• The waters of southeastern Alaska are filled with migrating salmon.Salmon and caviar image by Tamara Souchko from Fotolia.com
  
  Some of the best fishing in southeastern Alaska can be found on Prince of Wales Island, just west of Ketchikan. Accessible only by ferry or plane, the oceans surrounding America's third largest island are teeming with fish such as halibut, rockfish, lingcod, rockfish, snapper and salmon, as well as crab and shrimp. And with its high-latitude rainforest climate, the island receives over 100 inches of rain per year, resulting in abundant rivers and lakes filled with trout.
  
  

Waterfall Resort

• Situated on the remote west coast of Prince of Wales Island, about a 40-minute flight from Ketchikan, Waterfall Resort has been in operation since 1982. Prior to that, the Waterfall Cannery operated on the same grounds and was one of the most productive salmon canneries in Alaska. Anglers of all skill levels are welcomed at Waterfall Resort. The 27 Cabin Cruisers of their fleet are equipped with shock-absorbing seats, heated cabins, GPS, radar and color fish and depth meter. Custom fish processing is available at the resort; each day's catch is cleaned, filleted and vacuum-packed. After fishing, anglers can play pool, darts or table tennis in the Lagoon Saloon; the saloon also features computers and a large-screen television. Or, you can decompress in the massage room. Waterfall offers four types of lodging options: cabins, lodge rooms, townhouse suites or deluxe suites. The gourmet cuisine can be prepared to accommodate special diets. Also, the lodge provides a general store as well as facilities for hosting corporate gatherings.
  
  

Fireweed Lodge

• Fireweed Lodge is located in the town of Klawock on the western shore of Prince of Wales Island. It is one of the few fishing lodges in the area to offer freshwater as well as saltwater fishing. Freshwater fishing is done in the Klawock River and its tributaries, where anglers catch trout, steelhead and salmon. Fireweed Lodge never combines groups in its fully-guided excursions, so participants can custom-design their own outings. After a day of fishing, you can take advantage of the plentiful sunlight by playing basketball, pickleball or horseshoes on the lodge's courts or relax in the hot tub or sauna. A recreation room is equipped with a bar, television and pool table. Exercise enthusiasts will appreciate Fireweed's fitness center. Each evening guets can partake in chef-prepared meals of fresh Alaskan seafood. Additionally, Fireweed Lodge offers a conference room for business groups.
  
  

Rocky Bay Lodge

• On the southern tip of Prince of Wales Island, the floating Rocky Bay Lodge sits right on the water with a dramatic mountainous backdrop. This area is the first stop salmon make on the journey to their spawning grounds. Visitors can choose from guided or unguided fishing packages or hunt for crab and prawns. Unlike most other lodges, Rocky Bay offers guided kayak fishing. You can paddle amongst tiny islands and kelp beds, pull your own shrimp pots and learn kayaking skills for landing halibut and salmon. Fish processing includes filleting, vacuum-sealing and packaging in airline-approved boxes. Back at the lodge, relax with a drink in the lounge. The dining room overlooks the water and is known for seafood, from fresh oysters, Dungeness crab and Bering Sea King Crab to prawns harvested by the lodge owners themselves. This small lodge offers 10 double-occupancy rooms.