While Homer bills itself as the "Halibut Fishing Capital of the World," according to the chamber of commerce, salmon are equally prized by anglers. Homer's location at the southern end of the Sterling Highway ends on a 4.5-mile spit that extends into Kachemak Bay. The city's marina and many charter boat operators have seasonal operations based on the spit for saltwater salmon and halibut fishing. Nearby freshwater fishing destinations are also popular with salmon anglers.
Homer Halibut Derby
Because of Homer's love of halibut, the chamber of commerce holds a derby each summer, awarding prizes to resident and visiting anglers. Tickets must be purchased prior to heading out for a day of fishing to ensure any potential prize may be claimed. Local businesses sponsor tagged fish, for which the winning angler receives cash upon returning with the fish and unaltered tag. Random prizes are awarded to children and women anglers at the end of the season and for "left-handed" halibut. The largest prize is awarded to the angler landing the largest halibut of the season. Winning halibut often weigh over 300 lbs. and the prize money totals thousands of dollars.
Charter Fishing
Charter boat operators in Homer provide fishing gear and bait to anglers who board their vessels in hopes of catching their daily limits. Most charter boat captains have half-day or full-day tours available and leave at dawn from the marina. Halibut and salmon are both pursued from charter boats and many captains have their favorite locations for fishing both species. Once the fish are caught, charter boat staff may fillet the fish on board for their clients or keep them whole to hang from hooks outside the charter office for the perfect photo opportunity.
River Fishing
Homer's location on the Kenai Peninsula provides convenient access to several good rivers for catching salmon. The Kenai River has dedicated fishing spots for anglers at habitat-friendly facilities, according to the Kenai Peninsula Tourism Council. These facilities include elevated walkways, stairs and other modifications to protect the native habitat of the salmon and ensure their return each year. From the Crooked Creek and Kasilof River banks, anglers catch 20- to 40-lb. king salmon during the summer months. The Anchor River is 15 miles from Homer by highway and is popular during spring king salmon season.
Halibut and Salmon Regulations
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game establishes annual regulations to protect the salmon and halibut populations in Homer and across the state. As of 2010, up to five king salmon greater than 20 inches may be kept from the Anchor River for the year. At Deep Creek and the Ninilchik River, only two king salmon may be kept daily and only one may be wild rather than hatchery-produced. Halibut are limited to two per day, regardless of size. Charter boats are limited to one fishing line in the water per angler aboard.
Licensing
A license is required for all anglers over the age of 15 in Homer. King salmon stamps and harvest record cards are required for those planning to keep their daily limits.
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