Big Fish. Big Prizes. Even Bigger Legacy.
What began in July of 1988 as a friendly fishing competition among guests has become one of Waterfall Resort’s most anticipated summer traditions. The King of Kings Salmon Tournament combines world-class Alaska fishing with the thrill of daily competition and the chance to win big. From daily dockside weigh-ins to the season’s final cast, the tournament adds an extra layer of excitement to every trip.
The tournament is open to all guests who purchase a $125 entry ticket and features prizes awarded daily, weekly, and at the end of the season. The grand prize? A 2025 Ford truck, awarded by random drawing to one of the season’s King of the Day winners.
How the Tournament Works
Guests who enter the tournament compete throughout their stay for several prize categories:
- King of the Day: Awarded to the guest who lands the largest king salmon each day
- King of the Week: Given to the guest with the biggest king salmon caught each week
- Season Champion: The guest with the largest king salmon of the summer wins a $10,000 cash prize
- Grand Prize Drawing: All King of the Day winners are entered into a drawing for the grand prize—a brand-new 2025 Ford truck
With multiple chances to win and a leaderboard updated daily, the tournament brings out the best in friendly competition among guests from across the country.
A Look Back: The First Truck and the Latest Winner
Waterfall Resort awarded its first vehicle prize in 1991, just a few years after the tournament began. That year’s grand prize was a Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer edition, marking the beginning of a tradition that’s still going strong more than 30 years later.
In 2024, the grand prize winner was Will Nation, a guest traveling with a corporate group from Sanderson Ford. After his name was drawn from the pool of King of the Day winners, Will chose to upgrade his prize—and drove away in the Ford Bronco of his dreams, featured above.
Sanderson Ford, Driving the Spirit of Adventure
Waterfall Resort has been proud to welcome Sanderson Ford groups for many years. The dealership, based in Phoenix, Arizona, was founded in 1955 and has earned a 70-year reputation for civic leadership, integrity, and top-tier service. Their philosophy—“The Dealership That Service Built”—has guided them for over three decades.
Since 2009, and every year since 2014 at Steamboat Bay Fishing Club, Sanderson Ford has brought groups to Waterfall Resort to enjoy the fishing, camaraderie, and tournament fun. The dealership is owned by David and Jill Kimmerle, and General Manager Mark Witthar worked closely with Southern California Ford to help make Will Nation’s prize upgrade a reality.
Their continued presence has become an important part of the Waterfall Resort story.
Make This Year Yours
With prizes ranging from exclusive Waterfall gear to $10,000 reward for the season’s biggest king, the tournament offers something for every level of angler.
And for one lucky guest? A brand-new truck—and a story they’ll never stop telling.
To enter the 2025 King of Kings Salmon Tournament, if you have not already done so, call 800-544-5125 or email fish@waterfallresort.com to add your tournament ticket to your reservation.
It only takes one cast to make history.