FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER
Fishing for the Perfect Shot
Every summer, Waterfall Resort welcomes anglers from all walks of life to experience world-class fishing, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable moments on the water. This year’s Photo & Video Contest captured the essence of that adventure, showcasing the thrill of the catch, the beauty of Alaska, and the camaraderie that makes every trip special.
The Boat & Fishing Category Winner
Amanda Montcrief arrived at Waterfall Resort a bit hesitant about fishing in Alaska for the first time, but she quickly proved that she was more than up for the challenge. Captain Nick, a seven-season veteran, recalled her impressive transformation over just a couple of days aboard Boat 19:
“Amanda went from stepping on the boat expressing being nervous and anxious to be fishing in Alaska for the first time to telling me what depth the fish were biting at by her second day. I stopped counting her fish after it was apparent that she had put over half of the fish onboard. I’m pretty sure there’s still a couple sore spots—one of which is in her hip from pulling on so many fish.”
Her photos reflected not just the excitement of the catch, but the deeper experience that comes with being immersed in Alaska’s pristine waters. Reflecting on her winning shot, Amanda shared:
“Alaska brought a deep and profound feeling of peace. My goal for each photo and video taken that week was to bring a little bit of that home. During the time on the boat in-between fishing locations, we were surrounded by a beautiful place mostly molded by just God Himself, and this helped to break free from the constraints of grief and allowed gratitude to take its place. Thank you, Waterfall Resort, for giving this experience and opportunity!”
When it came to the fishing category, Amanda didn’t hold back:
“I don’t fish much and I never have done that type of fishing before, but that day the fish were practically jumping into the boat when I dropped a line. I caught most of the fish before the guys had a chance to. Sorry, not sorry!”
The Resort & Wildlife Category Winner
Nic Davidson, part of Amanda’s group, perfectly captured the natural beauty of Waterfall Resort with his stunning winning photos. His resort photo, a breathtaking glowing sunset, showcases the tranquil magic of Alaska’s wilderness, while his wildlife shot of a soaring eagle embodies the untamed spirit of the region. Through his lens, Nic brought to life the awe-inspiring landscapes and unforgettable moments that make Waterfall Resort a truly special place.
Viral Video Magic: Jaden’s Whale Encounter
Waterfall Resort is known for delivering incredible fishing action, but sometimes nature steals the show. That’s exactly what happened aboard Captain Tony’s boat when an unexpected visitor disrupted a hot salmon bite. Captain Tony, an 11-year veteran on Boat 16, recounted the scene:
“We were catching kings and silvers on bait balls and bird schools, and all we see is a whale come up and get a mouthful of herring and birds together. Everyone stopped salmon fishing while they were biting and started videoing to see what the whale would do with the birds in his mouth. He opened once and let one out and then opened his mouth again to let the second one out. Pretty exciting to just stop fishing when they’re biting to see nature up close doing their thing.”
This incredible moment was caught on video by Jaden, turning an already unforgettable fishing trip into a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter.
Video Contest Winner: Matt Robon
The magic of Waterfall Resort isn’t just in the fish—it’s in the entire experience. That’s what Matt Robon captured in his winning video, showcasing the thrill of the trip and the bond shared with friends and family. Guided by Captain Brendan Dirks, a second-year guide on Boat 6, Matt’s video perfectly encapsulated the heart of Waterfall Resort.
“We thoroughly enjoyed the day, and the captain was fantastic. It was such a perfect setting. I thoroughly enjoyed going up there with friends and family.”
Captain Brendan summed up the experience simply:
“Working with the coolest people at the coolest place on earth…what else can I say?”
Why Waterfall Resort?
For over 40 years, Waterfall Resort has been the premier destination for anglers looking to make memories that last a lifetime. Whether it’s battling king salmon, witnessing stunning wildlife, or simply soaking in the Alaskan wilderness, every trip offers a story worth telling—and capturing on camera.
Ready to reel in your own adventure? Book your stay at Waterfall Resort and experience the magic for yourself. Who knows? You just might be our next Photo & Video Contest winner!
Let's go fishing!