FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER
Chasing Giants: Halibut Fishing at Waterfall Resort
There’s a moment every halibut angler recognizes. The rod bends. The line goes heavy. For a second, it feels like the bottom...until it moves. That’s when the story begins. Out here in Southeast Alaska, halibut fishing isn’t just part of the experience, it’s often the moment that defines the entire trip. And as we look ahead to the 2026 season, all signs are pointing toward another exceptional year on the water.
What Makes Halibut Different
Halibut don’t come easy. They fight deep, slow, and stubborn—more like pulling up the ocean floor than reeling in a fish. And when they decide to run, even experienced anglers are reminded quickly who’s in control. At Waterfall Resort, triple-digit halibut are not uncommon, and each season brings fish that push past the 200-pound mark. Some are kept, destined for months of meals back home, while others are released—sent back down with nothing but a photo and a story that only gets better over time.
2026 Halibut Limits & Rules
Fishing in Alaska comes with a responsibility to protect the resource, and halibut regulations are designed to do just that. For 2026, here’s what to expect:
- Daily limit: One fish daily.
- No Annual Limit
- Slot limit: Halibut between 34"–80" must be released
- Thursday closures: No halibut may be caught or kept on Thursdays between June 18th and September 10th (except with a Halibut Tag GAF)
For guests, this means your guides will plan each outing carefully—balancing halibut with salmon, lingcod, and other species to make the most of every tide and every day on the water.
How Bonus Halibut Tags Work
For those looking to make the most of their time on the water, Waterfall offers a limited Bonus Halibut Tag (GAF) program. Each tag allows anglers to retain one additional halibut beyond the daily limit, including fish outside the standard size restriction. It’s an option many guests choose when halibut is a priority, especially when the opportunity for both a keeper and a trophy presents itself in the same day. Because the program is tied to a limited commercial quota, availability is restricted each season, and many guests reserve tags in advance to ensure they’re ready if the right fish comes along.
Recent Catches & Resort Records
Waterfall Resort has long been known for halibut that leave an impression. The standing resort record of 366.8 pounds remains a benchmark few will ever reach, but each year adds new stories to the list. Last season’s top fish weighed in at 239.4 pounds, yielding over 100 pounds of fillets.
From Catch to Table
Halibut’s appeal doesn’t end at the dock. Its clean, mild flavor and firm texture make it one of the most versatile fish in the kitchen, whether simply seared with butter and lemon or grilled and served in tacos with fresh slaw. It also freezes exceptionally well, meaning one successful day can translate into months of meals, each one tied back to a single moment on the water.
Here are a few great halibut recipes:
- Butter baked halibut with Lao Jeow Maklen (Tomato chutney)
- Lemon Panko Crusted Halibut
- Balsamic Black Garlic Halibut Steaks
Looking Ahead to Your Trip
For those joining us in 2026, halibut will be a part of your story here—whether it’s your first or your fiftieth time chasing them. The tides, the conditions, and the fish are all lining up. The rest comes down to that moment—when the line tightens, the rod bends, and you realize this might be the one you’ll be talking about for years.