Last Modified September 2, 2025
2025 Kenai Peninsula Fishing Report
Welcome to our Kenai Peninsula fishing report, where the summer saltwater season is off to a fantastic start in both Seward and Homer. Our crews have been working hard, and the results are showing with great catches, happy guests, and plenty of fish stories to share.
August Weather Tested Anglers but Delivered Some of the Biggest Hauls of the Season
August 29, 2025
August proved to be an exciting month for fishing in Homer and Seward, with a strong mix of halibut, lingcod, rockfish, and salmon action both offshore and from the docks. Our boats, the Double Down, Game Changer, Blackjack, and Wanka consistently delivered memorable trips despite some weather challenges.
Offshore Fishing Highlights
The first half of August saw some real banner days with the overnight charters Double Down and Game Changer returning loaded with great-sized halibut, alongside limits of lingcod and rockfish. Blackjack and Wanka also reported strong catches of a variety of species, including the occasional big lingcod and halibut. Weather played its part, with windy conditions forcing boats to fish closer to shore at times, but the crews adapted well and managed limits for most groups.
As the month progressed, the crews pushed through rough seas for their catches, demonstrating resilience and skill. Late August brought a string of excellent days marked by calm waters and sunny skies, allowing for beautiful scenic trips and full limits of halibut, lingcod, rockfish, and salmon for most groups aboard these top charters.
Despite occasional slow bites or rough weather days, guests enjoyed fantastic multispecies fishing, with silvers (coho salmon) continuing to run strong near shore, providing rewarding dock and guided trips. Overall, the offshore waters around Homer and Seward offered varied and thriving fishing opportunities for anglers targeting groundfish and salmon alike.
King Salmon & Coho Salmon
King salmon fishing in Kachemak Bay and Cook Inlet was reported as fair to improving throughout August, with the best king action near Bluff Point, Silver Ridge, and Point Pogibshi. Most anglers found success trolling herring, spoons, or hootchies behind flashers. Coho salmon fishing was more scattered, with the coho runs around Dudiak Lagoon wrapping up, though scattered reports of coho in Cook Inlet lingered. Anglers chasing coho often turned to trolling techniques similar to those used for kings.
Freshwater Fishing
In the Kenai Peninsula’s roadside streams, coho salmon were arriving steadily in the lower sections, providing fair to good fishing opportunities. Anglers found success fishing near river mouths during incoming tides or near daybreak using cured salmon roe or artificial eggs and spinners. Dolly varden fishing remained slow in the upper sections but can improve with bead drifting and cooler waters.
That’s a wrap for three of our four boats this season, and what a fantastic way to close out for our crews. The last few days of August were nothing short of amazing with great catches. The Double Down will continue running trips through mid-September, and there are still a few coveted spots left.
Interested anglers should reach out soon to secure their place before the season sells out.
July Delivers Kenai Sockeye Boom and Red-Hot Saltwater Action in Homer and Seward
July, 31, 2025
Late July brought a mix of incredible fishing, memorable catches, and the occasional bout of rough weather for our crews and guests. Sockeye fishing on the Kenai River at our lodge hit its stride in late July, producing record days with over a million fish counted for the season by July 24. Guests were limiting out quickly, keeping the fish processors busy and freezers full.
Offshore action was equally impressive. The Double Down and Game Changer led the charge on overnight trips, hauling in big halibut, heavy lingcod, and rockfish limits, often returning with decks full and tired but happy crews. The Wanka and Blackjack kept pace on day trips, delivering a variety of catches that included halibut, rockfish, lingcod, and even the occasional shark. In fact, late July produced a surprise 185-pound shark on an overnight charter, shared later that evening at the lodge in true Alaska fashion, pan-fried over a fire and enjoyed by the group.
The last week of July saw some weather challenges, with July 25 bringing rough seas that tested our younger anglers, who handled it like pros. Once the skies cleared, the fishing stayed hot, with multispecies limits and even record-sized fish, including a 34-inch yelloweye and a 58-pound lingcod. By early August, the run of great catches continued. August 3 delivered two massive halibut on an overnight trip, while August 4 brought mixed hauls from Homer and Seward, including another shark sighting, whale shows, and sea lion encounters.
Mid-August held strong, with August 10 standing out as a banner day. The Double Down and Game Changer returned from overnighters with excellent halibut, lingcod, and rockfish limits, while Blackjack and Wanka also brought in quality catches. Throughout this stretch, both river and ocean fishing provided guests with unforgettable days, whether it was the steady sockeye action on the Kenai or the variety of species offshore. Between the fish, the wildlife encounters, and the camaraderie, this was Alaska fishing at its finest.
Check open dates to fish with the Big Dan’s crew on a charter!
July: Midseason Variety Heats Up
July 17, 2025
By mid-July, Kenai Peninsula fishing is in full swing. Guests at our Kenai River Lodge are catching sockeye salmon while saltwater trips keep delivering trophy yelloweye rockfish, big halibut, and consistent coho salmon. Recent days brought varying weather, but Big Dan’s crews adapt trips to keep anglers safe and successful, turning bumpy conditions into halibut-only wins when needed. Family groups, veterans, and longtime guests have enjoyed memorable multispecies outings with lingcod, rockfish, and pink salmon beginning to show in Seward.
The July 1 lingcod opener was a major highlight this month. Regulations allow two lingcod per person, and boats traveled farther out to target these prized fish. Along with lingcod, anglers enjoyed strong catches of black rockfish, yelloweye, and Pacific cod. Rockfish bag limits remain reduced in many areas, so anglers should always check local regulations before fishing.
Early July also marked the start of more consistent silver salmon action around Seward. While the weather can be unpredictable, Big Dan’s crews kept fishing productive. Halibut daily bag limits continue to provide plenty of opportunity in Seward and Homer. The Kasilof sockeye run also continues to be outstanding for those seeking freshwater fishing.
June: Transition to Peak Summer Fishing
June 26, 2025
June brought steady action across all four vessels; Blackjack, Wanka, Game Changer, and Double Down. Overnight charters out of Seward and Homer proved particularly productive, delivering late-night halibut bites and full limits of rockfish and king salmon. Crews skillfully moved between Homer and Seward based on weather and fishing conditions to maximize trips. Rockfish bag limits remain restricted with regulations in place for pelagic species for residents and nonresidents alike.
The ongoing Kasilof sockeye run also provided a fantastic alternative for guests wanting freshwater fishing. June’s trips produced a vibrant mix including salmon, halibut, greenling, cod, and rockfish. While weather caused some adjustments, the overall fishing success remained high.
May: Early Season
May 30, 2025
May set the stage for a robust 2025 fishing season. The season kicked off with the Blackjack heading out in Seward. The first trips saw excellent weather and eager anglers landing impressive halibut and salmon. By mid-May, both the Blackjack and Wanka boats were running trips out of Seward and Homer, with guests enjoying consistent action and a few standout catches, including a hefty 56-inch halibut that brought big smiles to the boat.
Late May brought a mix of weather, but the fishing stayed strong. Homer crews reported limits of halibut, a couple of king salmon, and even some rockfish. The Game Changer made its way to Seward for overnight trips, while Double Down wrapped up bear transport duties and joined the fishing fleet. On May 30, anglers in Homer celebrated a 65-pound halibut, and both ports enjoyed productive days even when the seas got rough.
If you’re ready for an Alaska fishing adventure, Big Dan’s Charters still has availability. No matter the species you’re targeting, these Kenai Peninsula waters offer world-class fishing. Our captains are familiar with current regulations and will help ensure your trip stays within bag limits and legal guidelines. It’s still a good idea to review them ahead of time, and you can find the latest updates at the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.