting about 22,000. However, it is unknown how many lower Kenai River fishermen harvest from this run.
2. Learn how to Floss for Salmon on the Russian River
Please visit our blog post on flossing salmon on the Kenai River for more information on using this technique to catch fish. You’ll use that same technique on the Russian River, but some of your gear will change.
Lead weight
You typically use much less weight on the Russian River (1/4 to 1/2 ounce) than on the Kenai River (around 3/4 ounce). Since each spot you fish can vary, you must adjust your lead weight accordingly.
Ideally, you want your weight rolling on the river bottom, but not too fast and slow that it gets caught in rocks. When in doubt, ask the person next to you, especially if they’re catching fish and you’re not.
Russian River Flies
On the Russian River, your hook size must be less than 3/8″ (the distance between the point and the shank). This typically equates to a hook size #2, but it’s best to measure the hook size opening to ensure compliance with regulations.
Russian River flies are sold at most fly shops in Cooper Landing or Soldotna Hardware in Soldotna. Like flossing on the Kenai River, your hook must accompany an attractor like hair, a bead, or yarn.
3. Bring Cash to Navigate the Russian River by Ferry
Part of the Russian River family fishing adventure is crossing the river by a big green ferry. Our kids love it, and it’s also a treat for adults. The crew manning the ferry only allows a set number on the ferry at once, so you’ll have to wait your turn if there’s a line.
The Sportsman’s Landing Russian River ferry is attached to massive overhead cables, and a simple rudder turn allows the river current to carry it to one side to dock to let off Russian River salmon flossers. Then, turning the rudder opposite, the ferry returns to pick up other passengers. Any child under 13 has to wear a life vest.
Russian River Fishing Costs
The cost to park is $12 per vehicle, and the ferry costs $12 per person. The ferry is privately run, and it only accepts cash. Without cash, the nearest ATM is in Cooper Landing, about 5 miles away.
4. Get there Early to Find Parking
The parking lot is small, but that’s not a complaint. It helps keep too many fishermen from fishing, which prevents it from getting too overcrowded. For those of you who have been, it can get overcrowded, but it could get worse.
Consider getting there early. The ferry opens at 6:00 a.m. and closes at 11:00 p.m. Getting there early doesn’t mean better fishing since you’re at the mercy of whether or not the salmon are running.
5. Understand Combat Fishing
Not only do you have to contend with finding a parking spot, you also have to find a fishing spot. Have you ever heard of combat fishing? This is where it got its name. Combat fishing is fishing close to one another, sometimes so close that some people feel you must fight to keep your spot.
You will find some practicing combat fishing, but in general, most are very professional and cordial on the river. The state owns the Russian River, not fishermen, so no one owns a fishing spot. However, be respectful and give appropriate distance to people already fishing, and wait your turn until they are done.
6. Where to floss for salmon on the Russian river
As soon as you get off the Russian River ferry, you have three choices: go to the right river bank or left river bank, or climb a flight of aluminum steps to follow a ridge to the right or left on a foot trail above the river.
The two best spots are directly to the right and left of the ferry drop-off and are often taken. But you could get lucky and grab a position there if they are available. Keep in mind, however, that the location just to the right is reserved for people with qualifying disabilities, so use it accordingly.
Fishing for other species: If you’re trout fishing, numerous trout can be seen with the eye gobbling up fish eggs behind the fish cleaning tables. Check regulations on when and where you can fish for trout.
7. Follow All Russian River Fishing Regulations
You must follow all Alaska Fish & Game regulations to comply with the law. The rule book can be intimidating, and I once asked an officer what the most common charges were.
They stated the following:
• Fishing without a license (remember, you can use an electronic license, but I like to carry a paper copy in case your phone dies). You can buy a license on the AKFG portal.
• Wearing felt on your boots (Alaska is a state that requires no felt on boots to prevent the spread of non-native aquatic animals)
• Not keeping your stringer and gear within 12 feet of your person
• Give or accept fish from others (you must only keep your fish). The limit is usually three salmon per day per person, but if there are years, the limit increases.
• Fishing in the Russian River sanctuary when it’s closed (check the AKFG website for current emergency orders)
• Intentionally snagging salmon instead of flossing
• Keeping snagged salmon instead of returning them to the water
8. Be aware of bears on the Russian River
Bears are plentiful on the Russian River, and sometimes, they can be pretty bold with fishermen, stealing their fish. If they want your fish, let them.
Depending on your fishing plan, you can carry a firearm or bear spray. There are usually many people fishing the Russian River, but walking trails or staying overnight to fish increases your chances of seeing bears.
Be smart, and don’t leave food or fish lying around. If you stay overnight to floss for salmon on the Russian River, fish with others. Don’t walk trails alone, especially at night.
9. Know How to fillet Your Fish
If you do fillet your fish on site, dispose of all carcasses in the water by throwing them out in the stream away from the shoreline. This helps prevent bears from congregating nearby to eat leftovers.
Bring the Right Fillet Gear
You must bring the right fillet gear, including sharp knives and something to put your fish in. Some use trash or zip-lock bags, but I like a 5-gallon bucket with a screw-on lid. If the shoreline allows, you or your kids can always rest on the bucket.
10. Be Mindful of the Riverbank when Flossing Salmon on the Russian River
There are several aluminum ladders to navigate to the water and marked trails and fences. All these are set up in advance so you do not make your own paths.
It’s essential to use these to avoid destroying the river bank, which is vital to spawning salmon and having a long-term fishery.
Make Flossing the Russian River Your Next Family Fishing Adventure
The Russian River is easy to access and offers a good opportunity to introduce first-time fishermen, women, and children to the sport. Below are just some of the reasons my family keeps returning:
• User-friendly access: There are good access points for children to fish, with ample walking trails.
• Budget-friendly: You can fish for about $12 per person (minus parking) all day.
• Keeping interested: You are highly likely to see other fish caught, keeping their interest. The water is often so clear that you can see fish in certain spots.
• Variety of fish: Sockeye salmon, trout, and dolly varden are present in good numbers and offer children opportunities to connect with a fish.
• Excellent wildlife viewing: Good opportunities to see bald eagles, salmon, trout, and bears.
For more information on fishing in Alaska, check out our other family-friendly adventures fishing in Alaska. If you have questions about flossing for salmon on the Russian River, let me know in the comments section below.
Other Fishing Adventures
• How to Floss for Salmon on the Kenai River in Alaska
• Snagging Salmon in Seward, Alaska
• How to Catch a Halibut in Alaska