Best Times & Seasons to Catch Halibut in Alaska (Full Guide)

Halibut are one of the most caught fish in Alaska waters. Knowing the best times and seasons to target halibut in Alaska helps anglers prepare for a fishing trip and get the best results. 

The best times to catch halibut in Alaska are from April to October when the deep waters of coastal Alaska are at their warmest.

Alaska is one of the best halibut fishing destinations in the world. Halibut fishing is excellent in such places as Kachemak Bay and Cook Inlet.

Best Times to Catch Halibut in Alaska

It’s possible to catch halibut in Alaska year-round. The halibut fishing season in Alaska starts in March and ends in November. 

The best months to target halibut in the local waters are April – October. The worst months to catch halibut in the region are from February – March and from November – December. 

Halibut fishing in Alaska is good during steady slow tides. The best tides to catch halibut in Alaska waters are high and low slack tides. It’s a good idea to start halibut fishing in Alaska 2 hours before an incoming tide (when a tide begins to rise) and finish 2 hours before an outgoing tide (when a tide slows down). Movement of water is limited during these hours. So, halibut are feeding actively.

Halibut feeds actively during the daytime. Halibut fishing is best during morning and afternoon hours. Halibut is active when water temperatures are 37 – 46°F. The best water temperature to catch halibut is 40 – 42°F.        

Seasonal Breakdown of Halibut Fishing in Alaska

Winter

Winter is not the best time of the year to target halibut in Alaska. Halibut move to deep waters and stay inactive during the winter months.

In winter, anglers often catch halibut when targeting king salmon. A rubber worm is one of the favorite baits for halibut fishing in Alaska waters in winter.        

Spring

Spring is the start of the halibut fishing season in Alaska. Waters heat up and halibut get active in March. Halibut fishing is getting more productive in April – May. It makes sense to fish for halibut in nearshore waters during the spring months. Herring is the perfect bait to use for halibut fishing in Alaska in spring.     

Summer

Summer is the best time of the year to target halibut in Alaska waters. Waters are warm and that’s why halibut is active in the local waters. Summer halibut fishing is very productive in Alaska.

Halibut bite well and anglers find it easy to catch it during the summer months. The chance to catch a big halibut is high. Many anglers choose to use salmon belly strips as bait to catch halibut in Alaska in summer.       

Fall

The peak halibut fishing season in Alaska comes to an end in October. The weather is colder and halibut fishing is less productive in the region in the late fall. Halibut can be found in great numbers in Alaska’s nearshore waters during the fall months. It would be great to use fresh herring as bait for fishing halibut in the fall.  

Recommended Halibut Fishing Charters in Alaska

These Alaska-based charters are some of the best at putting you on great fishing action. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.

Recommended Fishing Charters	Location
Big Butt Charters – Captain Josh	Homer, AK
Anchor Down Sportfishing	Seward, AK
Alaskan Adventure Guides	Homer, AK
Homer Fishing Adventures	Homer, AK
Gotta Fish Charters	Ninilchik, AK
Kachemak King Fishing Charters	Homer, AK
Ravyness – Red Door Charters	Homer, AK
Catch A Lot Charters	Homer, AK
The Alaska Catch Charters	Ketchikan, AK
Halibut Beach Fishing	Ninilchik, AK
Reel Alaska Fishing Charters	Ketchikan, AK
Big Jim’s Charters	Juneau, AK
Alaska King Charter	Ketchikan, AK

Night Fishing Halibut in Alaska

Halibut hunt in Alaska waters during the daytime and at night. Generally speaking, halibut fishing is more productive during the daytime. However, anglers often catch halibut when fishing in Alaska waters during the night hours. Halibut often go to shallow waters in order to hunt at night.

There is a link between halibut fishing and moon phases. According to the opinions of many anglers in Alaska, fishing for halibut is best when the moon is full.

Summer is the best season for night halibut fishing in Alaska. It’s not too cold at night in Alaska during the summer months making it reasonably comfortable to fish. It’s also important to note that halibut fishing is very productive and anglers get excellent results in summer. 

For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Alaska, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Kenai, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Juneau, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Sitka, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Montana, please check out this helpful guide. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Alaska.