Plan
Start Your Journey Today
Before embarking on your exciting fishing adventure, book your trip to secure your spot for an unforgettable time at Sportsman’s Cove Lodge.
Guest Packet
This list will ensure you have everything you need for this unforgettable journey!
Help Us Better Serve You
Completing this form guarantees a top-notch experience tailored just for you. It covers essential details such as your fishing license requirements and any dietary restrictions or allergies. By notifying us in advance, we can ensure accommodations are made to meet your dietary needs seamlessly.
Traveling to Ketchikan
Important travel information to know about arriving in Ketchikan and ensuring your luggage gets to Sportsmans Cove Lodge.
Luggage Information
Important travel information to know about arriving in Ketchikan and ensuring your luggage gets to Sportsman's Cove Lodge.
How can I prevent getting seasick?
You will be fishing within the protected waters of the Inside Passage, but one never knows how they will react on the water. Talk to your pharmacist about the remedies available. We have some motion sickness products available for purchase in “The Otter Shoppe”. Read the directions as many of them may require you take something the night before to help “condition” your body.
Is smoking prohibited at the Lodge?
Smoking is allowed in designated areas only!
How do we split the day's catch?
What the boat gets for the day is split among all guests aboard the boat!
A change to that can occur with the approval of all on the boat - just like Las Vegas, what is caught on the boat stays with those on the boat. Your fish will only be split with the people you fished with.
What constitutes as an "extra charge"?
For your convenience any charges made while at the Lodge may be charged to your room. Because of our remote location, credit cards are preferable when settling your tab. We accept Master Card, Visa, American Express and Discover. We also accept cash and personal checks.
Do I need a fishing license to fish? Is there an age requirement?
An Alaska Sport Fishing License is required for all nonresidents 16 and over. Anyone under the age of 16 is not required to have a sport fishing license. If you pre-register with guest questionnaire, we will have your license and King Salmon stamp ready and waiting upon check-in.
We request all forms be submitted 30 days before your arrival.
What is the current rate for a sport fishing license?
Note: Currently the listed rates are below, the State usually publishes the new rates around February of each year. These current rates are for non-resident anglers:
- Day Sport Fishing License $15
- 3 Day Sport Fishing License $30
- 7 Day Sport Fishing License $45
King Salmon Stamp:
- 1 Day Stamp $15
- 3 Day Stamp $30
- 7 Day Stamp $45
What is permitted in regards to making telephone and cell phone calls?
All guests are welcome to use our phone system in the office to make outgoing emergency calls. In case of an emergency, your family can call the lodge at 1-800-962-7889. Cell phones may or may not work on the lodge property or on the dock, as the signal is weak. However, a strong signal is available from the fishing grounds. AT&T Cell phones or many “Pay as You Go” Cell services will work from the Lodge.
What can I anticipate in regards to the weather?
Ahhhh… weather in Alaska! Be prepared for rain or misty mornings at least one day while fishing. Don't worry, we provide rain gear. Because the weather is so unpredictable, feel free to reach out to guestservices@alaskasbestlodge.com, and we will be happy to let you know what is currently forecast.
Do you provide any rain gear for your guests?
We provide your rain gear. We have coats and bibs in all sizes. The lodge also provides rubber boots ranging from 3 to 17 (M).
What is the best way to notify you about my food allergies?
If you have any food allergies or special diet requirements, please provide this information to us as soon as possible. With prior notice, we will be able to serve you better.
Please submit the food form more than 30 days prior to your arrival date which will allow us time to order any special requests.
I have a layover in Seattle on my return flight. What do you recommend I do with my fish?
If you have a layover that is in excess of 3 hours or you are spending the night, we recommend checking your fish only as far as Seattle. Upon arriving in Seattle, claim your fish boxes from baggage claim and store them at “Baggage Storage by Smarte Carte”. They are located just a few steps from Alaska Airlines Baggage Claim – between carousel 12 & 13. Baggage Storage by Smarte Carte; Pricing: Dry storage and frozen/refrigerated storage fees are based on size and are charged for every 24-hour period the item is stored. Typically, storage costs $8 – $22. To contact them call 206- 433-5333.
Are there any gratuity guidelines I should be aware about?
We recognize that tipping is personal and is viewed differently by each individual. To help our guests feel more comfortable and to answer the frequently asked questions we have received in the past, we provide the following information for your consideration. Presently, the national guideline for tipping in the service industry is 15% – 20%. Base your calculation on the Lodge package price. You decide on the portion that goes to your boat crew (captain and deckhand) and what portion goes into our Shore side “tip pool”.
If you do not specify how your tip should be divided we will automatically split it 50/50 between the Shore side staff and the boat crew. The Shore side staff includes all employees who provide services at the Lodge (hospitality, culinary, dock area, and maintenance areas). For privacy purposes, a gratuity envelope* will be provided in your “check out packet” which you can fill out ahead of time and turn in at the time of checkout.
We accept Master Card, Visa, American Express and Discover. We also accept cash and personal checks.
How can I prevent getting seasick?
You will be fishing within the protected waters of the Inside Passage, but one never knows how they will react on the water. Talk to your pharmacist about the remedies available. We have some motion sickness products available for purchase in “The Otter Shoppe”. Read the directions as many of them may require you take something the night before to help “condition” your body.
Is smoking prohibited at the Lodge?
Smoking is allowed in designated areas only!
How do we split the day's catch?
What the boat gets for the day is split among all guests aboard the boat!
A change to that can occur with the approval of all on the boat - just like Las Vegas, what is caught on the boat stays with those on the boat. Your fish will only be split with the people you fished with.
What constitutes as an "extra charge"?
For your convenience any charges made while at the Lodge may be charged to your room. Because of our remote location, credit cards are preferable when settling your tab. We accept Master Card, Visa, American Express and Discover. We also accept cash and personal checks.
Do I need a fishing license to fish? Is there an age requirement?
An Alaska Sport Fishing License is required for all nonresidents 16 and over. Anyone under the age of 16 is not required to have a sport fishing license. If you pre-register with our fishing license form, we will have your license and King Salmon stamp ready and waiting upon check-in.
We request all forms be submitted 30 days before your arrival.
What is the current rate for a sport fishing license?
Note: Currently the listed rates are below, the State usually publishes the new rates around February of each year. These current rates are for non-resident anglers:
- Day Sport Fishing License $15
- 3 Day Sport Fishing License $30
- 7 Day Sport Fishing License $45
King Salmon Stamp:
- 1 Day Stamp $15
- 3 Day Stamp $30
- 7 Day Stamp $45
What is permitted in regards to making telephone and cell phone calls?
All guests are welcome to use our phone system in the office to make outgoing emergency calls. In case of an emergency, your family can call the lodge at 1-800-962-7889. Cell phones may or may not work on the lodge property or on the dock, as the signal is weak. However, a strong signal is available from the fishing grounds. AT&T Cell phones or many “Pay as You Go” Cell services will work from the Lodge.
What can I anticipate in regards to the weather?
Ahhhh… weather in Alaska! Be prepared for rain or misty mornings at least one day while fishing. Don't worry, we provide rain gear. Because the weather is so unpredictable, feel free to reach out to guestservices@alaskasbestlodge.com, and we will be happy to let you know what is currently forecast.
Do you provide any rain gear for your guests?
We provide your rain gear. We have coats and bibs in all sizes. The lodge also provides rubber boots ranging from 3 to 17 (M).
What is the best way to notify you about my food allergies?
If you have any food allergies or special diet requirements, please provide this information to us as soon as possible. With prior notice, we will be able to serve you better.
Please submit the food form more than 30 days prior to your arrival date which will allow us time to order any special requests.
I have a layover in Seattle on my return flight. What do you recommend I do with my fish?
If you have a layover that is in excess of 3 hours or you are spending the night, we recommend checking your fish only as far as Seattle. Upon arriving in Seattle, claim your fish boxes from baggage claim and store them at “Baggage Storage by Smarte Carte”. They are located just a few steps from Alaska Airlines Baggage Claim – between carousel 12 & 13. Baggage Storage by Smarte Carte; Pricing: Dry storage and frozen/refrigerated storage fees are based on size and are charged for every 24-hour period the item is stored. Typically, storage costs $8 – $22. To contact them call 206- 433-5333.
Are there any gratuity guidelines I should be aware about?
We recognize that tipping is personal and is viewed differently by each individual. To help our guests feel more comfortable and to answer the frequently asked questions we have received in the past, we provide the following information for your consideration. Presently, the national guideline for tipping in the service industry is 15% – 20%. Base your calculation on the Lodge package price. You decide on the portion that goes to your boat crew (captain and deckhand) and what portion goes into our Shore side “tip pool”.
If you do not specify how your tip should be divided we will automatically split it 50/50 between the Shore side staff and the boat crew. The Shore side staff includes all employees who provide services at the Lodge (hospitality, culinary, dock area, and maintenance areas). For privacy purposes, a gratuity envelope* will be provided in your “check out packet” which you can fill out ahead of time and turn in at the time of checkout.
We accept Master Card, Visa, American Express and Discover. We also accept cash and personal checks.
Luggage
To ensure a smooth trip, please check the baggage requirements of each airline you will be flying with. When traveling with the float-plane company that will transport you to and from the Lodge, please note that they allow 40 pounds per person of luggage on flights to and from the Lodge. We recommend using soft-sided or flexible luggage for floatplane travel.
Luggage Tag
For your convenience and peace of mind, it is essential that you attach our YELLOW SCL bag tags to every piece of luggage heading to Sportsman’s Cove Lodge, including your carry-on bag. This is extremely important to prevent any mishaps, such as your bags ending up in a remote village and being lost forever.
Arriving in Ketchikan Before 2:00 pm
If you arrive in Ketchikan before 2:00 pm, we suggest taking the ferry to town and enjoying some sightseeing. The airport is located on a small island with ferry service available every 30 minutes to Ketchikan. We are currently in negotiations with float plane companies, and we will provide you with detailed instructions prior to your arrival in Ketchikan. Our Guest Services team will communicate with each of you individually to ensure a smooth transfer to the lodge.
Arriving in Ketchikan After 3:30 pm
Please note that arrival at Ketchikan International Airport must be no later than 3:00 pm. The cost of your package includes your float plane fare. After claiming your baggage at the baggage claim area downstairs, our Guest Services or Travel Specialist will inform you of the specific location and time to proceed to our floatplane carrier.
Maintenance
Reach Us
P.O. Box 1385 | Colorado Springs, Colorado U.S.A 80901
t: 659-209-3164
f: 1-907-247-7255
info@alaskasbestlodge.com