FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER
Hook, Line, and Legend
The 2025 season of Waterfall Resort Alaska brought another exciting chapter of the King of Kings Salmon Tournament—a summer of extraordinary catches, friendly competition, and moments that reminded everyone why fishing in Alaska is an experience like no other. Guests from across the country joined in the chase for weekly, monthly, and grand prizes—each cast carrying the chance to land a fish worthy of the dockside leaderboard. As always, the tournament’s spirit extended beyond the prizes. It was about camaraderie, wild beauty, and the thrill of chasing king salmon in some of the richest waters on Earth.
The season concluded with the Waterfall Resort Grand Prize Drawing, where one lucky angler drove home a brand-new Ford F-150. The 2025 winner, Lauren Sommer of Anchorage, Alaska, landed a king salmon on July 16 with her guide, Matt R. Her catch earned her a ticket into the drawing and, ultimately, the grand-prize win that capped an unforgettable week on the water.
Photo provided by and featuring Lauren Sommer with her king Salmon.
The coveted King of Kings Award and $10,000 cash prize went to Candace Gillespie of Heath, Texas, (pictured above) who landed the largest king salmon of the season caught June 15 with her guide, Silas. Candace traveled with her husband, Crockett Boney, and longtime friends Jeff McIntosh and George Brown on what began as a drizzly, windswept morning.
“We were the only boat in the cove, steadily pulling up smaller fish and releasing them—sure there had to be something bigger out there,” Candace recalled. “When I brought that fish onboard, I had no idea it would end up being the season winner, especially so early in the year.”
Photo provided by Candace featuring Candace, her husband Crockett, and friends Jeff and George.
For a first-time guest, the experience went well beyond the catch. “Between the whales breaching, otters playing, and sea lions snoozing, there was never a dull moment,” she said. “It’s one of those rare places where you can truly disconnect and let the world slow down for a few days.” Candace and her group are already booked to return in July 2026.
Photo by Candace from the docks of Waterfall Resort.
Throughout the summer, anglers earned recognition across divisions for impressive catches and consistency on the water. Silver salmon monthly winners included Kolby Colledge in June, Mike Christensen in July, and Bill Pedlar in August. Weekly leaders took home complimentary 2026 3-Night / 4-Day Waterfall Resort fishing packages, guaranteeing their return to Alaska’s favorite fishing grounds next summer. The season also featured dozens of Cabela’s gift certificate winners.
The 2025 tournament once again showcased why Waterfall Resort stands apart as one of Alaska’s most storied sportfishing destinations. Guests experienced world-class fishing, breathtaking scenery, and the sense of community that defines every Waterfall summer. For Candace, the experience summed it up perfectly: “The waterfalls, the sunsets, even a little bear cub playing by the pond—it was breathtaking. Seeing the original cannery buildings preserved made me stop and appreciate the history this place carries.” As the season came to a close, the dockside atmosphere echoed the same spirit that has shaped the resort for over forty years: community, competition, and a shared love of the wild Alaska experience.
Looking ahead, the 2026 season is already shaping up to be one to remember, with select early-summer dates offered at rollback pricing equivalent to 2010 rates—a rare opportunity to experience the same legendary adventure and exceptional value that defines Waterfall Resort. Guests may also purchase entry into next year’s King of Kings Salmon Tournament for a chance to compete for cash prizes, gear, and the season’s grand-prize drawing.
Reservations for 2026 are now open, and prime dates are already filling fast.
Let's go fishing!