# Alaskans Share Early Halibut Catches as Season Gets Underway

Halibut fishers across Southcentral Alaska are reporting early season catches in waters from Lower Cook Inlet to Prince William Sound. Local anglers are posting their results on social media as the 2026 season picks up momentum.

Alaska residents including flynavarro, KatFromAlaska, DaveXDavieau, and HopeTatsu129692 have shared fishing reports and tips on X between April 17 and April 20. They documented catches from areas including Halibut Cove, Homer, and Lower Cook Inlet. The posts come as the commercial Individual Fishing Quota season typically opens in mid-March, though sport fishing activity peaks from May through September.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game confirmed good halibut fishing in both Lower Cook Inlet and Prince William Sound in July reports. The agency noted that anglers in Homer and Seldovia found excellent fishing conditions. Prince William Sound locations including Hinchinbrook Entrance and Montague Strait also produced solid catches.

Halibut caught in early September typically range from 10 to 50 pounds, according to department reports. Sport anglers in Homer expect strong catches from May through October when weather permits. Daily limits are commonly met during the peak June through September period.

The early season activity benefits three groups. Recreational fishers get access to productive waters before the summer rush. Charter operators in coastal communities see business pick up as visiting anglers arrive. Commercial IFQ holders can begin working their quotas as soon as conditions allow.

Weather remains the main limiting factor for access to prime fishing spots. Smaller boats operating near ports face lower success rates than vessels that can venture offshore to deeper waters. As fall approaches, halibut activity typically decreases as fish migrate to deeper water and temperatures drop.

The fishing grounds span a wide swath of Southcentral Alaska waters. Lower Cook Inlet includes the Homer and Seldovia areas. Prince William Sound encompasses Hinchinbrook Entrance and Montague Strait. Halibut Cove, located across Kachemak Bay from Homer, provides another popular access point.

Charter operations and subsistence fishing provide economic benefits to coastal households throughout the season. The activity supports businesses in communities that depend on marine resources, from gear shops to lodging providers.

The social media posts reflect a pattern of Alaskans sharing local knowledge about fishing conditions, catch locations, and techniques. While individual catch numbers were not specified in the posts, the reports indicate active participation before the traditional peak season arrives.

Sport fishing regulations and bag limits are set by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. The commercial IFQ program, managed by the National Marine Fisheries Service, allocates specific quota amounts to individual permit holders who can fish throughout the season as conditions allow.

Shallower waters typically produce higher success rates in May and June before fish disperse to deeper areas later in summer. Anglers targeting halibut use a variety of techniques depending on depth, current, and local conditions.

The 2026 season follows established patterns, with no major incidents or record catches reported in the early weeks. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game continues to monitor fishing activity and update reports throughout the season for different regions of the state.