Homer, Alaska is home to the Homer Spit. The gravel bar reaches 4.5 miles out to sea and is home to some of the best fishing opportunities in the state.
Homer, Alaska is a small city located right on the shore of the Kachemak Bay. In March of 1964, the area suffered a large earthquake, known as the Good Friday earthquake. Much of the area sank, including the Homer Spit, rendering it unable to grow vegetation. About 52% of the town’s land is water, making it a great place to go fishing.
The climate in the area is not as drastic as farther north in Alaska. With the average temperatures running from just below freezing to highs in the 70s for summer, it makes for a very comfortable atmosphere for a fishing excursion. The area got its name from a local coal miner named Homer Pennock who lived in the area around 1896. He attempted to mine gold for a few years but quickly found it was not profitable in the area.
Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby
Each year, Homer is the host of the Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby. It is the longest running halibut derby in the state of Alaska. Cash prizes are up for grabs for the catch between a set of dates from May to September. There are multiple categories to enter in the derby with something for everyone, even including a kids’ prize. If you are planning to take part in the derby, make reservations way ahead of time because thousands flock to the area to take part.
The Fishing Hole
Out near the Homer Spit, a group of engineers dug a small lake. As the tide comes in, it is in the perfect spot and the tide plus the salmon come right into the hole. It is the perfect fishing spot, especially for those who are just starting out. Kids love fishing at the Fishing Hole and many people come here to start their fishing skills.
Tidal Changes
The changing tides are fairly predictable in Homer, making it easy to determine the best fishing conditions. On the days with the best conditions, chartered trips tend to fill up very quickly. To avoid missing out, we recommend you look ahead and book your fishing trips before getting to the area. A top fishing guide in the area will be able to help you determine the schedule of the tides in order to have the best fishing conditions on your trip.
Species of Fish
Because of the diverse landscape, Homer plays host to a variety of fish. The uniqueness of the Homer Spit offers coverage and hiding places for some fish, giving visitors a chance to catch a prize-winning fish. This is a short list of some of the most popular fish you will find in the
Homer area:
- King salmon
- Coho salmon
- Pink salmon
- Halibut
- Rockfish
- Lingcod
- Tanner crab
- Dungeness crab
- Razor clam
- Dolly Varden trout
- Rainbow trout
- Steelhead
Your Fishing Trip to Homer Isn’t Complete Without the Best Fishing Guide
If you are looking to plan a trip to the Homer area, contact one of these dependable local guides. They can help you determine the schedule for the tides as well as the best places to stay during your trip.