Brown bear encounters at the Russian River sockeye fishery have become more and more frequent over the past five years. This popular fishery draws thousands of anglers from all over the world making this the most popular salmon run in Alaska. And this food source has not gone unnoticed by the growing number of Brownies inhabiting the Kenai Mountains in the heart of the Kenai Peninsula. Fish scraps resulting from anglers cleaning salmon along the stream was the primary attractant. But once bears moved into the area and began interacting with humans they quickly learned that unattended backpacks and ice coolers were prime targets filled with edible goodies. This learned behavior has resulted in a number of adult and juvenile bears being shot by anglers, with some only wounded and creating a major safety threat to humans. Authorities have had to initiate extreme measures in the past, closing the fishery during night time and prohibiting the use of tents by campers and closing the use of certain areas.
As responsible custodians looking out for the welfare of human users and the well being of the existing wildlife in the area, a number of Federal and State agencies, including non-profits and local media, have initiated a a program to educate the public on ways they can prevent interactions and negative behavior while still participating in the fishery.
The THREE FOOT RULE, described at left above, is a law requiring absolute compliance by visitors to the area with hefty fines for violators. It is designed to prevent bears from associating humans and their gear and coolers as sources of food. Remember COOLERS ARE NOT ALLOWED ON THE FERRY due to safety concerns of passengers. Be aware when the whistle blows immediately check your surroundings for an approaching bear and act accordingly. If you must abandon your fish stringer make sure you toss it out in the current. And always STOP, CHOP, and THROW your fish carcasses far out into the fast water.
A prototype carcass chopper will be installed June 11 for testing. Anglers are encouraged to provide carcasses for that equipment to see if it functions as intended. Also NOTE: There will now be a STRICT LEASH LAW enforced throughout the trail system. No dogs are allowed to run free. Bears are found throughout the area all the way to the falls and lower Russian Lake. Please review the BEAR SAFETY Video before fishing.
