History

Sportsman’s Cove Lodge has a rich history with Alaska’s fishing industry. Once a bustling community with a fish processing facility called “Straits Packing Company,” the cove witnessed the evolution of the fishing industry. In the late 1800s, Saltery Cove housed a saltery, where fish were preserved through salting or drying. The saltery transformed into a cannery in 1915, attracting a vibrant village and bustling ships. Canneries shifted to locations closer to larger towns like Ketchikan, and remote canneries faced challenges. By the late 1930s, the cannery ceased operations, and the property remained vacant for two decades until it was subdivided and sold.

In 1989, Captain Mac realized his lifelong dream and purchased the property, marking the beginning of a journey to provide exceptional sport fishing adventures for guests from the lower 49 states. Today, Sportsman’s Cove Lodge stands on this extraordinary land, which was “Grandfathered” into private ownership. Surrounded by awe-inspiring nature and the remnants of the old cannery, we embrace the serenity and camaraderie that has become our hallmark.

In late 2022, The O’Neil Group (“OGC”) acquired Sportsman’s Cove Lodge after Kevin O’Neil’s extensive search for an Alaska fishing lodge. OGC, headquartered in Colorado Springs, CO, has diverse investments in investment funds, technology, innovation, hospitality, construction, and commercial real estate. OGC plans to expand and renovate the lodge, introducing new programs, improved amenities, and facilities. Their mission is to continue providing exceptional experiences and investing in the future of southeast Alaska.