Anyone who's fished Southeast Alaska knows that the number of fish caught sometimes feels almost unfair. Southeast Alaska's waters are some of the most productive on Earth because of a rare convergence of geology, forest ecology, and ocean physics, all working together to build a food web from the bottom up.

This Species Bucket List covers anything and everything you can catch in Southeast Alaskan Waters. We'll explore the trophy catches, the best table fare, the oddballs, and the ones we ask you to say a quick "see you later" to. Consider this your preseason cheat sheet to all Southeast Alaska has to offer.

At Sportsman's Cove Lodge, we love introducing guests to the variety of fish that call these waters home. Each species has its own personality, its own challenge, and its own reward. Let's take a closer look at what you might catch and what makes each one so memorable.

Cod or lingcod? Both are exciting Alaska catches, but they have different habits, flavors, and fight styles. Learn how to tell them apart, where to find them, and how to enjoy their meat at home. Whether you’re reeling in cod’s mild, flaky fillets or lingcod’s rich, firm meat, knowing the difference makes your Alaskan fishing trip even better.