Homer Alaska - Outdoors -

But soon enough, those rivers will open again to fishing for other types of salmon and, hopefully, the kings will return in numbers to the lagoons.

Remember to enjoy the summer solstice this weekend and get out on the water. But if you go in search of the big one, do yourself a favor and get a derby ticket.

Regulation reminders

The Ninilchik River, Anchor River and Deep Creek are closed to fishing until July 1. Also, anglers may no longer fish with weights or bobbers beyond the hook or hooks at the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon.

Salt water halibut

Fishing is getting much better for anglers fishing about 15-20 miles west of the Homer Spit, fishing near Bluff Point, Point Pogibshi and Flat Island. Most of the fish are 15-20 pounds, but a few lunkers are being caught as well.

New federal rules for fileting halibut at sea are in effect. A halibut may not be cut into more than two ventral (bottom side pieces), two dorsal (top side pieces) and two cheeks, with skin on. Anglers are allowed to consume halibut while at sea after fileting. The daily limit for halibut is two, with a possession limit of four. Herring is the preferred bait.

Salt water salmon

Troll fishing is improving near Glacier Spit, Point Pogibshi and along the Homer Bluffs. The fishing at the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon has been fair but should improve. Kings are late in returning to Seldovia and Halibut Cove.

Shellfish

A good series of clamming tides will run through June 23, then June 30-July 7. Littleneck (steamer) and butter clams can be found in gravel beaches on the south side of Kachemak Bay from Seldovia to Chugachik Island.

Diggers are reporting an abundance of small razor clams and few large clams within 10 miles of the Clam Gulch access road. For larger clams, head further north or south.

Subsistence, personal use and sport fisheries for Tanner crab will open July 15-March 15 in the waters of Cook Inlet and the North Gulf Coast. A permit is required prior to harvesting; permits are free and should be available by mid-June at Alaska Department of Fish and Game offices in Anchorage, Soldotna and Homer.