Stories from the Cove: The 2026 Season in Our Guests' Words
The boats are tied up, the last fillets have shipped, and another summer on the waters off of Prince of Wales Island is behind us. We spent this season doing what we love: heading out to the boats at first light, following the king and silver salmon runs, pulling halibut up from the deep, and welcoming guests back to the dock each afternoon with a story or two. There were bald eagles overhead, black bears at the salmon ladders, the first-night crab boil on the dock, and plenty of late evenings at the Saltery Saloon. Those things happen every summer at Sportsman's Cove. It's the people that make each season different.
For some families, a trip to Sportsman's Cove is a tradition. For others, it's their first time fishing in Alaska. Hearing this year's guests share their stories reminded us of why we do this. Great fishing is the reason most people book, and we take that seriously. Our captains know where the fish are biting, the gear is rigged and ready each morning, and the crew handles everything from your bags to your fillets so you never have to think about it. But what people often remember is the time spent on the back deck watching the scenery go by, the first fish that turns a grown man into a little kid again, a cribbage game that runs late into the night, and a toast to someone who isn't there anymore but would have loved every minute.
We could tell you all about what makes Sportsman's Cove special, but our guests say it better.
A Place Worth Coming Back To
Some of our favorite faces on the dock each summer belong to guests who have been fishing with us for years. Our guests coming back means a lot to us, and we work hard to make sure every return trip lives up to the memories that brought them here.
Chris S. has been making the trip to Sportsman’s Cove for many years. After a couple of seasons away, he came back this summer to see what was new. "Sportsman's Cove lived up to our expectations," he told us. "I can't say enough about Sportsman's Cove as a place to go catch some fish, relax, hang out with great people, and eat wonderful food. The staff was extremely friendly and welcoming. The accommodations were top shelf, and oh yeah, by the way, we caught a lot of fish."
A Tradition Passed Dow
Here at Sportsman's Cove, we want the lodge to be a place families can share, whether that's a parent and child on their first trip together or three generations on the same boat. Some families have been coming here so long that the Cove has become part of their story.
This year, Mark S. brought the next generation along. "Taking my son, daughter, and daughter-in-law this year was my personal highlight," he said. "What a privilege to share the beauty, camaraderie, fishing, and stories that we experienced with Grandpa for so many years."
The trip also honored the man who started it all. The family celebrated the life of Mark's father, Jim, out on the water, and a corner of the outdoor bar was dedicated in his name. "The opportunity to have a celebration of my father's life out on boats in the cove is a memory I will have forever," Mark shared. "Thank you, Sportsman's Cove. My freezer is stacked with fish!"
Mike S., who joined the group this year, remembered it too: "I won't forget the dedication to Jim's corner at the outside bar. That was very special, and so was all the wonderful commentary attached. He was a special man and lived every day to its fullest."
We were honored to be part of it.
The X Factor: Our Captains
You can have beautiful scenery and comfortable cabins, but a fishing trip still comes down to the time spent on the water. Our captains spend their summers learning these waters day by day, and they take pride in finding the best spots so that every guest goes home with fish.
Mike put it simply: "I think we should refer to this fishing trip as a catching trip, because all we did was catch fish, if you know what I mean." He gave the credit where it was due: "The accommodations were wonderful. The food was epic. But the X factor, the real X factor, was Captain Donnie! That guy eats, sleeps, breathes, and lives fishing!"
Even the ride out is part of the experience. "Going out to the grounds for the first time, underway for a solid hour, looking at all the scenery from the back deck early in the morning," Mike recalled. "Right in my element. Unbelievable."
Twenty Years of Stories, One Unforgettable First Trip
For a lot of our guests, the trip starts long before they ever board the floatplane. It starts with the stories they've heard from a friend or family member who has been here.
Christian G. heard about Sportsman's Cove from his best friend, Chris S., for more than 20 years. "Chris's stories left dreams in my mind about what it might be like to experience fishing in Alaska myself someday," he said. "This year, I made the invite list, and my experience was simply stunning!"
That's why we focus on making every part of the trip easy, from planning to boarding the flight home, so that first-timers can just enjoy it. Christian noticed: "From pre-planning for the trip, the flight to and from Ketchikan, loading bags to and from our cabins, meals, the fishing gear all set and ready each morning, and most importantly, the knowledge of where and how to get on the bite every morning, all while keeping a smile on our faces, Sportsman's Cove Lodge exceeded all of my expectations and truly made many of my dreams come true."
His friends enjoyed watching it happen. "Watching and listening to Christian catch fish and act like a little kid the entire time because he'd never experienced anything like that? Priceless,"
Mike said. Then came the evenings, when the group tried to teach him cribbage. "Great times, great memories."
Christian's verdict: "I cannot imagine a more complete package when it comes to an amazing adventure fishing in Alaska. I look forward to returning next year."
Your Story Starts Here
Whether you're carrying on a family tradition, coming back after a few years away, or finally taking the trip you've heard about for decades, there's a place for you at the Cove. We'd love to help you write the next chapter.
Booking for the 2027 season is open now. Returning guests can also earn rewards through Saltery Select, our loyalty program for repeat anglers.
Reach us at (907)931-9930 or click the link below to start planning!
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