Spring Fishing

Ah, March - Alaskans’ thoughts start to turn to spring and summer. Oh, sure – we know there are still a couple of good snow storms headed our way, but the end is in sight. The Iditarod has started and the teams are approaching Nome. The days are getting longer and the sun has real warmth in it. Driveways and decks are beginning to peak out from under the melting snow.

For those of us who just can’t wait to get the season started, the winter king fishing in Homer is irresistible. These king (or chinook) salmon are not spawning and are present all year long. There are not huge numbers present, so patience is required to land one of these prizes. Since they are not spawners, the meat is much more delicate in taste, making them highly sought after table fare.

We had a slow start, with nothing to show for it but a couple of really small halibut that we threw back and a small rock fish. Still, the day delivered near perfect weather, with calm seas and sunshine galore. Finally, with only a couple of hours of fishing left, one of the rods bent down and back up. FISH ON!!!. Not 2 minutes later, another rod performed the same dance – double hook up. After a tense 10 minute battle both fish were landed, and posing for pictures began. We kept fishing for another hour or so, but 2 was our final bag for the day. Both were “white” kings, where the meat is a pale white, rather than the more common pink.

All in all, a marvelous way to usher in spring. We ended the day with supper at the Chart Room Restaurant in Land’s End Resort enjoying the view from the end of Home Spit. Soon all the winter toys will be put away and the summer toys will be readied for another season. And in the meantime, there is fresh salmon to enjoy. fishing

Click Here for More Information