Fishing
When is the best time to come?
Good question! That all depends what you are planning to do on the Kenai Peninsula.
Always keep in mind when you go fishing, that you are fishing- not catching - and of course it is always hard to predict nature. Every day is different and nobody can do anything about the weather. With that in the back of your mind we can give you the following guidelines.
Ocean fishing:
Halibut: year-round, best May-September fishing for Halibut out of Homer. The Limit is 2 Halibut per person per day.
Lingcod: Great to catch in July-September, limit is two lingcod per person per day
King Salmon: year-round, best May-June, limit is two per person per day
Silver Salmon: July-August, limit is three per person per day.
Who needs Fishing Licenses and where do we get them?
All residents and nonresidents 16 and older require fishing licenses. Anyone fishing for King Salmon must have a separate "King Stamp". Anglers under 16 years of age do not require fishing licenses or King Stamps but must carry with them a "harvest card".
Fishing licenses and King Stamps are available in durations of 1 day, 3 day, 7 day, 14 day, and annual.
King Salmon: Also known as "Chinook" Pound-for-pound one of the hardest fighting fish you'll do battle with.
Nushagak Kings: have a high fat content which makes them particularly good eating. . Once hooked, the real challenge begins...landing them.
Lures and bait work exceptionally well throughout the season.
Average Size: 20-25 lbs.
Best time to fish: June/July
Chum Salmon: Also known as "Dogs".
Alaskan chum salmon don't get their telltale "bars" on their side as quickly as chum salmon in the Lower 48 do. It's very common to catch mint bright chums 30 or 40 miles from the bay. These fish are marvelous biters and will charge a fly, jig or lure with complete abandon and put on a fight that will wear you out over a day of catching them. Our runs of chum are enormous with lots of sight fishing opportunities throughout their season.
Average size: 8-12 lbs.
Best time to fish: June/July
Sockeye Salmon:
Also known as "Red's".
Considered by many insiders to be the best eating salmon available, "Red" schools can number into the thousands as these fish swarm into Alaskan rivers through the middle of summer. Sockeyes deliver hard-hitting action on a fly and are uncommonly strong for their size.
Average size: 6-10 lbs.
Best time to fish: July/August
Pink Salmon
Also known as "Humpys".
Humpy's are ultra-aggressive little salmon that fill our local rivers every other year. Willing and able biters on flies or small spoons, these fish are a ball to catch on light gear.
Average size: 3-5 lbs.
Best time to fish: Humpy runs are best on even numbered years. Runs typically begin in August.
Silver Salmon
Also known as "Cohos".
Aerial, aggressive, fast and powerful, when the silvers show the action's intense. These chrome torpedoes crush flies, lures and bait with a ferocity that's singular and remarkable.
Average size: 10-12 lbs.
Best time to fish: June/July
Tide Tables 2010
Noted widely for prolific numbers of halibut and its 4.5 mile long "spit" extending into Kachemak Bay, Homer has become a destination spot for many Alaskan visitors. Whether you come here looking for adventure or just to "relax and get away from it all," we know Homer will fulfill your vacation dreams.
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