Experience Alaska’s wild bears like never before with exclusive float plane or boat tours from Kasilof. Join Russell Fishing Company for up-close wildlife encounters in stunning natural settings.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal walking required. Mostly seated during boat or float plane trips.
Wildlife
History
The Kasilof area is historically significant for native Dena’ina peoples and was an important fishing and trading region.
Conservation
Russell Fishing Company supports local wildlife protections and adheres to strict guidelines to minimize environmental impact during tours.
Russell Fishing Company
Experience Alaska’s wild bears like never before with exclusive float plane or boat tours from Kasilof. Join Russell Fishing Company for up-close wildlife encounters in stunning natural settings.
Russell Fishing Company is a guide outfitter based in Sterling, Alaska serving the Kenai Peninsula, Cook Inlet, and surrounding waters. The company offers a range of guided adventures including trout fishing, halibut and pacific cod trips, multi-species offshore charters, fly-in lake fishing, Kenai salmon river trips, Kenai Fjords rafting, and bear viewing float plane or boat excursions.
Trips target species such as Rainbow Trout, Steelhead, Dolly Varden, King (Chinook), Coho (Silver), Sockeye salmon, halibut, lingcod, and Pacific cod. Several trips include bait, tackle, and filleting services; specific offerings note filleting options and gear provided. The Kasilof salmon trip requires waders. The Kenai Salmon Fishing Trip runs July through October and focuses on Sockeye and Silver salmon. Kenai Fjords Rafting highlights include an active tidewater glacier, wildlife sightings including orcas and humpback whales, and a deli lunch provided on the 6-hour tour.
Departures and logistics vary by trip: multi-species charters depart from Homer, AK for Gulf of Alaska fishing; fly-in options cross Cook Inlet to Crescent Lake and the Alaska Range; bear viewing is available via float plane to Wolverine Creek, Crescent Lake, or Chuitna River, or by boat to Lake Clark National Park. Russell Fishing Company emphasizes guided, locally led outings with experienced staff who operate drift boats and charter vessels appropriate to each trip.
This third-person summary presents the company’s core offerings, locations, species targeted, trip durations, and on-trip services to help prospective visitors choose the right Alaska adventure.
Location
Sterling, Alaska
Base on the Kenai Peninsula
Tours Offered
10 Unique Trips
Fishing, rafting, bear viewing, and more
Typical Durations
5–8+ hours
Half-day to full-day adventures
Guided Trips
Local Expert Guides
Guides provide gear and expertise
Reserve a guided fishing, rafting, or bear viewing trip from Sterling — availability varies by season, book early.
Bring Binoculars
Enhance your viewing experience by bringing binoculars to spot bears from a safe distance.
Dress in Layers
Alaskan weather can change quickly, so dress in layers to stay comfortable throughout the day.
Keep Camera Ready
Have your camera easily accessible for unpredictable wildlife moments and scenic landscapes.
Follow Guide Instructions
Always adhere to guide safety briefings to ensure a secure and respectful wildlife viewing experience.
Waterproof Jacket
Keeps you dry during Alaska’s unpredictable spring rains.
spring
Binoculars
Helps spot distant bears and wildlife with greater clarity.
Camera with Zoom Lens
Capture close-up photos without disturbing the animals.
Insulated Layers
Keeps you warm during cooler autumn excursions.
fall