Area Sport Fishing Reports
Southern Kenai/LCI

August 7, 2026

Freshwater Fishing

Expect fair fishing for Dolly Varden and poor to fair fishing for coho salmon in lower sections of the lower Kenai Peninsula roadside streams. The counts have been improving for both over the last week. There may be some high water this week from rain that makes the streams harder to fish successfully. Beads and small spinner work the best for Dolly Varden. Cured salmon roe clusters suspended under a bobber work best for coho salmon but spinners, spoons, plugs, and flies all work too.
The upstream sections of the lower Kenai Peninsula roadside streams are open to sport fishing except salmon starting August 1. Expect fair fishing for Dolly Varden.

China Poot Personal Use Sockeye

The sockeye salmon run is starting to wind down in China Poot but there’s still some decent fish to catch for those still looking for sockeye salmon.

Saltwater Fishing

Halibut

Halibut fishing has remained good over the past week. Although the best fishing remains in the offshore locations, some anglers were finding success within Mud Bay last week. Herring is the most common bait but don’t hesitate try octopus, pollock, and even salmon heads or fins.

King and Coho Salmon

King and coho salmon fishing has been poor to fair over the last week. Most fish are coming from offshore locations. Small troll herring or spoons behind a flasher is the most popular setup, but hootchies and tube flies will also produce fish. To find salmon at any location, try setting the gear at different depths including mid-water column and 10 feet off the bottom.

Lingcod

Expect fair to good fishing over the next week when seas are favorable to make it out to the outer coast to fish along the coast from the Chugach Islands to Gore Point.

Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon

Fishing has been fair for coho salmon in the Dudiak Lagoon. The run should be starting to wind down this week. Roe under a bobber, herring, and spinners are all effective methods.

Surf Fishing

Whiskey Gulch and Deep Creek are still good options for halibut from shore. Don’t forget about fishing off the tip of the Homer Spit – that location can be productive for a variety of groundfish.

Emergency Orders

Please review the emergency orders and advisory announcements below in their entirety before heading out on your next fishing trip:

• King Salmon Restrictions in Cook Inlet Salt Waters
• Rockfish Restrictions in North Gulf Coast and Cook Inlet
• Cook Inlet and North Gulf Coast Sport and Personal Use Razor Clam Permit Now Required

For additional information, please contact the Homer ADF&G Office at 907-235-8191.