Russian River reds runneth over

June 26, 2009

The Russian River is full of reds right now. (Carolyn Hall/KTUU-DT)

by Kevin Wells
Thursday, June 25, 2009

RUSSIAN RIVER, Alaska -- When Fish and Game increased the daily bag limit to six red salmon on the Russian River, anglers rushed the area with the enthusiasm of 5th-graders on the last day of school.

A week later, the level of traffic has lowered, but the fish are still coming through.

Consistency and volume makes the Russian a popular fishing spot during the summer solstice period. The elbow-to-elbow nature of the experience begins with a quick ferry ride.

This year, reds are plentiful here, spreading anglers to both banks and the quest for the daily maximum of six is on.

"It's a lot better than last year," said Joe Owens of Seward. "Last year, if you weren't here certain days, you just didn't get it. They just went through real quick -- at least that was my luck. I only caught two fish last year."

Owens fishes the Russian annually, so by now he's learned how to recognize trends.

"Last Tuesday, everybody was catching all up and down the river," he said. "Now it seems you have to have a hole. They got holes and they sit and rest, and if you go into them you get them pretty good."

"Had a lot of fights, haven't landed anything yet. It's not about the landing, it's about having fun," said Harlan Fronek of Anchorage.

Fun and social side-by-side fishing makes the Russian a combat zone with the potential of hindering one's technique.

"Usually the perfect drift is from 2 o'clock to 10 o'clock without hitting anyone," one angler said. "This week we've had three snags alone -- one under the eye, kid in the cheek yesterday."

That's why anglers suggest wearing a cap and sunglasses unless you have an interest in Russian roulette.

"Just being aware of your fellow anglers and what's going on around you so you don't get a hook or a weight, especially to the face," Soldotna fishing guide Kyle Hall said.

Wherever you choose to do battle on the Russian the best advice might be this: show up.

"That's it -- just get your line in the water, let the fish jump on it out here," said Brian Wood of Half Moon Bay, Calif.

The results are clear -- limiting out is anything but a drag.

If you go:

Approximately 2-hour, 30-minute drive from Anchorage
Bring cash. Parking costs $10.25, the ferry fee is $9.25
Because anglers stand nearly elbow-to-elbow, hooks may fly wildly. Wear sunglasses and a baseball cap for protection
Bears have been known to roam the area, so remember to throw any fish carcasses into a fast moving current

Contact Kevin Wells at kwells@ktuu.com

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