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Kenai Peninsula's Kachemak Bay Enhanced Salmon Fisheries

Pink Salmon - Tutka Bay Lagoon

The most consistent producer of pink salmon is Tutka Lagoon, located approximately 15 miles southwest of the Homer Spit. Thousands of pink salmon returning annually to the Tutka Hatchery enter Tutka Lagoon to stage for several weeks prior to moving up the small stream to spawn. This staging period offers the angler excellent fishing opportunities. The run peaks here the first two weeks of July.

This fishery is only accessible by boat. Since the fishery is across the bay from the Homer Spit, seaworthy craft must be used since the crossing often encounters seas to 4 feet.

Pink salmon are readily caught by casting artificial lures such as spoons, spinners or flies on ultra-light to medium action spinning gear. Tutka Lagoon is accessible through a narrow intertidal channel only at high tide. As at Halibut Cove Lagoon, caution is advised. Additionally, large fishing boats may be seining frequently in the lagoon in order to collect adult pink salmon for egg take and cost recovery for this private nonprofit hatchery.

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