The Russell River is a tropical river system located approximately 83 kilometers southeast of Cairns in Queensland, Australia. It flows through the Russell River National Park and forms part of the larger Mulgrave River catchment in the Wet Tropics region. This estuarine and freshwater system is characterized by significant seasonal flooding patterns that dramatically influence its instream habitat structure and, consequently, its fish populations. The river provides a mix of fishing environments, from its upper freshwater reaches to its lower estuarine and rivermouth areas near Deeral.