Last updated October 30, 2025
Homer Fishing Report
Our Homer Fishing Report brings you the latest updates from one of Alaska’s most iconic fishing towns. Some call it the halibut capital of Alaska, though that title gets some friendly competition from other ports each season. From saltwater charters to shoreline action, check in here for fresh reports, conditions, and photos from the Homer area.
End of Fall and Start of Winter Fishing
September fishing in Homer saw solid catches of halibut, lingcod, rockfish, and salmon, with silvers running strong near shore and providing rewarding dock and guided trips. Offshore charters reported limits despite some weather challenges, and multispecies fishing remained productive through September. By October, fishing slowed but winter king salmon fishing continued in Homer waters.
This concludes the 2025 fishing report for homer; we’ll see you next season!
Don’t miss Big Dan’s for Winter kings out of Homer.
August Saltwater Action in Homer
September 4, 2025
August delivered its typical blend of triumphs and trials in Kachemak Bay and Cook Inlet. Offshore, halibut fishing faced challenges early on due to rough marine weather, but improved weather later in the month reinvigorated catches, especially in areas like the Compass Rose near Homer harbor. Lingcod and rockfish remained solid, particularly on days with favorable conditions, and surf anglers consistently pulled species ranging from halibut to sculpins, sharks, and cod from locations like Whiskey Gulch, Deep Creek, and the Homer Spit.
King salmon fishing was fair to improving, with dependable action near Bluff Point, Silver Ridge, and Point Pogibshi. The go-to tactics remained trolling herring or thin blade spoons behind flashers. Coho runs were more inconsistent, some anglers caught them by trolling in Cook Inlet, though success varied, and the Dudiak Lagoon run was beginning to taper off by mid-August.
A highlight came late in the month: local anglers made headlines by ethically landing and releasing a massive 325-pound halibut.
Freshwater & Lagoon Fishing
Freshwater fishing stayed modest, dominated by early-arriving coho in lower roadside streams of the Kenai Peninsula. Anglers targeting coho had fair success fishing near mouths during incoming tides or at daybreak, using cured salmon roe or spinners. Dolly Varden remained slow in the upper reaches, with bead drifting as the most reliable technique.
The Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon hosted a youth-only day on August 2, complete with loaner rods, staff guidance, and high hopes. Coho targeting from shore using herring or cured salmon roe under a bobber proved effective for both young and seasoned anglers alike.
Silver Run Just Starting, Bottomfish Stay Hot
August 12, 2025
Homer’s fishing remains vibrant this August with strong runs of sockeye still in nearby rivers and marine waters. Silver salmon are starting to show up in small numbers in local streams and estuaries, with early actions at the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon and along the east side of the Homer Spit. Anglers targeting sockeye continue to find good numbers near China Poot Creek and other hotspots. Halibut fishing is steady over the continental shelf and deeper reef areas, with calm weather days providing the best opportunities.
Bottomfish like rockfish, lingcod, and Pacific cod are common catches inshore, with anglers reminded to follow species-specific bag limits and be aware of reduced retention rules for yelloweye rockfish. Surf fishing off the Homer Spit offers a variety of groundfish, including halibut, skates, and flounder, popular for anglers without boats.
Challenging Seas and Steady Success Keep Homer Fishing Active Through Late July
July 28, 2025
Fishing out of Homer has faced some challenging weather over the past week, with rough seas around mid to late July causing some trips to be adjusted. Despite the occasional big waves and long rides back, captains and crews managed to deliver strong catches for anglers once conditions settled. Anglers have enjoyed good success targeting salmon species amid these variable conditions, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of the local fishery.
Salmon fishing remains active with a variety of species still available, and the waters around Homer continue to provide a rewarding experience for anglers willing to brave the sometimes unsettled seas. The combination of strong fishing effort and improving weather suggests the potential for more good days ahead as the season advances. Anglers are advised to keep a close eye on weather forecasts and plan trips accordingly to make the most of Homer’s diverse and productive fishing opportunities.
July 19th, 2025
Fishing in Homer during July is in full stride, offering anglers a wealth of opportunities across both saltwater and shore. Halibut fishing remains a major draw, with steady action and the chance to reel in some sizable fish, especially when tides and weather cooperate. The key to consistent halibut catches is watching conditions and sometimes moving to new spots if the bite slows down.
King Salmon in the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon
King salmon have been staging in the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon (“Fishing Hole”) this July, providing a reliable and accessible opportunity for anglers of all experience levels. Kings are most commonly targeted by casting or drifting salmon roe, spinners, or herring beneath floats. Recent reports indicate fair numbers of kings in the lagoon, with bite periods best at incoming tides and early mornings.
Lingcod Season Opens Strong
Lingcod season opened at the start of the month, adding to the excitement. Those venturing out to rocky, deeper areas are reporting good results and solid catches of quality lingcod, remembering to observe the daily limit of one per person with a minimum size of 35 inches.
Peak Season Means Plenty of Options
Rockfish action is also strong, with pelagic and non-pelagic species available and excellent mixed-bag results on many trips. Anglers are reminded of the reduced pelagic rockfish bag limits, and yelloweye retention was closed during the earlier part of the summer.
Meanwhile, the first Coho salmon of the season are starting to show in the lagoon and Kachemak Bay, with stronger runs expected late in the month. Pink salmon numbers are already high in saltwater locations, giving anglers plenty of action near shorelines like Point Pogibshi.
Rounding things out, the beaches and Homer Spit are producing a mix of halibut, smaller sharks, and cod for those who prefer surf fishing. With lingcod season now open and the ongoing productivity of halibut and rockfish, July continues to offer diverse and memorable fishing experiences for both local residents and visiting families.
Halibut haul out of Homer with Big Dan’s June 29th.
Early Season
Halibut fishing is strong this season, with anglers seeing consistent action both offshore and from shore when the weather allows. Herring remains the go-to bait. Lingcod are providing good opportunities for those heading to deeper waters, and sculpins, flounders, and cod are being caught from the Spit. Coho salmon have been slow to show in Cook Inlet so far, but the season is still young. For freshwater anglers, remember that the Anchor River, Deep Creek, and Ninilchik River are closed to all sport fishing through July 15 to protect low salmon returns.
King salmon regulations are especially important this year. In Lower Cook Inlet salt waters south of Bluff Point, including Kachemak Bay, the daily limit is one king salmon of any size from April 1 through August 31. North of Bluff Point, king salmon fishing (including catch-and-release) is closed from May 1 through August 15, and any king salmon caught in this area must be released immediately and cannot be removed from the water. Bluff Point is a prominent headland about 4 to 5 miles northwest of Homer, marking the north entrance to Kachemak Bay. These rules are in place due to low king returns and can change quickly, so always check the latest updates from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game before heading out. Stay safe, fish responsibly, and enjoy all that Homer’s waters have to offer this summer
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