FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER
The Big Ones, Waterfall Resort's Most Memorable Catches of 2026
Every fishing season in Southeast Alaska brings its share of surprises. Sometimes it's the first tug on the line. Other times, it's the moment a fish finally breaks the surface and everyone on board realizes just how big it is.
The 2026 season at Waterfall Resort was full of those moments. Guests battled giant halibut, reeled in impressive lingcod, and landed beautiful salmon, with plenty of fish stories to take home.
Here’s a look at some of the catches that made this season one to remember.
Halibut Heavyweights, Breaking the 200-Pound Mark
When it comes to big fish, halibut certainly delivered in 2026. Three Waterfall Resort guests landed halibut weighing more than 200 pounds, earning their place among the season's most impressive catches.
Leading the way was David Alford, who landed a massive 231-pound halibut on July 18 with guide Dylan. Just one week later, Michael Bailey brought in a 207.6-pounder with guide Caden. The same day, Caden helped Patrick McKenna land another giant, weighing an incredible 227.2 pounds.
And the big catches didn't stop there.
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Allen Lynn — 195.2 lbs. | July 20 | Guide Jeff A
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Ian McQuoid — 190 lbs. | July 17 | Guide Nick F
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Bruce Irving — 186.6 lbs. | August 12 | Guide Craig
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Russell II McCluskey — 174.2 lbs. | July 15 | Guide Craig
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Duane Pate — 151 lbs. | July 18 | Guide Dylan
Another memorable catch came on June 25, when Jaedon French hooked a halibut exceeding 150 pounds with guide Silas. The giant was successfully released, adding another great story to the season.
Whether it's a fish destined for the dinner table or a giant carefully returned to the water, there's something extraordinary about coming face-to-face with a halibut of this size.
Monster Lingcod, A Season of Trophy Fish
With their enormous mouths, powerful strikes, and prehistoric appearance, lingcod are among Alaska's most unforgettable catches.
This season, four Waterfall Resort guests earned trophy recognition with lingcod weighing 50 pounds or more.
Nicholas Bittner topped the list with a remarkable 58.1-pound lingcod on August 16, fishing with guide Will. Just eight days earlier, Will had guided Grace Greene to an impressive 56.2-pound catch.
Earlier in the season, Hollie McCurdy and guide Dirks landed a lingcod exceeding 50 pounds on June 21, while Nick Biasetti joined the 50-pound club on July 10 with guide Nick M.
Two more guests came remarkably close to that milestone. Gary Strannigan landed a 49.6-pound lingcod on August 9 with guide JOC, while Axton Bain caught and released a lingcod exceeding 45 pounds on June 21 with guide Craig.
Six remarkable lingcod, each with its own story, and a reminder that some of Alaska's most exciting fishing happens below the surface.
Silver Salmon Bring the Late-Season Excitement
As summer progressed, silver salmon added another level of excitement to the fishing at Waterfall Resort.
Known for their aggressive strikes, acrobatic fights, and incredible energy, silvers are a favorite among anglers, and the 2026 season produced some impressive catches.
Blake Moran of Wildomar, California, landed the season's largest recorded silver salmon at 15.2 pounds on August 25.
Not far behind was Kyle Searls of McKinney, Texas, whose 14-pound silver on August 13 earned the second spot on the season's leaderboard.
For guests who love fast-paced salmon fishing, the arrival of silvers is one more reason to look forward to late summer in Southeast Alaska.
King Salmon and Trophy Rockfish Round Out the Season
While halibut and lingcod produced some of the season's biggest headlines, king salmon also delivered memorable moments.
On August 1, Lyle Moody landed a spectacular 57.2-pound king salmon with guide Alex, earning trophy recognition.
Kaz Kanemura followed with a 44.4-pound king on July 26 with guide Silas, while Charles Ratcliff brought in a 40-pounder on July 20 with guide Zac.
The season also featured standout red snapper (rockfish) catches. Bryce Root landed a 19.8-pound fish with guide Craig on July 1, followed by Jacob Mileski, who caught a 19-pounder with guide Caden the very next day.
From salmon to bottomfish, the variety of species is part of what makes fishing at Waterfall Resort so special.
More Than Just the Fish
Of course, the numbers only tell part of the story.
Behind every big catch is a guest, a guide, and a moment that won't soon be forgotten. It's the anticipation as the line starts running, the encouragement from everyone on board, and the excitement when that fish finally comes into view.
Congratulations to all our 2026 patch winners and to the Waterfall Resort guides who helped make these catches possible.
And to everyone who joined us on the water this summer, thank you for another incredible season of fishing, friendship, and memories in Southeast Alaska.
The only question now: What will 2027 bring?