I Love The Russian River

Today was one of those perfect days on the Russian River. The sockeye finally started their run up the clear cold water and sight fishing was a pleasure. I arrived at about 5:30am and there was still mist rising from the water.

I had my limit of fish in less than an hour and spent the next two helping a tourist from Florida learn how to spot the fish. And I took a bunch of great photos. Tomorrow morning I will make another journey down there and then rest for the weekend while all the crazy folks from Anchorage and the valley invade my peaceful stream and turn it chaotic.

Insane Combat Fishing

As an Alaskan living in Cooper Landing I am near one of the greatest salmon fisheries in the state. I love fishing in the clear water of the Russian River and sight fishing for the explosive red (sockeye) salmon. This year, due to low water in the Russian and massive crowds in the sanctuary area, the reds aren't pushing up the Russian. This is the first time in my life that I have walked that stream this time of year and seen no fish. In order to catch any I actually had to fish in the combat zone.

It was a mad house. The fish were thick - you could see their dark backs through the turquoise water, and easily hook up in just a few flips. But the people, my oh my the people. So many that if you do hook up with a fish it is almost a guarantee that you will tangle several lines in the process of bringing it in. Catching red salmon is a thrill for me but I sure do hope those fish push through into the Russian River soon. I really dread having to enter the combat zone again!