What You Catch and What Makes Each One Special

Sportsmans Cove Lodge
3 days ago
5 min read

Planning your trip to Sportsman's Cove? Before you hit the water, get to know the incredible fish that make Southeast Alaska one of the world's most unforgettable fishing destinations.

One of the best things about fishing in Southeast Alaska is that every day on the water brings something different. One morning you might be chasing a trophy King Salmon and by the afternoon, you're battling a massive Halibut or Lingcod from the ocean floor. And every once in a while you drop right on a ball of Cod!

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 catch and what makes each one special.

King Salmon (Chinook): The Ultimate Trophy

King Salmon caught with Sportsman's Cove Lodge in Ketchikan

For many anglers, catching a King Salmon is what comes to mind when you say "dream fishing trip".

As the largest of Alaska's five salmon species, Kings are known for their incredible size, strength, and determination. Once hooked, they're famous for long, powerful runs that test both your gear and your patience. They're just as impressive on the dinner table!

Rich, buttery flavor and firm texture, King Salmon are one of the most sought-after fish in the world.

Landing a King Salmon isn't just about the photo, it's about the unforgettable pursuit that gets you that award winning catch.

Silver Salmon (Coho): The Crowd Favorite

Silver Salmon caught with Sportsman's Cove Lodge in Ketchikan

If King Salmon are known for their size, Silver Salmon are known for their excitement!

Silvers are aggressive, energetic fish that often leap out of the water and fight hard from the moment they're hooked until they're in the net. Their fast-paced action makes them a favorite among both first-time anglers and experienced fishermen.

They also make for an excellent meal, with that mild flavor that's perfect for grilling, smoking, or bringing home to share with the family.

Halibut: The Gentle Giant

One of our deckhands laying down next to a 150+ pound Halibut caught in Alaska with Sportsman's Cove Lodge

There's nothing quite like feeling the weight of a Halibut pulling from the bottom of the ocean. 12 pounds will feel like 100 with the way they fight!

Unlike salmon, Halibut spend most of their lives resting on the seafloor, so catching one requires a different approach. You're not counting passes anymore. You're dropping and feeling, very carefully, for the bottom. Once hooked, these fish don't sprint away, they use their incredible size and strength to make every inch toward the surface a challenge.

Halibut are prized for their flaky, mild white meat and are often one of the most requested fish guests want to bring home.

Whether it's your first Halibut or your biggest one yet, it's always a catch worth celebrating!

Rockfish: Colorful, Fun, and Delicious

A guest posing with his largest rockfish and lingcod caught in Alaska with Sportsmans Cove Lodge

Rockfish might not always get the same attention as salmon or halibut, but they are one of Southeast

Alaska's hidden gems.

Rockfish are the homebodies of the ocean, often found around rocky reefs, caves, and cliffs. These fish come in a stunning variety of colors and species from the brilliant orange Yelloweye, to the boldly striped China Rockfish, and the dark, kelp-loving Black Rockfish. These bad boys can come in all different sizes, but our guests are no strangers to catching the biggest ones out there!

They provide consistent action throughout the day and are known for their firm, mild flavored white meat that's perfect for everything from fish tacos to fresh seafood dinners.

Some species, like the Yelloweye Rockfish, can live for more than 100 years, making them one of the longest living fish in Alaska's waters.

Lingcod: The Unexpected Fighter

Large Lingcod caught in Ketchikan by a guest fishing with Sportsman's Cove Lodge in Alaska

Don't let the name fool you, Lingcod aren't actually cod.

Lingcod are an ambush predator, waiting patiently before striking with ease and putting up a good fight on the line. Much like Halibut, these fish will make you feel like you're fighting with a dinosaur when really it's just a baby 14 inch!

With that distinctive appearance of a bucket sized jaw, camouflaged color, and fierce, prehistoric appearance. These are just a few things that leave a lasting impression on anglers lucky enough to catch one.

Their firm, flaky meat makes them just as enjoyable at the dinner table as they are exciting to catch!

Pacific Cod: The Underrated Favorite

deckhands cleaning Pacific Cod and filleted the fish that guests caught that day around Ketchikan with Sportsman's Cove Lodge

Pacific Cod may not receive the

same spotlight as King Salmon or Halibut, but they're a welcome addition to any successful day on the water.

Pacific Cod are constantly on the move, looking for their next bite. These fish have a willingness to bite and travel in schools, often times turning one bite into several! When fishing with Sportsman's, it's not uncommon to drop on a ball and pick up one after the other! Having no limit on these bad boys can really make the day exciting too. You might even hear "Not another Cod" once or twice. Maybe even a "Can my arms get a break!"

Mild on the plate, mighty on the line, Pacific Cod are incredibly versatile and make excellent fish and chips, tacos, or baked fillets.

Ketchikan Fishing Never Gets Old

One of the things that makes fishing around Ketchikan so special is the incredible diversity of the fishery. Depending on the season, tides, and conditions, it's common to target multiple species throughout your stay. The variety keeps every day fresh and gives anglers the opportunity to experience different techniques and challenges.

No two trips are exactly alike! That's part of what keeps guests coming back year after year.

There's so much more that you can catch that we didn't cover in this post so if you want to learn more, or see for yourself, what's lurking under the surface...you'll just have to come visit!

The Sportsman's Cove Difference

Fresh caught and flash-frozen filleted fish packaged and being sent off to go home with guests at Sportsman's Cove Lodge

At Sportsman's Cove Lodge, catching fish is only part of the experience.

Our experienced captains and crew know these waters and work hard to put guests in the best possible position for success. After a full day on the water, your catch is professionally cleaned, vacuum sealed, and prepared for travel so you can enjoy Alaska long after your trip is over. Oftentimes our guests go home with 50 pounds of fish each!

When you return back at the lodge, you'll swap stories with a drink in hand, circled around the fire, cheers over a great meal with your captain, and start planning tomorrow's adventure.

While every fish is unique, they all have one thing in common, they become part of a story you'll never forget.