INFO - What about Winter?
Winter in Alaska
Despite what you may have heard, people do come to Alaska between the months of October and April. Winter time in the 49th state is long, but Alaskans really know how to make the most of it. Whether you are into downhill or cross country skiing, hockey, snow machining, snow shoeing, watching the northern lights dance across the sky or fishing for the worlds greatest tasting seafood (Winter King Salmon and Tanner Crab) Winter can be a magical time in Alaska.
Winter King!
WINTER (Oct-April 30th)
- Fishing - Winter is the season of King Salmon and Tanner Crab. As far as food fish go, there is nothing better to eat in the ocean than a bright fresh winter king salmon. These are the primary target in what is affectionately called “the off season” 60% of the clients we take out during the winter are Alaskan residents though we are getting more and more non-residents every year. The other bonus is that the local tanner crab (Snow Crab) fishery is open from October 1st until March 15th and each angler is allowed 3 tanner crab per person per day. If you were hoping for snow crab they are only available in winter. The rivers are all iced up by November’s end and breakup is typically mid to late April. Ice Fishing is your main freshwater option. Winter winds can make fishing in Kachemak bay, “confining” however a good heater can keep everyone warm in the coldest conditions. Halibut fishing is typically slow and closed in the month of January anyways, All sexually mature halibut leave the shallow waters of Kachemak Bay and Cook Inlet for the big spawning events on the edge of the shelf way out in the Gulf of Alaska. Rockfish can be caught on the south side of Kachemak Bay in winter though they are often sluggish. Winter Kings though can warm up any angler. Watching the rods from the warmth of the cabin and the excited jolt of adrenaline that accompanies the phrase all fishermen yearn to hear “FISH ON!!” like an an instant warm beverage to the soul.
These are Tanner Crab but you probably know them as”Snow Crab”
These tasty little sea bugs were off limits to recreation and commercial fishermen for years in Kachemak bay due to over harvesting in the 1970s and 1980s. The fishery was shut down for nearly 30years and reopened in 2019 for 3 crab per permit holder per day and 12 crab for the year. The minimum size on males is 5” across the carapace no females. .
-Wildlife - Most humpback whales leave Kachemak bay by November 1st and will not return until May though a few of the older females past whale menopause will hang out all winter as long as the feed is around. Resident and Transient Orca are around, sometimes seen with great regularity depending on the year. Otters are still everywhere however when it gets really cold they sometimes haul out on the beach and huddle together. Back on land the most commonly sighted terrestrial mammals are Moose. Moose are all over town in winter. Brown and Black bear are “hibernating” Most of the iconic birds of Alaska are offshore such as puffins and aucklets but we do get our winter residents to Kachemak Bay such as Old Squaw, Harlequins, Golden Eye, Surf Scotters etc. You may get lucky and catch a glimpse of the small Kenai herd of Caribou that tend to feed near the sterling highway in winter if you drive down. Eagles, man if you want to photograph Bald Eagles then Winter is the time to be here. They are freaking everywhere. They act like gulls do in the summer, following in fishing boats and standing around hoping for scraps when fish are being filleted.
This moose was photographed in the town of Homer right off Main St in early November.
Moose are everywhere in winter. Watch out while driving.
Scenery - Winter scenery is one of the stars of the season. The majestic mountains blanked in snow and the sharp angles of light from a setting or rising sun create some breath taking landscapes.
Only See in Alaska - If you’re lucky, you could catch a winter king, crack open a fresh caught crab leg while watching the northern lights dance across the sky all in the same day. Homer does get aurora displays, however the weather has to cooperate. Best months for viewing the Aurora in Homer Alaska are October/November and March/April.
Lodging- There are quite a few lodging options in the winter down here in Homer. Baycrest Lodge, Alaska Adventure Cabins, Aspen Suites, Lands End Resort
Eagles on the harbor ice
During a cold winter, the homer harbor will freeze solid anywhere there is no constant boat traffic.
HYPOTHETCAL WINTER ITINERARY
Let’s assume that winter is your jam, really have spent way too much time in the heat and you would like to visit Alaska when you have your pic of where to stay, what to drive, what to do and what to eat, here is a hypothetical itinerary for the snow chasers.
Day 1- Fly into ANC and get a ride down to Alyeska Resort in Girdwood. If you like to ski with lots of soft fluffy powder everywhere this is the ski resort for you! This ski resort sits in the Chugach Mountains THE SNOWIEST Mountains on the planet. This modern resort has all the amenities of a world class ski resort on the edge of Alaska’s wilderness. A short 40min drive south of Anchorage along turnagain arm and you arrive at Alyeska. Beautiful architecture, decorated with Alaskan art, animals and far north scenes. This place is very nice for couples, singles or entire families. The restaurants are fantastic and so are the amenities! Huge indoor pool, hot tubs, sauna, steam, lifts right out the back of the hotel and rental services for the light traveler. It is the best ski resort in Alaska and arguably the best in the Pacific Northwest.
Day 2- Ski/snowboard all day. Finish off with a soak and indulge with dinner at Sakura Asian Bistro or Seven Glaciers
Day 3- Get ready for some fun. Alaskan Wild Guides are about to take you on a snow-machine tour to a glacier! These guys supply all necessary gear and can teach you everything you need to know to romp around on a sled. Finish the day with a cold beer and awesome meal at Chair 5
Day 4 - Check out of Alyeska Resort, head back to ANC fly and Ravn down to Homer. Rent a car from Adventure Alaska Car Rental and check into your room at Lands End Resort, catch the epic view at Homer Overlook and head back into town to grab some hot coffee and a bite at Portside Coffee. Bring your warm bevy with you and check out the eagles on the spit around the harbor. Finish the Day with a cocktail and a meal at the Chart Room Restraunt. Tomorrow we fish!
Day 5 - Meet Captain Travis at the top of Ramp 3 (free parking anywhere in the winter!!) and head on down to the Obsession with Travis. Then you head out of the harbor and head back into the Fjords across the bay. Lines will be set, and the trolling commences, before long the first King strikes and its a nice one. 15-20mins after hook up you land the first King of the day! Winter kings are so much fun to catch, its really hard to describe but just imagine the excitement of catching any big fish plus epic snow covered mountains, the stunningly clear ocean water and the best tasting fish in the sea. The daily limit is 2 per person so there are more to catch. After locating the fish and finding out what they want we drive circles around them until we have all the Kings we can keep. Now lets go check the crab pot! We head out to the deep water and pull up our crab pot. Everyone is allowed 3 tanner crab a piece. Pretty common to get a limit. Talk about a bountiful day. Big winter Kings and Crab? Nice Ending to a winter getaway. The salmon and crab are sent to Coal Point to get processed, frozen and sent home.
Day 6 - Drop rental car off with Adventure Alaska Car Rentals, fly Ravn back to ANC and then home.
