Winter Fishing Trip in Homer, Alaska
Shared Trip
Inshore Fishing
Winter fishing season runs October through April in HomerInshore fishing trip accommodates single guest with experienced guidesCold weather fishing adventure in Alaska's scenic coastal waters
When most folks are packing up their rods for winter, Homer's inshore waters are just hitting their stride. From October through April, this legendary Alaskan fishing town transforms into a winter angler's paradise where the crowds thin out but the fish keep biting. Your solo adventure with Blount Adventures puts you right in the heart of some of the most productive winter fishing Alaska has to offer. The crisp air, snow-dusted mountains, and surprisingly active waters create the perfect backdrop for landing trophy halibut, rockfish, and even late-season salmon. Don't worry about experience level—our guides know these waters like the back of their hand and love sharing their local secrets with anglers ready for something different.
Winter fishing in Homer isn't your typical summer charter experience, and that's exactly what makes it special. You'll have the boat practically to yourself with our single-guest capacity, meaning no fighting for rail space or waiting your turn at the best spots. The water stays surprisingly fishable through winter thanks to the protected nature of Kachemak Bay, though you'll want to dress for Alaska weather—layers are your best friend out here. Our guides adjust tactics based on daily conditions, focusing on deeper structure where fish hold during colder months. The shortened daylight hours actually work in your favor since we can time our trips around peak feeding windows when fish are most aggressive. Plus, there's something magical about watching the sunrise paint those snow-covered peaks while you're already working a promising drift.
Winter inshore fishing requires a different approach than summer techniques, and that's where local knowledge pays off big time. We primarily focus on bottom fishing with heavy jigs and bait rigs, targeting the deeper holes and drop-offs where fish congregate during colder months. Circle hooks with fresh herring or salmon bellies work wonders for halibut, while smaller jigs tipped with shrimp are deadly on rockfish. The key is fishing slow and methodical—these fish aren't as active as their summer counterparts, but they're often bigger and more willing to commit when they do bite. We'll set you up with proper cold-weather gear recommendations and make sure your tackle box is stocked with proven winter patterns. The boat comes equipped with heated cabin space for warming up between drifts, because comfort matters when you're spending hours working the water.
Atlantic Halibut are the undisputed kings of Homer's winter waters, and for good reason. These flatfish don't hibernate—they just get hungrier and more concentrated in deeper water. Winter halibut average bigger than summer fish, with 50-100 pounders not uncommon during prime months. They're ambush predators that lay motionless on sandy bottoms until prey wanders too close, which is why a slow, deliberate presentation works so well. The fight from a big winter halibut is legendary—they use that flat body to plane through the water like a submarine door, testing your drag and patience. Most anglers say landing their first winter barn door halibut is a bucket list moment.
Vermilion Rockfish bring consistent action when the halibut bite slows down. These bright red beauties live in rocky structure and caves, making them perfect targets around Homer's underwater pinnacles and boulder fields. They school up tight in winter, so when you find one, there's usually a dozen more nearby. Vermilions fight pound-for-pound as hard as any fish in these waters, diving straight down and using every rock crevice to their advantage. They're also fantastic table fare with firm white meat that's perfect for fish tacos or beer batter.
Yelloweye Rockfish are the granddaddies of the rockfish family, living 100+ years and growing massive in Alaska's nutrient-rich waters. These golden-orange giants prefer deeper water and are most active during winter months when they move shallower to feed. A 20-pound yelloweye is considered a trophy catch, and their prehistoric appearance never fails to impress. They're incredibly smart fish that spook easily, which makes them a fun challenge for experienced anglers. The meat is exceptional—mild, flaky, and perfect for grilling.
Chinook Salmon might surprise you on a winter trip, but Homer's unique geography keeps some fish around longer than other areas. These late-season kings are typically darker and more aggressive, staging in deeper water before their final spawning push. Landing a winter chinook is like finding a twenty-dollar bill in an old jacket—unexpected but incredibly satisfying. They average 15-25 pounds and fight with the desperation of fish running out of time.
Winter fishing in Homer isn't just about catching fish—it's about experiencing Alaska the way most visitors never see it. The combination of world-class angling, stunning winter scenery, and personalized attention makes this trip a standout choice for serious anglers. Whether you're chasing your personal best halibut or just want to try something completely different, our winter season delivers consistent action with trophy potential. The limited season from October through April means spots fill up fast, especially during prime winter months. Don't wait until spring regret hits—book your winter fishing adventure now and discover why locals consider this the best-kept secret in Alaska fishing.
This 30' Chris Craft Obsession Ray Hunt Sportfisher is your perfect winter fishing companion in Homer's chilly waters. Twin 240HP Yanmar engines push her to 21 knots, cutting through Alaska's winter seas with ease while keeping up to 6 anglers comfortable during those long cold-water sessions. The fish finder helps locate those winter holdouts beneath the surface, while GPS keeps you on course when visibility drops. VHF radio ensures you stay connected with other boats and shore. Built tough for Alaska's demanding conditions, she's got the power to get you to the productive fishing spots and back safely. The enclosed cabin provides welcome relief from winter winds between bites, and the onboard toilet means longer fishing days without heading back to port. Whether you're targeting lingcod, rockfish, or whatever's biting during Alaska's unique winter season, this sportfisher handles the rough stuff so you can focus on working your lines and landing fish when the water's cold but the action heats up.
Hippoglossus HippoglossusThe Atlantic Halibut is the world's largest flatfish and one heck of a fighter. These diamond-shaped giants average around 30 pounds but can hit 100+ pounds in our cold Alaska waters. They're deep brown with white spots and hang out on the bottom in 150-500 feet of water. Winter months are perfect since they stay deeper where it's more stable. What makes them special? That fight - they're incredibly strong swimmers that'll test your gear and endurance. Plus, the meat is absolutely top-notch table fare. Here's a local tip: use the drift method with heavy tackle and let the boat's movement work your bait naturally. Don't rush the fight - tire them out completely before trying to boat one, or they'll break your gear.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the ultimate Alaska prize - the largest Pacific salmon that can reach 30+ pounds in our waters. These silver-sided fighters with blue-green backs and black-spotted fins are incredibly strong. They cruise deeper waters and move into bays during winter months, staying down where it's darker since they're light-sensitive. What makes them legendary is that raw power and the best table fare you'll find - that rich, orange meat is unmatched. Early morning and evening are prime times when they're most active. Local trick: troll deep with heavy downriggers and use bright colors like chartreuse-blue on sunny days, darker purple-black combos when it's overcast. Keep your bait swimming naturally and be ready for a serious fight when one hits.
Sebastes MiniatusThese bright red beauties with black mottling are a favorite winter target around Homer. Vermilion rockfish typically run 14-22 inches and about 5-15 pounds, hanging around rocky bottoms and reefs between 100-500 feet deep. They're homebodies too - some stay in the same rock pile for years. Winter fishing is ideal since they stay put in deeper structure where conditions are stable. What guests love about them is they're scrappy fighters for their size and make excellent eating. The bright red color makes them a real prize in the fish box. My go-to tip: use a simple two-hook rig with squid strips and fish it right on the bottom. No need to get fancy - just keep your bait in the rocks where they live and be patient.
Sebastes RuberrimusThe Yelloweye is Alaska's trophy rockfish - those bright yellow eyes are unmistakable. These orange-red beauties average 5-15 pounds but can push 25+ pounds up here. They're loners living deep in rocky structure from 100-800 feet, getting deeper as they age. Winter's actually great since they hold tight to structure and feed consistently. What makes them special is the incredible fight they put up from deep water, plus that sweet, delicate meat that's hard to beat. Some of these fish are 50+ years old, so you're catching something truly ancient. Here's the key: bring stout bottom tackle and heavy jigs. Once you hook one in the rocks, you've got to muscle them up fast or they'll wrap you around a boulder and break off.
Homer, AK