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In June, it is 50/50 odds that you could paddle all the way up the outlet (the river between Sturgeon and Russell) - if the water is too high, there is a portage on the right side, not really obvious - it goes up a slabby rock and around the rapid at the top. Otherwise, eddy hopping from side to side works to get you up the river - no matter what, don't get turned sideways to the current.

  That is a very important warning M_M_ has given here.
I've been into Russell lake at least 3x. I only made it up paddling 1x and that was just barely.
I tried the other 2x times, made it to the edge of the spill-out only to be pushed back.

If you choose to try and run it I'd advise you to kneel in the canoe and build as much speed as you can, you'll need it.

  With my double paddle, it's easy to stay straight BUT unless you're confident in your paddling skills with a single paddle either alone or in tandem going backward, you're better off using that portage.

My Fubar Trip I chose the portage and by hugging the western wall was able to get up almost even with the spill-out.

You dump there, there is NO place to pull yourself and gear up on shore. High stone banks on both sides. The current and those whirlpools are going to push you and your canoe/gear unless lashed in almost about to Sturgeon Narrows  :o :'( :'(

  Quetico Dave told me when he was still outfitting that MORE of his clients dumped there than ANY other spot!

  That deep moving water has a lot of power behind it. Don't be deceived because it's not foaming/boiling like white water is.