Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon

The feel

The lagoon is manmade and sits on the 4-mile-long Homer Spit, where locals call it The Fishing Hole. It was built so anglers of all ages could fish, and it was named in 2005 for Nick Dudiak, the former state biologist whose idea it was.

It is a terminal fishery. Stocked salmon smolt leave the lagoon to mature in open water, then return looking for a spawning stream and cruise around the lagoon. Chinook and coho salmon are stocked there each year.

What to expect

Water and access

Drive down the Homer Spit. The lagoon is 3 miles from the base of the Spit on Homer Spit Rd., northwest of the Homer Small Boat Harbor.

Species and timing

Chinook salmon from mid-May to early July, coho salmon from mid-July to mid-August, and Dolly Varden from mid-May to mid-July along the outer beach.

Methods and gear

Cast spoons or spinners, or fish a weighted bait line or bobber setup with cured eggs or herring. Fish within 1-2 feet of the surface.

Crowds and best time

Catches tend to come around high tide.

Bathrooms and water

Restrooms are available.

Season and access

Chinook run mid-May to early July and coho mid-July to mid-August.

Mingo says

Time your cast for the incoming tide. Your best chance at a hook-up comes while water is flowing into the lagoon.

Before you go

• Bring spoons or spinners, or cured eggs or herring for a weighted line or bobber rig.
• Youth Fishing Days fall on the first Saturdays in June and August, when part of the lagoon is open only to kids 15 and younger.
• On those days ADF&G provides rods, tackle and bait.

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