The fishing got as hot as the weather last week, as the Anchor River and Homer Spit king salmon runs are nearing their peak and Kachemak Bay gave up some big halibut.

More than 500 kings passed through the weir each day at the Anchor River Thursday and Friday and several hundred were landed over the weekend.

The kings are taking egg clusters and flies, with dark flies working best in the sunlight and brighter flies when the skies are cloudy.

The next opening — Saturday through Monday — should produce excellent fishing as the run historically peaks at this time.

The upper section of the river does not open until Aug. 1 and then only for Dolly Varden fishing and catch and release trout fishing.

Fishing Hole

The Homer Spit was bustling over the weekend and should continue to be hot for the next couple of weeks.

Bright fish are entering the Fishing Hole on each big tide with best success coming to herring anglers and the trusty No.4-6 size Blue Fox Vibrex spinners.

Halibut

Dale Nelson from Grand Forks, N.D. held off several lucky anglers to claim the $1,000 May prize in the Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby.

His 276.2-pound fish also leads the overall standing.

Reports of 200-plus pound fish are coming in each week, although some are being caught by anglers without derby tickets.

Fishing has improved in shallow water less than 100 feet as more halibut are moving into the bay daily.

Kid's Fishing Derby

The Anchor River plays host to the All American Kid's Fishing Derby Saturday — an event of Hooked on Fishing International — and includes a big fish contest and casting contests with the large fish going on to state and national competition, plus locally sponsored prizes.

All events are free to kids under the age of 16. A picnic is provided for contestants and families. The event is sponsored by the Anchor Point Chamber of Commerce and hosted by Anchor Angler Tackle Shop.

Call either for details.

Tight lines.

Got a fish story? Send a photo and/or a story to ben.stuart@homernews.com.