Fall Multi Species Fishing Adventure in Homer Alaska
Shared Trip
Inshore Fishing
Multispecies fall fishing targeting halibut, salmon, and rockfishPrivate charter accommodates single guest in Homer watersAutumn fishing experience with vibrant seasonal backdrop
Picture this: you're standing on deck in crisp fall air, rod in hand, watching the autumn colors paint the Kenai Peninsula while waiting for that telltale tug on your line. This is what our multi-species fishing charter in Homer delivers – a personalized fishing adventure where you'll target some of Alaska's most prized catches. With just you and our experienced captain, you'll hit prime spots where halibut, salmon, and rockfish are actively feeding as they prepare for winter. Homer's fall fishing season offers cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and fish that are aggressive and hungry. It's the perfect time to experience Alaska's renowned fishing without the summer rush.
Your day starts early at Homer Harbor, where you'll meet your captain and get a quick rundown of the game plan. Fall fishing in Kachemak Bay means we're working waters that are rich with baitfish and structure that hold our target species. The trip is designed for one angler, so you get the full attention of your guide and can fish at your own pace. We'll typically start by working deeper waters for halibut, then move to areas where rockfish and salmon are concentrated. The fall season brings unique opportunities – salmon are still moving through on their spawning runs, halibut are feeding heavily before winter, and rockfish are schooled up in predictable spots. Expect to change techniques throughout the day as we adapt to what's biting and where the action is hottest.
We'll be using a variety of techniques to maximize your chances with multiple species. For halibut, we're talking heavy tackle with circle hooks and plenty of weight to get down to where these flatfish are holding. Salmon fishing means switching to lighter gear, working with flashers and hoochies or bait depending on what they're hitting. Rockfish require a different approach entirely – we'll drop jigs and soft plastics around structure where these colorful bottom dwellers congregate. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait are provided, though you're welcome to bring your own gear if you have favorites. The boat is equipped with a fish finder and GPS to locate productive areas, plus all the safety equipment required for Alaska waters. Since it's fall, dress in layers and bring rain gear – Alaska weather can change quickly, and staying warm and dry makes for better fishing.
Atlantic Halibut are the crown jewel of Homer fishing, and fall offers some of the best opportunities to hook into these massive flatfish. These bottom-dwelling predators can range from "chicken" halibut around 10-20 pounds up to true monsters exceeding 100 pounds. Fall halibut are feeding aggressively before winter sets in, making them more likely to hit your bait. They're ambush predators that lie camouflaged on the bottom, waiting for baitfish, octopus, or crab to pass overhead. When a big halibut hits, you'll know it – the fight is a test of endurance as these fish use their broad, flat bodies to create maximum resistance. Landing a quality halibut is a bucket-list experience that keeps anglers coming back to Alaska year after year.
Vermilion Rockfish are one of the most beautiful catches you'll encounter, with their bright red and orange coloration that really pops against the fall backdrop. These fish typically run 2-8 pounds and are found around rocky reefs and kelp beds in 100-300 feet of water. They're aggressive biters that will hit jigs, bait, and soft plastics with enthusiasm. Vermilion rockfish are excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for fish and chips or grilling. They school up in good numbers, so when you find them, you can often catch several before they wise up or move on.
Yelloweye Rockfish are the granddaddies of the rockfish family, with some specimens living over 100 years and reaching impressive sizes up to 30 pounds. Their distinctive yellow eyes and mottled red-and-yellow coloration make them easy to identify. These fish prefer deeper rocky areas and are typically found in 200-600 feet of water. Yelloweye are prized both for their size and their excellent eating qualities. They're not as abundant as other rockfish species, making each one a special catch. The fight is powerful but different from halibut – more of a bulldogging, head-shaking battle as they try to get back to the rocks.
Chinook Salmon, also known as King salmon, are Alaska's premier salmon species and fall offers opportunities to intercept fish on their spawning migrations. These silver bullets can range from 15-50 pounds, with the occasional giant pushing even larger. Fall Chinook are typically bright and strong, having spent the summer feeding in the ocean before heading to rivers. They're caught by trolling with flashers and bait or lures, and when one hits, the fight is explosive. Kings are known for their long runs, aerial displays, and stubborn battles. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for grilling, smoking, or sashimi.
Fall fishing in Homer offers something you can't get during the busy summer season – a personalized, focused fishing experience where you're the only angler on board. The combination of aggressive fish, beautiful autumn scenery, and cooler weather creates ideal conditions for a memorable day on the water. With multiple species to target, you'll stay busy throughout the trip and have the chance to learn different techniques from your experienced captain. This isn't just about catching fish – it's about experiencing Alaska's world-class fishing at its finest. Don't let another fall season slip by without getting out on Kachemak Bay. Book your multi-species charter today and get ready for the kind of fishing adventure that creates lifelong memories and keeps you planning your next trip back to Homer.
Set out on Homer's productive waters aboard our 30-foot Obsession Ray Hunt Sportfisher, a Chris Craft built for serious anglers targeting Alaska's diverse fall species. Twin 240HP Yanmar engines push this capable fishing platform at 21 knots, getting you to the halibut holes and salmon runs efficiently. The boat handles Alaska's changing fall conditions with confidence while offering room for up to 6 anglers to work the rails comfortably. Essential fishing electronics include GPS for marking productive spots, VHF radio for safety communication, and fish finder technology to locate schools of rockfish and bottom structure where big halibut feed. The onboard facilities keep you comfortable during longer fishing sessions, while the proven hull design cuts through Homer's waters smoothly. Perfect for targeting the mixed bag of species that make fall fishing in Kachemak Bay so productive.
Hippoglossus HippoglossusThese massive flatfish are the giants of our waters, averaging 30 pounds but capable of hitting 200+ pounds. You'll find them on sandy bottoms between 150-500 feet, where they ambush prey like cod and crabs. Fall offers great fishing when they're feeding heavily before winter. What makes halibut special is the combination of their incredible strength and premium table fare - firm, white meat that's hard to beat. The fight is legendary; they'll test your gear and stamina. Here's a key tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and be patient. Don't try to horse them up too fast or you'll lose them at the boat.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweights of the salmon world, averaging 15-20 pounds with some monsters pushing 40+ pounds in Alaska waters. They cruise deep waters and feed heavily on herring, squid, and small fish. Fall brings hungry kings moving through our area, making for prime fishing. What makes kings special is their powerful runs and jumps plus that rich, orange meat that's perfect for the grill. They're light-sensitive so expect better action in low light or deeper water. My tip: troll with herring or spoons at varying depths until you find where they're holding. Once you hook up, keep steady pressure and let your drag work.
Sebastes MiniatusThese bright red beauties with black mottling are a favorite around Homer's rocky structure. Most run 14-22 inches and put up a scrappy fight for their size. You'll find them hugging rocky bottoms and reefs between 100-500 feet, though some live deeper. Fall is prime time when they're actively feeding before winter. What guests love about vermilion is their reliability - they bite well and make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. They're also beautiful fish that photograph well. Pro tip: use a simple two-hook rig with strips of squid or small bait fish. Keep it near the bottom and don't overwork your bait - let it drift naturally.
Sebastes RuberrimusThe golden eyes give these rockfish away instantly. These are trophy-sized rockfish that average 5-15 pounds but can push 25+ pounds up here in Alaska. They live deep around rocky structure from 60-600 feet, with bigger fish holding deeper. Fall fishing is solid when they're feeding before winter slowdown. Guests chase yelloweye for their size, fight, and that sweet delicate meat that's hard to match. They're also long-lived fish that can hit 100+ years old. Key tip: bring heavy gear and stout tackle since you'll need to pull them out of rocky cover quickly. Use heavy jigs or natural bait, and fish right on the bottom where they hide.
Homer, AK