Fishing in Homer, Alaska

Tustumena Lake

Tustumena Lake is located north of Homer. At a size of almost 73,000 acres and a depth around 950 feet, Tustumena is the biggest lake on the Kenai Peninsula. It is fed by many creeks flowing out of the mountains and from glaciers. Because of the glacier waters, the water is only clear down to a depth of about 7 feet, but if you want to fish it, you will be rewarded with large salmon. The lake has all five varieties of salmon, with sockeye having the most numbers. This is because the state has been stocking the lake with sockeye since 1974. Other fish found in the lake include rainbow, lake and bull trout. Boats must be carried in or float down one of the tributaries.

Skilak Lake

Skilak Lake is north of Homer near the other end of the peninsula. The lake has salmon and lake trout as well as rainbow trout and dolly varden. The lake is fed by the Kenai River. It is around 15 miles long and between one and four miles across at various points. Boat ramps can be found at the two campgrounds located on the lake, and bank fishing is possible from several places. Water is cloudy closer to the area where the river enters the lake, but it clears up considerably by the time it flows out.

Cook Inlet

Cook Inlet is a prime location to catch halibut and salmon. A license must be purchased before going out on the water. If using a charter service, licenses can normally be purchased through the charter service and all equipment is provided. Halibut is available most of the year. Two are allowed per day as long as they each weight 25 pounds or less. Fishing is possible from the shore if you are without a boat. Closer to shore, you are more likely to catch salmon and trout.