Waterfall Resort

Historic cannery converted into sport fishing paradise

In the early 1900s, the Waterfall Cannery was the largest salmon packing plant on the west coast on Prince of Whales Island, Alaska. Salmon were caught in fish traps and cured before being packed in handmade cans and shipped to New York and throughout Europe.

Many of the present buildings still standing at Waterfall were constructed in the1930s as part of a major expansion of the cannery. The white clapboard buildings that once provided lodging for cannery workers have been renovated and today provide luxurious accommodations for guests from around the globe.

A seasonal destination, Waterfall Resort attracts anglers of all skill levels from May through September.

World-class surroundings

Located on the western shore of Prince of Whales Island, Waterfall Resort is 63 air miles west of Ketchikan. Alaska Airlines is the only carrier with service to Ketchikan, and the flight from Seattle to Ketchikan takes 90 minutes. After landing in Ketchikan, Promech Airlines completes the journey with a 45-minute float plane trip to the Resort.

Prince of Whales Island has a cool, moist maritime climate. Between May and September, temperatures range from 55 to 75 degrees F. In is not unusual for it to rain during the summer months. It is suggested that guests plan to dress in layers, including long pants, sweatshirts, water repellant jacket, water-resistant gloves, a hat and comfortable walking shoes.

Waterfall Resort can host up to 84 guests per day. Packages include one of 26 waterfront cabins or 10 lodge rooms, all with private baths. All meals are served in the guest dining room overlooking Ulloa Channel, except for lunch, which is served on board the boat while fishing.

Waterfall Resort treats each guest as if they were the only guest. With a 1:1 staff to guest ratio, Waterfall works to ensure each guest's experience is distinguished from any other adventure.

Waterfall's fleet of aluminum 25-foot cabin cruisers are equipped with Volvo Penta diesel engines. Adding an element of luxury to the great outdoors, each boat is outfitted with heated cabins, air suspension seats, fish finders, Global Positioning Systems and long-range communications technology.

 
The ultimate fishing experience

Upon arrival at the resort, guests are assigned a fishing guide and boat that stays with them for their entire stay. The Waterfall guides are some of the most experienced fishing guides in Alaska, and they actively work to ensure the best fishing possible by comparing available fishing information to determine where the fish will be biting that day.

In the clear, cool waters surrounding Waterfall Resort, strong tides prime the deep waters with millions of bait fish that attract annual returns of trophy sized salmon, halibut, red snapper and ling cod.

	King Salmon are caught from mid-May to the beginning of July. The record size is 78.8 lbs.
	Silver Salmon are caught from the beginning of July to the end of September. The record size is 22.75 lbs.
	Halibut, Red Snapper, Ling Cod and bottom fish are caught from May to September, the entire season Waterfall is open for business

Once limits have been caught, Waterfall's staff will clean and filet each fish according to the fisherman's (or woman's) request. The fish is vacuum-packed, labeled, flash frozen and stored for easy transport. The boxes accompany the guest as baggage on the flight home - all boxes are packed to meet Alaska Airlines' weight restrictions.

All gear and tackle is provided, including waterproof boots, bib overalls, jackets and hats. A full line of fishing tackle made up of high-performance rods and Penn reels are provided as well as bait selected for the species of fish the guest would like to fish for that day.

Each guest is responsible for fishing licenses, a king salmon stamp tax, optional trip insurance policy and General Store purchases. Alaska Airlines has a surcharge for excess checked baggage. Gratuities are in addition to the Resort Package price.

The annual $100,000 King of Kings Salmon Tournament is also open to all Waterfall guests for a $50 entry fee. By entering the Tournament, each guest has the opportunity to win prizes based on the weight of the largest salmon caught. Prizes are awarded to daily, monthly and to the largest King Salmon caught during the entire season at Waterfall. Prizes include Alaska Airlines tickets, a European Princess cruise and a Ford F-150 Truck.

Activities

Ocean Sportfishing

Why is the Fishing so Good in Alaska? Along the West Coast of Prince of Wales Island, extreme tides and surging ocean currents create a habitat for millions of bait fish that attract annual returns of trophy-size salmon, halibut, red snapper, and ling cod. These natural phenomena, which first attracted commercial fishermen, offer premier fishing grounds in Alaska for some of the best salmon and halibut sport fishing in the world.