South of Anchorage and west of Cooper Landing, the Russian River is arguably the most popular fly fishing river in Alaska for sockeye salmon and rainbow trout. The lower section where the Russian River meets the Kenai River is the most crowded section, but there is a fishermans trail heading south from the confluence to Lower Russian Lake (it connects with the Russian Lakes Trail #318).
To reach the starting point at NFS Russian River Campground from Cooper Landing, head east on Sterling Highway (SR1) for roughly 4.8 miles. Turn left heading southwest on Russian River Campground Road to the end. About a half mile back up the road, the Russian Lakes Trail #318 heads south from the road.
Note: keep a sharp eye out for brown bears -- they are known to try to steal the caught fish.
Overall, Russian River is the 5th most popular fly fishing river of all 18 fly fishing spots in Alaska.
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For fly fishing the Russian River in Alaska, our printable fly fishing guides offers river descriptions, maps, lodging suggestions, driving directions, levels of difficulty and points-of-contact.