That was the word at the Anchor River this weekend, although Sunday and Monday were pretty hot as well.
A big spike in kings — more than 800 fish — waltzed through the weir above the bridge Friday, leading to hundreds of hookups and landings Saturday.
By Monday evening, the fishing pressure was low on much of the river, allowing local anglers a chance to enjoy the good weather without bumping elbows.
The best fishing occurred just downstream from the bridge as the kings backed up in the deep hole waiting to get through the weir.
Eggs, spinners and some green yarn proved most attractive to the fish, although dark flies tempted a few during sunlit hours.
The Anchor River will open again this Saturday through Monday and then close until July 1 for other salmon species.
On a sad note, a handful of poachers were seen a couple miles upstream from the weir snagging kings and shooting some sort of rifle at the fish.
Remember, fishing is closed above the weir until Aug. 1, and then only for Dolly Varden and catch and release rainbows and steelhead.
And, of course, the use of firearms are not allowed.
Poaching kings is not only bad for the fish runs, it could lead to a dangerous situation for the poachers.
Most residents who live on or near the Anchor River value the fishery and the nutrients the spawned-out kings provide to other species later in the year.
Call the Troopers at 235-8239 to report suspicious activity.
Homer Spit Kings
The peak of the king run is upon us with herring, eggs and blue vibrax spinners working the best.
Catch the incoming tide for best results, or fish the outside of the lagoon before the water flows in.
Remember to record your kings on your king stamp before removing them from the area.
Each year, several people are ticketed for not recording their catch.
Bright fish are still available, although many long-timers are turning red.
Snagging is not permitted until further notice.
Halibut
Fishing continues to be good for flatfish in 60-200 feet of water near the Flat Island area of Kachemak Bay.
Charters are leading most clients to limits and some 150-pound plus fish have been recorded in the Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby this month.
Daniel Gajewski from Irma, Wis., leads the June standings with a 223.8 pound fish caught aboard Capt. Mike Swan's boat the M/V Beausoleil.
The overall leader remains Dale Nelson of Grand Forks, N.D.
His 276.2 pounder was caught last month with Capt. Dave Cloud on Time Out Charters.
The top four June fish weighed in at more than 200 pounds.
Clams
The next clam tides begin Monday and run through June 26.
Some big minus tides later in the week should provide ample opportunity to fill anyones bivalve cravings.
Remember to re-bury the littleneck and butter clams that you don't take neck up as you refill the holes you dug.
Diggers for littleneck and butter clams in Kachemak Bay are not required to obtain a permit.
The razor clam daily bag limit is the first 60 dug. You must keep all the clams you dig (up to the limit.)
Tight lines.
Got a fish story? E-mail me a picture and/or a few words to ben.stuart@homernews.com.
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