These bays are readily accessible by small boats. Boaters without local knowledge should purchase charts of the area for navigating in and around the bays. Boaters must also comply with Coast Guard safety regulations, a list of which may be picked up at the Homer Harbormaster's Office. Stocked king salmon return to Halibut Cove Lagoon, six miles northeast of Homer Harbor. This run starts in early May and peaks in June.
Anglers use baits and lures, casting from boats or the shore of the lagoon.
The lagoon entrance is very shallow and may go dry at low tide so boaters are cautioned to be aware of the water depth at all times, and only enter when tide is flooding. Commercial seiners also target these salmon and anglers may be interested in watching them in action. Anglers may cast from boats with spoons and spinners to fish the lower part of the stream. A dip net fishery, is open to Alaska residents only in July. Farther to the south, Tutka Bay has a large run of pink salmon beginning in July.