Normal technique for Halibut fishing is to anchor the boat and fish along the bottom 200 feet with cut bait which consists of herring, cod, salmon scraps (heads, bellies, tails), octopus, or squid baited onto a single 16/0 Mustad circle-hook. At times, 14 oz grub tail jigs are drifted back along the bottom in the scent line created by the baits. Halibut are often attracted to the motion of these jigs as they bounce up and down above the bottom. Another technique used is to let the boat drift over the rocky bottom structure while jigging grubs 5-10 feet above the bottom. The fight with the light gear and small boat is epic, so don't forget the camera on this classic fishery.
One of the most popular species for fishing in Alaska, Halibut can live up to 150 years and can grow to be enormous - Trophy sizes start at 200 pounds and a 300 lb. Halibut can win tournaments . . . the IGFA world record is 496 pounds. The average "chicken" Halibut is 20-50 pounds and is typically fished in 200 ft. deep waters as these fish congregate along the edges of underwater shelves and around rocky outcroppings on the ocean floor. The good news is that these smaller fish are much better eating than their large counterparts which are called "shooters" if over 100 pounds.
The most enjoyable and productive Halibut fishing is during the two weeks each month when the slack tides are the smallest, in May through September. In addition, Kings and Halibut can be combo fished until June 15 at Deep Creek and Silvers and Halibuts can be combo fished after August 1. The processing of the fish into filets typically yields 50%.
Tower Rock Lodge offers three different 10-12 hour Halibut charters all of which require an early morning wake-up. A continental breakfast will be served in Orvis Dining Hall. You can pick up your fish tote and prepared lunch in front of the lodge prior to your early departure. Dramamine available if needed.
We will trailer 28' aluminum boats with *200 HP Yamaha outboards and launch from the beach to fish the saltwater of Cook Inlet (45 miles from the lodge). The Deep Creek fishery is also home to a popular Salmon/Halibut combo trip in June. You will have a chance to troll "cut plug" near shore for migrating Kings that are heading to local streams, and then go outside for Halibut.
Heading south 85 miles from the lodge, you will head to the pier and board 29'-50' sport fishing boats. Tower Rock Lodge partners with North Country Charters (907-235-7620), the oldest family owned company in Homer. All of their boats have twin engines and heated cabins with restrooms for your comfort as you cruise the 20 Nautical Mile run to fishing spots named "Jurassic Park" and the "Toad Hopper."
Located 101 miles from the lodge, you will experience world-class fishing on the magnificent waters of the Gulf of Alaska and Prince William Sound out of Seward. Beginning August 1, Silver and Halibut combos can really fill the box with "freezer pets!"
Fishing in the Seward area is a special experience. You'll be surrounded by the splendors of Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park or Prince William Sound where you will be fishing some of the most productive Halibut grounds in the world, not to mention having the opportunity to see glaciers, Steller sea lions, Killer whales and the beautiful Humpback whales.
Tower Rock Lodge an Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Lodge, Located in Kenai Alaska. Offering the best Alaska Fishing and Lodging in all of Alaska