How to Go Halibut Fishing in Alaska

Halibut fishing in Alaska is one of the top outdoor activities in a state brimming with amazing adventures. Even beginners can reel in some impressive fish, while experienced anglers will delight in the chance to catch some monstrous-sized creatures.

And the bonus? Delicious halibut filets for dinner. Read on as we take a look at everything you need to know before heading out on the water.

About Halibut

Known for some of the best halibut fishing in the world, Alaska is home to millions of Pacific halibut. Halibut fishing in Alaska provides a unique source of food and tourism.

Halibut are flatfish, with a width of about one-third their overall length. They have a dark side with both eyes on it that generally faces the surface, mimicking the color of the ocean floor. The halibut’s lighter underside resembles the sky from below. This distinctive coloring is a defense mechanism designed to avoid predators. Most halibut caught by sport fisherman range from 15 to 20 lbs, though some catch fish up to 150 lbs. 

Halibut spawn in deep waters off the continental shelf from December to February. They hatch about two weeks after fertilization. Tides carry the fish to shallow waters, where they grow for five to seven years until maturity. 

Young halibut tend to migrate in a clockwise direction through the Gulf of Alaska, while older fish often stay in the same areas. While their age varies widely, the oldest male ever caught in Alaska was 27 years old. The oldest female was 42.

Halibut may be known for its mild, firm, sweet-tasting flesh, but that flavor comes at a price. Alaska halibut can cost $30-50 per pound!

But, of course, that’s only for those who live outside Alaska. State residents avoid most of the high transportation costs, resulting in prices of $5 per pound in recent years.

What’s Halibut Fishing in Alaska Like?

Halibut fishing can be flat-out dangerous. Fishing experts consider halibut extremely powerful due to their size. Be patient in letting them tire themselves out before reeling them in.

Also, be prepared to gaff the fish as it approaches the surface to weaken it further. Some fishermen use a gun to kill the extremely large halibut. Keep your guard up until the fish is dead. Their size and power can harm an unsuspecting angler. 

Pro Tip: Don’t stop at halibut! Salmon fishing is another popular activity in Alaska. Learn more here: How to Go Salmon Fishing in Alaska

What’s the Largest Halibut Ever Caught in Alaska?

The official record belongs to angler Jack Tragis, who reeled in a 459 lb halibut near Dutch Harbor, Alaska, in 1996. However, some other fishing stories can’t be verified.

For example, in 2020, a visiting fisherman from Kansas reeled in a giant halibut. It wasn’t officially weighed (and therefore can’t hold the formal record), but a conversion chart based on the fish’s length suggested it weighed as much as 466 lbs!

Where Is the Best Halibut Fishing in Alaska? 

You can find halibut in many of Alaska’s waterways, from the busy Gulf of Alaska to more isolated bays and creeks. However, the state’s Department of Fish and Game reports nearly two-thirds of all halibut fishing in Alaska happens in Kachemak Bay, the Kodiak area, and Deep Creek in Lower Cook Inlet. 

In fact, the coastal town of Homer, which sits on the Kachemak Bay, is the Halibut Fishing Capital of the World!

What is the Best Month to Go Halibut Fishing in Alaska? 

As you might expect, you’ll generally have better luck halibut fishing in Alaska in the late spring to early fall. You’ll find the peak of halibut fishing season between May and September.

However, the official 2021 halibut season began on March 6 and will end on December 7. That’s about a month longer than the 2020 season, meaning more opportunities for you to reel in the big one!   

How Much Does it Cost to Go Halibut Fishing in Alaska? 

Non-Alaskans looking to catch halibut in the state will need to pick up a state Sport Fishing License. The cost of your license will vary depending on its duration.

Your options range from a $15 one-day pass up to a $75 two-week license. If fishing on your own, you’ll also need to factor in the cost of any equipment, bait, and transportation to your fishing site. 

If you opt for an all-inclusive halibut fishing Alaska charter, you can expect to spend at least $250 per person per day. When shopping for charters, compare the specific items included in the cost. Some tours may require you to bring your own gear or charge extra to rent theirs. In addition, your charter may or may not include the price of a fishing license.  

Types of Charters for Halibut Fishing in Alaska

Do your research before booking your halibut fishing trip in Alaska. Consider the length of time you’d like to spend fishing.

Some charters offer multi-day trips, while others limit you to a single day on the water. The latter is best for new or aspiring anglers, while more experienced fishermen may consider trips up to a week.

Other important considerations include the area where you’ll be fishing and the style and quality of the boat your guides use.

What Is Chalky Halibut? 

Halibut meat varies and is usually translucent and firm. Halibut flesh can become “chalky” under certain circumstances, making it more opaque and delicate. After catching the fish, a spike in lactic acid breaks down the proteins in the fish muscle, causing chalky meat. 

This issue affects between 1-5% of Alaska’s halibut catch. Chalky halibut tends to be harvested in the summer and affects more male fish than female. There’s also some evidence suggesting warmer habitats and handling styles of the live fish can increase chalkiness. 

Chalky halibut can also be softer and drier than the non-chalky version. However, if this doesn’t matter to you, chalky halibut often comes at a lower price.  

What to Bring on Your Trip

Bring all the essentials to make your Alaska halibut fishing trip successful. Depending on the time of year, make sure you pack appropriate clothing and layers to accommodate Alaska’s potentially dramatic weather swings.

If using a charter, confirm what items they’ll provide for you, from gear to food and beverages. And don’t forget your Alaska fishing license! Alaska takes its natural resources seriously, and being a good visitor means respecting the rules. 

Choosing a Halibut Fishing Charter

You’ll need to take a variety of factors into account when choosing the perfect charter. One of the most important is selecting the region you’d like to fish. You can find halibut fishing grounds across the state, including Port Protection, Ketchikan, Unalaska, Dutch Harbor, and the greater Anchorage area. Anchorage areas offer convenience and easy transport, though you may find larger fish in southeast and southwest Alaska. 

Pro Tip: If you’d like to do some RV travel, too, consider checking out the 5 Best RV Rental Companies in Anchorage, Alaska

Consider the overall charter length, in addition to the cost and inclusions. Check for reviews as well — you’ll want to see many happy fishermen who’ve previously cast their lines with the company you choose. 

Is Halibut Fishing in Alaska Worth It? 

If you love sport fishing, the delicious taste of halibut, or the wild waters of Alaska, a halibut fishing trip is worth your time. Halibut fishing is one of those “only in Alaska” experiences resulting in a trip unlike anything else in the United States. And who knows? You may end up taking home a nearly 500 lb record holder!

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