Fly Fishing in Homer, Alaska

Homer, Alaska, is known for its saltwater fishing in Kachemak Bay for halibut weighing hundreds of pounds. Located south of Anchorage on the Kenai Peninsula, the Homer area also offers convenient access to freshwater fly fishing on many nearby rivers, lakes and streams. Salmon and trout of several species are available in the Homer area for anglers of all skill levels and experience.

  1. Lure Restrictions in Freshwater

    • Flies are subject to certain restrictions.

      In the areas surrounding Homer, restrictions are placed by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG) on the types of hooks and lures used for freshwater fishing. One unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure is allowed in all flowing waters when fishing for all species of fish on the Kenai Peninsula. If beads are used, they must be fished ahead of flies, lures or bare hooks and fixed within two inches of the hook, or they must be able to slide the length of the leader or line.

    Salmon Fishing

    • King salmon are the prized catch of most Homer fly fishers, and the season opening draws hundreds to the area's rivers. Other salmon are also popular and not subject to the strict limits and seasons of king salmon. Daily limits for salmon other than king are three per day over 16 inches, except coho salmon, which are restricted to two. Salmon other than king less than 16 inches are limited to 10 per day. The season for salmon fishing, other than kings, is for the duration of the entire year, as established by the ADFG.

    Rainbow and Steelhead Trout Fishing

    • Trout are found in the freshwater surrounding Homer.

      Rainbow and steelhead trout populate many lakes and rivers in the Homer area and are open for fly fishing all year. An annual limit of two fish more than 20 inches in length applies to rainbow and steelhead trout from anywhere on the Kenai Peninsula. Trout below 20 inches are limited to two per day from either flowing waters or lakes and ponds.

    Locations

    • Experience Alaska's beauty while fishing for salmon.

      The Anchor River, Deep Creek and the Ninilchik River streams are all located within 30 minutes of Homer and together are known as "the oldest and most traditional recreational king salmon fisheries on the Kenai Peninsula," according to the ADFG. Anglers line the banks of all three streams and use flies on medium to heavy action or spinning rods. Other popular locations include the Kasilof River, Crooked Creek and Whiskey Gulch. In addition to king salmon, all six locations feature silver and red salmon, trout and Dolly Varden.

    Licensing

    • A license is required to fish in Alaska for all anglers over the age of 15 and Alaskan residents between the ages of 15 and 59. Annual licenses are valid through Dec. 31 of the year purchased, and king salmon stamps are required with a few exceptions for certain Alaskan residents. Licenses for one, three, seven or 14 days are also available for visitors planning shorter fishing trips. More than 110,000 sport fishing licenses were issued to Alaskan residents in 2009, while non-residents purchased just under 13,000.