What exactly is a winter king?

When salmon fishing wraps up in the fall and snow starts to blanket the Valley, the angling action in Homer is just starting to heat up, as winter kings can be caught all winter.

Winter kings are chinook salmon that remain in Kachemak Bay all winter. They originate in the West Coast waters of British Columbia and Southeast Alaska, and take advantage of the large numbers of baitfish in Kachemak Bay during the winter.

Often, they are referred to as "feeder kings," but they are chinook nonetheless. They don't get nearly as big as some other kings do -- they average about 15-20 pounds, but there are some 40-pounders out there.

People use a number of different approaches for catching them, but all involve trolling the waters of Kachemak Bay. Usually, downriggers or planers are used to get the bait down to the exact level where the fish are holding. Bait ranges from herring to artificial lures, including spoons and even flies.

The action isn't hot and heavy normally -- a few bites here and there is a good day.

Many guides go out of Homer and offer packages for clients. Other people prefer to dig their own boat out for the winter king fishery.

Halibut also are available yearround in Kachemak Bay, and guides go out of Homer for the prized flatfish as well.

But it is fishing in the middle of the winter, and that alone makes it worth it to many Alaskans.