China Poot

The feel

China Poot sits at the mouth of China Poot Creek, where anglers sport fish for sockeye salmon in the salt water and most choose to snag them. Sockeye begin showing up in late June, and the run lasts through early to mid-August. In the fresh waters of the creek, personal use dipnetting is open from July 1 to August 7.

Getting there takes a boat, and the lagoon is extremely shallow. Most boats can only enter it on 14+ high tides, and the common westerly day breeze at the mouth of the bay can build waves extremely quickly.

What to expect

Water and access

A boat is required, and most leave from the Homer Harbor. Most boats can only enter China Poot lagoon on 14+ high tides.

Species and timing

Sockeye salmon begin showing up in late June, and the run lasts through early to mid-August.

Methods and gear

Most anglers snag sockeye in the salt water at the mouth of China Poot Creek. The fresh waters of the creek are open to personal use dipnetting from July 1 to August 7.

Hazards

The lagoon is extremely shallow. Watch outgoing tides and the common westerly day breeze at the mouth of China Poot Bay. Waves can build extremely quickly and have been fatal for small boats.

Season and access

Sockeye from late June through early to mid-August; dipnetting in the creek from July 1 to August 7.

Mingo says

Time your trip to the 14+ high tides, because the lagoon is shut to most boats otherwise. Aim for July if you want the sockeye run and the dipnet season together.

Before you go

• Plan to launch from the Homer Harbor, where most boats leave.
• If you have never boated through the lagoon, follow a boat that knows the channel.
• Call the Homer Area Office, Area Manager (907) 235-1757, with questions about the fishery.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.