Winter Private Fishing Trip in Homer, Alaska
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private winter fishing charter for up to 6 guestsExpert guides provide personalized offshore fishing experienceOperates October through April in Homer waters
When most folks are hanging up their rods for the season, we're just getting started with something special. This private winter fishing charter runs from October through April, taking you into Homer's legendary waters when they're at their most peaceful. You'll have the boat to yourself – up to 6 anglers max – which means no crowded rails, no rushing, and plenty of room to work those deep-water rockfish and halibut that call these waters home year-round.
Winter fishing in Homer is a completely different game than summer, and that's exactly why we love it. The tourist crowds are long gone, leaving you with pristine fishing grounds and fish that haven't seen a hook in months. We're targeting structure and drop-offs where vermilion rockfish, yelloweye rockfish, and Atlantic halibut hang out during the colder months. The scenery is absolutely stunning – snow-capped mountains, crisp air, and water so clear you can see your bait working down there. Since this is your private charter, we can adjust the day based on what you want. Feel like staying on a hot bite? We'll stick with it. Want to try a different spot? Your call. The flexibility of having your own boat and guide makes all the difference when conditions and fish behavior can change quickly in winter.
Winter bottom fishing is all about precision and patience. We'll be anchoring over rocky structure and drop-offs, using heavy sinkers to get your bait down to where these fish are holding in 150-300 feet of water. The rockfish species we're after love hanging around underwater pinnacles and boulder fields, so we'll be working jigs tipped with cut bait or whole herring right along the bottom. For halibut, we'll switch up to circle hooks with salmon heads or large pieces of rockfish – these flatfish are opportunistic feeders and winter is actually prime time since they're bulking up and less spooky. The cold water means fish move slower, so you'll need to work your presentations deliberately. Don't expect the aggressive strikes you get in summer – winter bites can be subtle, just a slight tick or heaviness on the line. We provide all the rods, reels, and tackle suited for this type of fishing, including downriggers when conditions call for it.
Vermilion rockfish are the bread and butter of this fishery, and winter is when they really shine. These bright red beauties typically run 3-8 pounds and have some of the best-tasting white meat you'll find in Alaska waters. They school up around rocky structure in 200-400 feet, and once you find them, you can often fill your limit pretty quickly. What makes them special is their fighting spirit – they'll dive for the rocks and test your drag even at smaller sizes. Plus, they're beautiful fish with their bright red coloration and spiny fins that make for great photos.
Yelloweye rockfish are the trophy catch of the trip. These guys can live over 100 years and grow massive – we're talking 15-30 pound fish that'll bend your rod in half. They're less common than vermilions but when you hook into one, you'll know it immediately. Yelloweyes are ambush predators that sit motionless near structure waiting for prey, which makes them perfect targets for our bottom fishing approach. The big ones fight like bulldogs, using their bulk and the current to try to break you off on the rocks below.
Atlantic halibut are the wild card that can make your whole trip. While they're not native to these waters, the ones here have adapted well and provide some serious rod-bending action. Winter halibut in the 20-50 pound range are common, with occasional monsters pushing 100+ pounds. These fish are pure muscle and will test every knot and connection on your tackle. What's really cool is how they feed in winter – they'll move up from the deep to hunt around structure where rockfish congregate, making them prime targets on the same spots we're fishing.
This isn't your typical summer charter experience – it's something completely different and honestly, more rewarding in a lot of ways. The winter fishing season in Homer offers some of the best bottom fishing of the year, with fish that are hungry, aggressive, and living in some of the most beautiful water you'll ever see. Having the boat to yourself means you can fish at your own pace, spend time on productive spots, and really get to know these species and techniques. Whether you're an experienced angler looking for a new challenge or someone who wants to experience Alaska fishing without the crowds, this private winter charter delivers. The season runs through April 30th, so you've got plenty of time to plan your trip. Just remember to bring warm layers – the fish don't mind the cold, but you'll want to stay comfortable while you're reeling them in.
Your winter fishing adventure in Homer relies on our sturdy 30' Obsession Ray Hunt Sportfisher - a Chris Craft built for Alaska's challenging waters. Twin 240HP Yanmar engines push this beauty to 21 knots, getting you to prime fishing spots fast while the seas are calm. The boat handles six anglers comfortably, with plenty of deck space for battling those winter halibut and lingcod that Homer's famous for. Modern fish finder technology helps locate schools hiding in deeper winter waters, while GPS keeps you on productive fishing grounds. VHF radio ensures safe communication with the harbor, crucial during Alaska's shorter winter days. The enclosed cabin provides welcome shelter from cold winds between fishing spots, and the onboard facilities mean longer fishing days without heading back to shore. This reliable workhorse has the power and features needed for serious winter fishing in Kachemak Bay's productive waters.
Hippoglossus HippoglossusThe world's largest flatfish and a true test of your fishing skills. These diamond-shaped giants average around 30 pounds and 4 feet, but the big ones can stretch over 8 feet and several hundred pounds. They cruise deep waters from 150-500 feet, hunting everything from cod to crustaceans along muddy and sandy bottoms. Winter is prime time when they're active in deeper water before their spring spawn. The fight is legendary - they're powerful swimmers that'll give you a workout. The meat quality is restaurant-grade, making them highly sought after. Here's the key: use the drift method with heavy tackle and let the boat movement work your bait naturally. Once hooked, tire them out completely before trying to boat them - they've been known to break bones with those powerful tail slaps.
Sebastes MiniatusThese bright red beauties with their black-mottled backs are solid winter targets around Homer's rocky structure. Most vermilion run 14-22 inches and fight harder than you'd expect for their size. They hang out between 100-500 feet down, tucked into boulder piles and rocky reefs where they hunt squid and small fish. Winter months are prime time since they stay put in deeper spots. What makes them special is the sweet, firm meat that's hard to beat on the dinner table. They can live 100+ years and get territorial, so once you find them, work that same area thoroughly. Pro tip: use a two-hook rig with squid strips in deep water - they're curious but cautious, so let your bait sit still near the bottom structure.
Sebastes RuberrimusThose distinctive yellow eyes aren't just for show - these are some of Alaska's most prized rockfish. Adults average 5-15 pounds but can push 25+ in our northern waters. They live deep, from 60-1800 feet, with older fish going deeper into rocky reefs and boulder fields. The meat is sweet and delicate, making them a favorite among guests who want quality table fare. These fish can live over 100 years and often spend their whole lives around the same rock pile. Winter fishing puts them in their comfort zone at depth. They're strong fighters that'll test your gear once hooked. My advice: bring heavy tackle and natural bait. When you hook up, keep steady pressure - they'll try to get back into the rocks where they've been hiding for decades.
Homer, AK