Location
Southeast Alaska
Alaska, United States
Fly-in Access
All-Inclusive?
All-inclusive lodges include:
  • accommodation
  • all equipment/gear/tackle
  • boats and fuel
  • guiding
  • all meals
  • fish processing (unless fishing is catch-and-release only)
See below to find out exactly what is included in the price.
Fishing
saltwater,
Guided
11 hours/day
1:1 guest-to-guide ratio
No fly fishing
RATING
Avg.
4.7/5
397 reviews

Overview

Celebrating more than a century of tradition, Waterfall Resort spans 52 acres on Prince of Wales Island near Alaska’s famed Inside Passage. Accessible only by air and sea, our record-setting salmon cannery turned legendary sport-fishing resort draws anglers from around the world (65,000 to date), who come to our remote shores in pursuit of wild king and silver salmon, halibut, lingcod, and more than 20 other fish species.

Waterfall Resort Alaska is known the world over for the astounding number of king and silver salmon, halibut, lingcod, and other sport fish reeled in by our guests year after year. But why is the fishing so good at Waterfall Resort? One reason is that we have an unparalleled one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio, and the sole aim of our crew of 90-plus—which includes our expert U.S. Coast Guard licensed fishing guides—is to see that you have the best ever Alaska sport-fishing adventure, from arrival to departure.

But there’s another huge reason why our fishing is so good. That’s our storied location on Prince of Wales Island’s western shore, an ideal habitat for millions of bait fish that draw the annual returns of Southeast Alaska’s mighty king and silver salmon. These seasonal runs inspired pioneering fishermen who, back in 1912, established our forebearer, the record-setting Waterfall Cannery. Building on that legacy, the cannery was turned into a remote fishing lodge in 1973.

Accessible only by air and sea, Waterfall Resort is located on Prince of Wales Island in Southeast Alaska’s 1,100-island Alexander Archipelago, near the famed Inside Passage, the historic settlers’ route turned inter-island marine highway. The truth is, though, we’re as easily reached as we are wonderfully remote. Just a short floatplane flight from Ketchikan—the Alaska port town just 90 minutes from Seattle, Washington—and you’re transported to another world.

Our 52-acre property is surrounded by the Tongass National Forest on our 2,770-square-mile island’s craggy west coast. Here, nutrient-rich spring runoff and a confluence of ocean currents attract millions of bait fish, which in turn feed vast populations of halibut, lingcod, and rockfish—as well as the extraordinary annual returns of king and silver salmon.

Of course, those wily salmon know exactly why they converge along our shores each summer. They’re bulking up for their inland journey to their spawning grounds—rivers and creeks in Washington and Oregon, and the 14,000 miles of wild Alaska waterways throughout the Tongass.

Fly in the Morning, Fish in the Afternoon

Happily, we’re just a short floatplane flight from Ketchikan in Southeast Alaska, 90 minutes from Seattle, Washington. At Waterfall Resort, you can fly in in the morning and be on the water fishing with us in the afternoon.

Dedicated Service, On and Off the Water

It’s always great to see the familiar faces of our many repeat guests, and we’re honored by those who’ve made a stay at our historic property an annual tradition passed from one generation to the next. While we’ve hosted our share of pro athletes and celebrities over the years, our core clientele includes both newbie and longtime anglers, corporate and nonprofit groups, and vacationing families, who return to the resort year after year.

What makes us unique:

  1. Celebrating more than a century of tradition, Waterfall Resort spans 52 acres on Prince of Wales Island near Alaska’s famed Inside Passage.
  2. Happily, we’re just a short floatplane flight from Ketchikan in Southeast Alaska, 90 minutes from Seattle, Washington. At Waterfall Resort, you can fly in in the morning and be on the water fishing with us in the afternoon.
  3. While we’ve hosted our share of pro athletes and celebrities over the years, our core clientele includes both newbie and longtime anglers, corporate and nonprofit groups, and vacationing families, who return to the resort year after year.

What We Catch

List
Species Availability Calendar
  • 10099 1Salmon - Chinook (King)
  • 10101 2Salmon - Coho (Silver)
  • 10103 3Salmon - Pink (Humpback)
  • 10105 4Halibut
  • 10107 5Ling Cod
  • 10109 6Rockfish
SpeciesJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Salmon - Chinook (King)
Salmon - Coho (Silver)
Salmon - Pink (Humpback)
Halibut
Ling Cod
Rockfish

Our season runs from June 26 to Aug 10.

Packages/prices

Estimated PER-DAY fishing vacation rate:

US$1,263.33
CA$1,709.78
£992.46
€1,161.97

PER PERSON

2 nights / 3 days fishing
US$3,790.00
CA$5,129.37
£2,977.39
€3,485.93
Inquire BOOK NOW and save $0.00 per person
3 nights / 4 days fishing
US$5,440.00
CA$7,362.47
£4,273.61
€5,003.55
Inquire BOOK NOW and save $0.00 per person
4 nights / 5 days fishing
US$7,090.00
CA$9,595.57
£5,569.83
€6,521.17
Inquire BOOK NOW and save $0.00 per person
Current Deals

NOTES

15% off standard rates for kids and teens under 18 when accompanied by an adult. Pricing is per person, double occupancy; additional nights, $1,650 per night.

Upgrades

  • Egg House Suite: Add $295 per guest per night (two-guest minimum)
  • Tongass Townhouse: Add $240 per guest per night (four-guest minimum)
  • Single supplement: Add $345 per guest per night (Lodge Room or Boardwalk Cabin only)

Boat Exclusivity

  • Three guests per boat: Add $345 per guest per night
  • Two guests per boat: Add $900 per guest per night
  • One guest per boat: Add $3,175 per guest per night

Unless otherwise stated, prices do not include taxes, gratuities, or fishing license/stamp.

This lodge charges in $USD.
Prices that have been converted to your chosen currency are based on today’s exchange rate. This lodge charges in $USD, so the amount billed to you may be different than the converted value shown here. Source: openexchangerates.org

What's Included?

How many hours of guided fishing?

11 hours

Return transportation:

If YES, the lodge covers all transportation costs to and from the Travel Destination. If NO, you are responsible for all costs getting to and from the lodge.

Equipment / gear / tackle / bait:

Fish processing:

Cleaning, filleting, vacuum packing and refrigerated (or frozen) storage.

All meals / snacks / non-alcoholic drinks:

Alcohol:

Wine with dinner

Other:

  • On-site Alaska Airlines service for departure day check-in
  • Ground crew assistance at Ketchikan International Airport
  • Daily housekeeping, Wi-Fi, and all other resort services
  • Waterfall Resort provides guests with all-weather gear, including Helly Hansen bib overalls, hooded jackets, and neoprene XtraTuf boots.

Deposit required: $1000

Balance due: 60 days prior to the reservation arrival date.


An additional deposit equal to 50% of the invoice total must be submitted no later than February 1, 2021.

We understand that at times unexpected things can get in the way of your Alaska sport-fishing adventure. To protect against this, we recommend that all our guests purchase travel insurance well in advance of their trip, so they know they’re covered in the event of an emergency.

Waterfall Resort Alaska is not responsible for loss of fishing time, lodging, food, transportation, baggage, or fish boxes; flight delays; or other incidents resulting from inclement weather or other conditions beyond our reasonable control. The following policy applies to all cancellations.

All cancellations will be assessed a minimum fee of $1,000 per person. Cancellations made fewer than 120 days prior to arrival date will be assessed an additional cancellation fee equal to 50% of the total package price. Cancellations made fewer than 60 days prior to arrival will be assessed a cancellation fee equal to 100% of the total package price. There are no exceptions to this cancellation policy.


Payment Methods Accepted
Credit cards:
PayPal:
Check/cash:
Wire transfer/bank draft:
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Weather

°C / MM
°F / IN.

Temperature, °C

Avg HIGH

Avg LOW

Avg. Accumulated Precipitation

mm

Weather data based on closest weather station which is 60 miles from the lodge, so the actual climate at the lodge can vary a bit. Based on weather reports collected during 1985–2015.
Jan
4
0
257.7
Feb
5
0
187.4
Mar
6
0
196.3
Apr
10
2
161.6
May
13
6
124.9
Jun
16
9
101.4
Jul
18
11
104.5
Aug
18
12
134.4
Sep
15
9
226.8
Oct
11
5
332.3
Nov
7
2
306.4
Dec
5
0
270.2

Temperature, °F

Avg HIGH

Avg LOW

Avg. Accumulated Precipitation

inches

Weather data based on closest weather station which is 60 miles from the lodge, so the actual climate at the lodge can vary a bit. Based on weather reports collected during 1985–2015.
Jan
40
32
10.14
Feb
41
31
7.38
Mar
44
33
7.73
Apr
49
36
6.36
May
56
43
4.92
Jun
61
49
3.99
Jul
64
52
4.12
Aug
64
53
5.29
Sep
59
48
8.93
Oct
51
41
13.08
Nov
44
35
12.06
Dec
41
33
10.64

ACCOMMODATIONS

Description

Return from an exciting day of wild Alaska sport fishing, relaxing in comfort in Waterfall Resort’s inviting accommodations: oceanfront Lodge Rooms, our historic Boardwalk Cabins, executive-style Egg House Suites, and family-size Tongass Townhouses.

We host guests in true angler style. Most of our guest quarters once housed the intrepid fishermen of Waterfall Cannery, the record-setting salmon cannery founded in 1912. Now carefully renovated, all accommodations have ocean or forest views, private baths, and in-room conveniences such as coffee/tea makers, mini-fridges, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Lodge Rooms

Conveniently located on the second floor of the General Store (with its supplies and sundries, and snack-stocked lounge) our ten historic Lodge Rooms each feature two double beds, an in-room bathroom with shower, Wi-Fi access, a mini-fridge, and a coffee/tea maker. These rooms are nearest to the Dining Room and Lagoon Saloon, and all have ocean or forest views.

  • Each sleeps two
  • Beds: Two doubles
  • Bathrooms: one
  • Square feet: 190 to 222

Boardwalk Cabins

Built in 1912 to house Waterfall Cannery crew, our 26 carefully renovated Boardwalk Cabins are closest to the docks and fishing boats. Each cabin hosts two anglers, and features one room with two double beds, a bathroom with shower, a mini-fridge, and a coffee/tea maker. Best of all, you can watch the waterfront action and catch Prince of Wales Island’s extreme tides and dazzling sunsets from your porch.

  • Beds: Two doubles
  • Bathrooms: one
  • Square feet: 258

Egg House Suites

Constructed from the building that once stored Waterfall Cannery’s coveted salmon roe, our four premium Egg House Suites are within a short walk of the General Store and on the route to our waterfall. Private, extraspacious, and right on the water, these well-appointed quarters accommodate two anglers with two queen beds, expansive bathrooms with shower and tub, separate sitting and dressing areas, mini-fridges, coffee/tea makers, wet bars, and wraparound decks with panoramic views of Ulloa Channel.

  • Beds: two queens
  • Bathrooms: one
  • Sitting area
  • Wet bar
  • Square feet: 618

Tongass Townhouses

Great for families and hikers, our four Tongass Townhouses rest right up against the forest, handy to our creekside trails and namesake waterfall. These two-story accommodations host up to four guests and feature two bedrooms (one with two double beds; the other, two twins) and two bathrooms upstairs. Downstairs there’s a full kitchen, washer/dryer, half-bath, and sitting area with cozy fireplace that opens to an oceanfront balcony.

  • Each sleeps up to four
  • Beds: Two queens, two twins
  • Bathrooms: Two plus
  • Square feet: 853
  • Sitting area
  • Fireplace
  • Full kitchen
  • Washer/dryer

Details

Corporate buyout:

We've hosted more corporate events and group gatherings than any other Alaska fishing resort. Our Fortune 500 clients count on Waterfall Resort and our experienced crew for one-of-a-kind gatherings focused on leadership, incentive travel, and customer appreciation.

  • Account management, budget development, custom itineraries
  • Transportation, menu/beverage and reception planning
  • On-site signage, meet and greet, cobranded gear
A corporate buyout is a single group booking the entire lodge. Often done for executive retreats.

WiFi available:

Maximum capacity:

92

Average travel time to fishing grounds:

Unknown

Amenities

Along with the fully stocked bar, the Lagoon Saloon features big-screen TVs, pool and ping-pong tables, darts, Wi-Fi and landline Internet access, a poker room, cannery memorabilia, plenty of comfortable sitting areas, and views of our saltwater lagoon and the Tongass National Forest.

Amenities also include daily housekeeping and ice delivery. And every room and suite is within walking distance (or a courtesy golf-cart ride!) of the docks, Dining Room, and Lagoon Saloon. Nonsmoker? Ask for one of our nonsmoking rooms.

Meals

Waterfall Resort is well known for providing anglers with the kind of Alaska-style, all-you-can-eat fare that fuels a great day on the water. Breakfast and dinner are served in the Dining Room with its panoramic views of Ulloa Channel, and all dishes are prepared fresh daily.

Breakfast

Start your fishing day off right. Waterfall Resort’s hot breakfast buffet includes bacon and sausages, eggs cooked to order, hash browns, homemade pastries, cereals, and yogurt, along with coffee, tea, and juice.

Boat Lunch

Picnic aboard your cruiser for maximum fishing time, while preordering your next day’s lunch from a menu of fried chicken, wraps and sandwiches (PBJs are a favorite), chips, cookies, candy, hot coffee, and cold beverages. Want to bring your favorite beer? Pick it up at the General Store on your way to the dock.

Dinner

After a day of fishing, dinner is the main event at Waterfall Resort. Our seafood appetizer table changes nightly and the menu regularly includes local favorites like fresh Dungeness crab, Kahli Cove oysters, coconut shrimp, and halibut ceviche.

Executive Chef Joe Walker’s all-you-can-eat buffet features premium beef dishes such as Filet Mignon with Red Wine Demi-glace, and regional specialties like Grilled Elk Tenderloin, Halibut Piccata, and Blackened Salmon Fettuccini. There’s also soup, a salad bar, fresh-baked bread, and a variety of beverages, including complimentary Pacific Coast wines.

Kids and the young at heart especially love our homemade desserts, frozen yogurt, and self-serve ice cream station.

After a day or afternoon on the water, the Lagoon Saloon is the lively gathering place for guests and crew alike, and the Dining Room offers views of the docks and Ulloa Channel, along with hot breakfasts and nightly buffet feasts that showcase fresh Alaska seafood (salmon, halibut, spot shrimp, Dungeness crab) and select Pacific Coast wines.

And in addition to libations at dinner and in the Saloon, you can find chilled six-packs in the General Store, which stocks everything from beer and whiskey to snacks and sodas.

Other Activities

Ping-pong, poker, billiards, darts, a driving range, perusing scrapbooks and old time photos in the Lobby Lounge, souvenir shopping at the General Store, happy hour at the Lagoon Saloon, napping, exploring our historic cannery buildings, hiking to our namesake waterfall, breathing in the crisp air of the spruce-studded Tongass National Forest, watching whales, orcas, otters, puffins, bald eagles, black bears, black-tailed deer….

BOATS

Description

Each of our 27 custom-designed, 25-foot North River cabin cruisers is built for safety, performance, comfort, and convenience. Features include heated cabins, air-suspension seats, powerful fuel-injected outboards, and a full complement of Furuno marine electronics.

Details

Bathroom:

Heated cabins:

Ratings and Reviews

Travel Planner

Travel destination:

The last significant city or town before the final leg of the journey to the lodge. If you are flying, this is where you'll fly to.

Ketchikan, Alaska

Transportation to/from the lodge and here is included in all packages.
Ketchikan-Airport-KTN
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How to get there?

Enter your starting location and get customized travel details. This will give you a good idea of the cost and logistics of getting to the lodge. It will show you:

  • travel duration
  • routes
  • airfare
  • flight details

Route planner will open in a new browser tab. Data courtesy of rome2rio.com.

Details

Our guests often make reservations up to a year in advance. We recommend trip insurance to all guests to help cover expenses should unexpected situations arise that require trip cancellation after payment. Insurance can also help defray expenses if unusual weather conditions interfere with travel from Ketchikan to the resort.

We provide you with all-weather gear: Helly Hansen bib overalls and hooded jackets, and XtraTuf neoprene boots to help keep you warm and dry on the water. Onshore, dress is casual. Go with shirts and tees suited to layering, plus a hooded sweatshirt or jacket, comfortable walking shoes (no leather soles, as they get slippery), a hat, and jeans. Above all, don’t overpack. We suggest you stick to no more than one carry-on and one checked bag, because your return luggage will include fish boxes to transport your catch. Our General Store carries sweatshirts, T-shirts, hats, and gloves.

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