If you’re wondering when the best time to fish in Homer, Alaska is, the answer depends on what you’re after. Homer offers year-round fishing opportunities, with different species peaking throughout the seasons. From summer halibut to chrome-bright winter kings and wintertime Tanner Crab, every month brings something special to the waters of Kachemak Bay and Cook Inlet
This guide breaks down what’s biting, when, and why so you can plan the perfect trip with Bad Chicken Charters.
Seasons
Overview of fishing seasons
Species
Peak Months
Good Months
SEASON
Notes
Halibut
June – August
May, September
May 15 – Sept 30
Strongest action and biggest fish mid-summer.
King Salmon
November – April
May, June
Year-round
“Winter Kings” offer exciting off-season fishing.
Coho Salmon
August – September
July, Aug
Late summer
Fast-paced fishing with lighter tackle.
Rockfish
June – September
May, October
Year-round
Great addition to combo and multi-species trips
Tanner Crab
November – February
Oct 1 – Feb 28
Seasonal fishery paired with Winter King trips.
Species
Halibut
Peak Months
June – August
Good Months
May, September
SEASON
May 15 – Sept 30
Notes
Strongest action and biggest fish mid-summer.
Species
King Salmon
Peak Months
November – April
Good Months
May, June
SEASON
Year-round
Notes
“Winter Kings” offer exciting off-season fishing.
Species
Coho Salmon
Peak Months
August – September
Good Months
July
SEASON
Late summer
Notes
Fast-paced fishing with lighter tackle.
Species
Rockfish
Peak Months
June – September
Good Months
May, October
SEASON
Year-round
Notes
Great addition to combo and multi-species trips
Species
Tanner Crab
Peak Months
November – February
Good Months
SEASON
Oct 1 – Feb 28
Notes
Seasonal fishery paired with Winter King trips.
Spring
(May – June)
Spring marks the start of the fishing season in Homer. Halibut begin to move into shallower waters, and early-season anglers enjoy less boat traffic and good weather windows.
King Salmon can also be caught nearshore, and rockfish start to become active.
Best trips for spring:
Halibut Charters
Halibut & Salmon Combo Charters
Why go:
Comfortable weather, calmer seas, fewer crowds, and quality halibut.
Summer
(July – August)
Summer is the prime fishing season in Homer. Halibut, salmon, and rockfish are all abundant, giving anglers the best chance at multiple species in a single trip. This is when our Combo and Multi-Species Charters are at their peak.
Best trips for summer:
Multi-Species Charters
Combo Charters
Halibut Charters
Why go:
Comfortable weather, calmer seas, fewer crowds, and quality halibut.
Fall
(September – October)
As summer crowds taper off, fall offers excellent fishing for Silvers (Coho) and Rockfish. Halibut remain available until the end of September, and Winter King Salmon start to appear in October.
Best trips for spring:
Salmon Charters
Combo Charters
Winter King & Crab Charters
Why go:
Great late-season salmon action and fewer boats on the water.
Winter
(November – April)
Winter in Homer brings one of Alaska’s most unique fisheries: Winter King Salmon and Tanner Crab. With calm conditions and snow-covered mountains as your backdrop, it’s a truly special Alaskan experience.
Best trips for spring:
Winter King Salmon & Tanner Crab Charters
Why go:
Year-round fishing opportunity, less pressure, and unbeatable seafood.
season
Choosing the right time for you
If you’re visiting Alaska primarily to catch halibut or salmon, June through August are the best months for overall fishing and weather.
If you want something quieter and more local, October through April offers a completely different side of Homer, one that few visitors ever experience.
Goal
Peak Months
Catching Quality Halibut
June – August
Variety of Species
July – August
Peak Silver Salmon Fishing
August – September
Winter King & Crab Adventure
November – February
September Light Crowds & Calm Waters
May or September
Goal
Catching Trophy Halibut
Peak Months
June – August
Goal
Variety of Species
Peak Months
July – August
Goal
Peak Silver Salmon Fishing
Peak Months
August – September
Goal
Winter King & Crab Adventure
Peak Months
November – February
Goal
September Light Crowds & Calm Waters
Peak Months
May or September
get started
Book according to the season
No matter when you visit, Bad Chicken Charters offers trips tailored to the best opportunities each month.
Our captain monitors tides, weather, and migration patterns daily to ensure you’re always fishing where the bite is best.