Waterfall Resort
One of the world's premier fishing lodges, drawing celebrities, pro athletes, captains of industry as well as novice fishermen, Waterfall Resort lies 40 floatplane minutes west of Ketchikan. The site was first developed in 1912 as a salmon cannery. Millions of dollars and years of work resulted in a refurbished resort that opened in 1982. You might spot humpback whales, sea lions and orcas as you motor to fishing spots. Enter the $100,000 King of Kings Salmon Tournament, with prizes including Ford trucks and Princess cruises. Your catch will be vacuum-packed, labeled, flash frozen and placed in a fish box for transport home. Accommodation for a maximum of 92 guests per day includes waterfront cabins that formerly housed cannery workers, lodge rooms and waterfront townhouse suites.
Waterfall Resort
320 Dock St. 222
Ketchikan, AK 99901
(800) 544-5125
www.waterfallresort.com
Chinook Shores
"We can put up to about 20 people," says owner Jeff Wedekind, whose resort features four individual beach houses built in 2005. "You get your own private little beach house right on the water. You have your own private dock, so you walk down the pier and you're on your boat." Chinook Shores offers self-guided and guided fishing and lies on the Ketchikan road system. Arrive in May to take your best shot at king salmon, and come through the fall to catch coho. Wedekind will take you to fishing spots ranging from five minutes to two hours away and will coach you on techniques for catching salmon or halibut.
Chinook Shores
P.O. Box 6555
Ketchikan, AK 99901
(907) 225-6700 or (888) 443-6701
www.chinookshores.com
Clover Pass Resort
Clover Pass Resort, in business since the late 1970s, provides self-guided and guided fishing and accommodations in three lodges 15 miles from Ketchikan.The resort offers expert charter boat captains to take you to top spots or you can take out one of the resort's 14-foot skiffs on your own. The resort will arrange floatplane trips for freshwater fishing. Active-duty and recently deactivated military servicemen and women and guests qualify for a 25 percent discount.
Clover Pass Resort
P.O. Box 7322
Ketchikan, AK 99901
(800) 410-2234
www.cloverpassresort.com
Sportsman's Cove Lodge
With a half-century of fishing experience behind him, Larry McQuarrie runs the Sportsman's Cove Lodge in Saltery Cove, a floatplane ride away from Ketchikan. "Thirty-four years as an old-school United Airlines pilot ingrained in me an appreciation for working with quality people and equipment that is maintained to the highest standards," notes "Captain Mac." The Main Lodge takes 30 guests, and the Eagle's Nest, condos, Bear's Lair and Saltery Cottage offer varying views and elevations. Chefs focus on Alaska seafood preparations.
Sportsman's Cove Lodge
P.O. Box 8500
Ketchikan, AK 99901
(800) 962-7889
www.alaskasbestlodge.com
