Halibut Salmon Combo Fishing in Homer Alaska
Shared Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target halibut and salmon on Homer's pristine watersExpert guides assist anglers of all experience levelsPeak season pricing reflects exclusive summer fishing access
Homer's got a reputation for a reason – this place is where serious anglers come to get their lines wet for some of Alaska's most prized fish. Our halibut salmon combo trips put you right in the action on Kachemak Bay, where the bottom structure holds monster flatfish and the currents bring in waves of salmon. You'll be fishing these productive waters with gear that's built for the job, and I'll make sure you're set up right whether you've been chasing fish for decades or just picked up your first rod. The scenery's a bonus – snow-capped peaks, eagles overhead, and water so clear you can watch your gear work. But let's be honest, you're here for the fish, and Homer delivers like nowhere else in Alaska.
We'll launch from Homer's famous Spit and head out into Kachemak Bay, where the fishing changes with the tide and the season. Most days we're looking at 6-8 hours on the water, giving us time to work both the halibut grounds and the salmon runs. The boat's rigged with downriggers, heavy bottom tackle, and all the terminal gear you'll need – no need to stress about bringing the right setup. We start early to beat the crowds and hit the prime feeding windows. Expect to bounce between different spots as conditions change. When the salmon are running hot, we might spend more time trolling the current breaks. If the halibut are biting deep, we'll anchor up and work the bottom structure. Weather can shift fast out here, so we dress in layers and stay flexible with our game plan.
For halibut, we're talking serious bottom fishing – heavy sinkers, circle hooks, and bait that stays put in the current. I'll rig you up with 2-4 pound weights depending on the drift, and we're using everything from herring to salmon bellies for bait. The key is keeping your offering right on the deck where these flatfish feed. For salmon, we switch gears completely – downriggers running flashers and spoons, or we might troll with diving planes if the fish are scattered. The Chinooks here love big presentations, so don't be surprised when I clip on a 6-inch spoon or a whole herring behind a dodger. We adjust depths constantly based on what the fish finder shows us. Circle hooks are mandatory for halibut – they hook cleaner and give you better survival rates on any fish you release. I keep multiple rods rigged so we can switch tactics fast when the bite changes.
Chinook salmon in Homer waters are the real deal – we're talking fish that average 15-25 pounds, with plenty of 30-pounders mixed in during peak season. These kings show up in good numbers from May through August, with July being absolutely lights-out for trophy fish. They're incredibly strong fighters that'll test your drag system and make long runs when hooked. What makes Chinooks special here is they're feeding heavily in the rich waters of Kachemak Bay before heading to their spawning rivers. They hit hard and fight harder, often jumping clear of the water multiple times. The meat quality is outstanding – firm, red flesh that's perfect for grilling or smoking. Peak season runs from mid-June through July, when fresh ocean-bright fish are pushing through in big schools.
Atlantic halibut are the prize catch that put Homer on the fishing map, and for good reason. These bottom-dwellers grow massive in Alaska's cold waters – we regularly boat fish from 20-60 pounds, and every season produces some real giants over 100 pounds. They're ambush predators that lie flat on sandy bottoms, waiting for baitfish to swim overhead. When a halibut hits, there's no mistaking it – they grab your bait and head for the bottom with serious power. The fight is a marathon, not a sprint, especially on the bigger fish. What makes halibut fishing here special is the structure – underwater plateaus, drop-offs, and rocky areas that concentrate these fish. Summer months from June through September are prime time, when water temperatures bring the most active feeding. The meat is firm, white, and mild – some of the best eating fish in Alaska waters.
Homer's combo fishing trips book up fast during peak season, especially those prime summer dates when both species are firing. The window for top-quality fishing is shorter than you think – July and early August are when everything comes together perfectly. Water temps, bait concentrations, and fish migrations all align during these weeks. Don't wait until the last minute to secure your dates, because the best fishing coincides with when everyone wants to be here. Weather delays happen, so building some flexibility into your Alaska trip pays off. Book early, pack your appetite for some serious fishing action, and get ready to see why Homer's reputation for world-class angling keeps growing. Whether you're after a freezer full of fillets or that trophy fish photo, this combo trip puts you on the species that make Alaska fishing legendary.
Your fishing adventure launches aboard the 30' Obsession Ray Hunt Sportfisher, a Chris Craft beauty built for serious angling in Alaska's legendary waters. Twin 240HP Yanmar engines cruise at 21 knots, getting you to the hottest halibut and salmon spots around Homer quickly and smoothly. The boat handles beautifully whether you're drifting over deep halibut grounds or working salmon runs closer to shore. Equipped with GPS navigation and fish finder technology, your captain can pinpoint the most productive fishing areas while the VHF radio keeps you connected to other boats sharing intel on where the fish are biting. The spacious layout gives you plenty of room to fight those barn-door halibut that Homer is famous for, plus all the salmon action you can handle. With comfortable seating and onboard facilities including a head, you can focus on what matters most – landing trophy fish in some of Alaska's most productive waters. This sportfisher delivers the perfect platform for targeting both halibut and salmon during Homer's prime summer season.
Hippoglossus HippoglossusAtlantic halibut are absolute giants that can stretch over 8 feet and weigh several hundred pounds, though most we catch run 30-60 pounds. These diamond-shaped flatfish are bottom dwellers that pack serious muscle and will test every bit of your gear. They hang out in depths from 150 to 500 feet over rocky bottoms and structure. The fight is what hooks people - they're incredibly strong swimmers that'll make long powerful runs and try to wrap you around anything they can find. Plus, the meat is some of the best eating you'll find - firm white fillets that are restaurant quality. Summer months give us the best action when they move into shallower feeding areas. My advice: use heavy tackle and when you hook up, keep that rod tip up and maintain steady pressure. These fish have broken more than a few bones when anglers got careless bringing them to the boat.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweights of the salmon world, averaging 15-20 pounds but we see some monsters pushing 30+ pounds in these waters. They've got that distinctive black mouth and gums, plus dark spots scattered across their silver bodies. What makes them special is that incredible fight - these fish have serious power and won't give up easy. The meat is rich and buttery with that deep red-orange color that's perfect for the grill. Summer is prime time here in Homer, especially early morning and evening when they're most active. They like to stay deep, so we'll get your bait down to where they're hiding. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse it - let the fish tire itself out or you'll risk breaking off what might be the fish of a lifetime.
Homer, AK