Russian River Rainbow Trout
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Season: Closed May 1st to Mid-June
Limit: 1 under 16' daily
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Rainbow Trout Fishing on the Russian River
The Upper Kenai and the Russian Rivers have made good
names for themselves as good Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden destinations.
There are very good numbers of both species in the rivers during the
summer months although the numbers get even higher when the salmon are
spawning.
This is as good a place as anywhere on the Kenai Peninsula
to pull out your fly rod and try for a Rainbow up to 20 inches. As in
most places in Alaska, wet flies will far out perform dry flies. But
if you are one of those purists, it is not impossible to get a Russian
River Rainbow Trout to rise to a Black Gnat.
You will see lots of Rainbows holding in structure all
over the river. But remember, these trout see some of the highest levels
of angling pressure (though not directly aimed at them) of any fish
throughout the state. These fish are fairly weary of flies and fisherman,
but the challenge, size and number of the fish make this a great spot
to try.
If the salmon are not yet in the river, try using wet
flies that mimic nymphs or sculpins, but if the salmon are in, switch
to egg flies. I have seen some people have success fishing flesh pattern
flies just below the cleaning stations too. Be sure to make sure your
flies have hooks with gaps less than 3/8” and all check all other
regulations.
For a different and more solitary fishing experience,
try fishing on the Upper Russian River. It takes a bit of a hike, but
you remove almost all of the crowding.
When to Fish
Any time is good, but there is an increase of in the number and size
fish once the salmon begin to spawn. But note, there is a closure for
Trout and Dolly Varden fishing from May First to early June. This is
to protect the fish during their spawning.
Regulations
Currently there is a limit of one Rainbow under 16 inches
per day with only one in possession. All Rainbows over 16 inches must
be returned to the water immediately. All waters. Read Regulations carefully
for this river, there are several fly only seasons on different stretches
of the river.
Recommended Gear
Most trout fishing is done away from the combat zones near the confluence.
Standard spin casting or fly fishing gear can be used anywhere for trout.
Be sure to adhere to the fly only season and only use single hook lures
during other times.
Spin Casting – Use a 6.5 to 7 foot light or
even ultralight rod with 4-8 pound test.
Flyfishing – 5-6 weight rod, 9 or 9.5 feet
in length. Use 4-8 pound sinking tippets. Also have 150 yards of 30
pound backing.
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