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ABOUT US

The Crew At Salmon Falls

Our employees create the environment that allows our guests to enjoy an exceptional stay from their room to the restaurant and experience superior fishing excursions (fully & self-guided). From the moment you arrive in Ketchikan, our staff will be there to make sure your trip runs smoothly from start to finish.

Salmon Falls Team Photo

Our Captains

Get to know some of our expert Captains.

Captain Mike Bunker

MICHAEL BUNKER

CAPTAIN

Guiding since 2016, Captain Michael Bunker has been an avid fisherman since early childhood and has fished everywhere from the Puget Sound to Long Island and the lakes and rivers of Idaho. Most recently he has been a guide in Southeast Alaska. His motto is, “If it swims, I can catch it.” Captain Mike considers it a great day on the water when you’re creating memories, catching fish and going after monster King Salmon. He’s a Dad to three boys and resides in Idaho in the off-season.

Mike Kanicianich captain photo on dock

MIKE KANICIANICH

CAPTAIN

Captain Mike Kanicianich is an ardent fisherman that has been guiding the past two seasons at Salmon Falls resort. During the off season, he resides in Washington State where he guides the remainder of the year. Captain Mike loves being on the water, chatting with clients and catching halibut.

Captain Christopher Moore

CHRISTOPHER MOORE

CAPTAIN

Captain Chris Moore has been guiding at Salmon Falls Resort the past two seasons. During the off season he resides in Massachusetts. Captain Chris loves fishing, watching his favorite sports team, Tampa Bay Bucks, and helping his clients create memories on the water.

Captain Derrek Conces

DERREK CONCES

CAPTAIN

Captain Derrek is a die-hard fishing Machine! Raised in the Northwest, he has been chasing big fish his whole life. His favorite sound in the world, is the sound of a fish pealing line off the real. If you love catching fish, and having a great time doing it, Derrek is your guide. Be ready to lots of High 5’s, and plenty of Pictures.

Captain Bob Tardy

BOB TARDY

CAPTAIN

Captain Bob Tardy grew up in Colorado, dreaming about one day being an Alaskan fishing guide. Beginning in 2005, he traded engineering consulting for fishing privileges on Admiralty Island and got his captain’s license in 2011. He has been guiding for eight years, four of them being at Salmon Falls. During the off-season he lives in Colorado, where he loves to sail, fish, and bow hunt. Some of his favorite memories at Salmon Falls include the time an inexperienced guest hooked a very large Lingcod and another guest and himself had the opportunity to coach the struggling angler until they landed the fish. Limited dates in 2023 season.

Our Staff

Get to know some of the friendly faces you'll be interacting with while planning your visit and staying with us at Salmon Falls Resort.

Matt Herod holding King Salmon

MATT HEROD

GENERAL MANAGER

Salmon Falls General Manager, Matt Herod, has been a driving force behind the Resort for 3 seasons now. A 14-year veteran of the Alaskan seasonal hotel industry, Herod ventured from his home state of Arizona to explore the back country of Denali National Park. During that first summer he fell in love with the picturesque landscape and the midnight sun. Herod was born and raised in Prescott, Arizona and is excited to share his love for fishing with all guests of Salmon Falls Resort.

Executive Chef Jordan Swiler

JORDAN SWILER

EXECUTIVE CHEF

Chef Jordan grew up in Edina, Minnesota. At an early age he began watching and studying shows like Emeril Live where his interest in becoming a Chef began. Starting in catering kitchens in Minneapolis, he took a job as a line cook at 18 and moved his way up. Swiler graduated from the University of Missouri in 2009 with a degree in Food Science. After moving back to Minneapolis in 2010, Swiler set his eyes on becoming an influential Chef in the city. At 34, he became the Executive Chef of Cafe and Bar Lurcat and has been there since 2016. With a focus on fresh ingredients and creative techniques, Swiler is among the top chefs in Minneapolis and he’s excited to bring his craft to Timbers Restaurant.

Marina Manager Jesse Liebrecht

JESSE LIEBRECHT

MARINA MANAGER

Jesse grew up in Montana and began working in Ketchikan seasonally three years ago. In his first year at Salmon Falls, Jesse is responsible for keeping the marina and its crew in tip top shape, from captains to boats to the processed fish our guests that home. He loves the jack-of-all-trade, independent spirit of Alaska and the subsistence lifestyle that Southeast Alaska provides. His favorite fish is the silver (coho) salmon, calling it the “working man’s fish” for its great flavor, longevity in the freezer and the high amount that can be harvested from the waters around Salmon Falls.

Sean Harrelson, Deckhand

SEAN HARRELSON

SENIOR DECKHAND

Deckhand Sean Harrelson is from Hesperia, California. Sean came up to Alaska on May 7, 2019, to work at Salmon Falls. He fell in love with the job and has not been home since. His favorite part about the job is customer service and loves joking and getting to know the guests.

Colleen M. Schmitz

COLLEEN M. SCHMITZ

COMPLEX DIRECTOR, SALES, MARKETING, AND RESERVATIONS / RESERVATIONS ADVENTURE SPECIALIST

With over 30 years of hospitality experience, Colleen’s passion is building the luxury market segment with global brands; most recently with WorldHotels (Pre COVID) and more prominently, over 17 years with MGM Resorts International. Recognized by American Express’ Fine Hotels & Resorts, Partner of the Year 2009 for SKYLOFTS at MGM Grand and White House Communications Agency 2000 with the Executive team at St. Regis Los Angeles, Schmitz is considered an expert and an accomplished sales leader within the luxury travel industry.

Born and raised in Edmonton, AB, she spent her summers lake fishing and tent camping, with winters skiing and skating.

Based remote in Las Vegas with her family off, she’s looking forward to crossing off a bucket list item of snorkeling in Alaska this summer!

Kandice Whitaker

KANDICE WHITAKER

COMPLEX SALES AND MARKETING MANAGER / RESERVATIONS ADVENTURE SPECIALIST

My heart and soul have been in Alaska, since the day I set foot on its land. It calls me back each year. I am passionate for all things outdoors, and have an extreme love for fishing.

This will be my 6th year returning to adventure in Alaska; my 3rd summer living there.

Kelly Scheffer

KELLY SCHEFFER

COMPLEX SALES MANAGER / RESERVATIONS ADVENTURE SPECIALIST

Admiration for adventure and nature has called Kelly back to Alaska for more than 20 years. As an avid backpacker, she loves taking in Alaska’s beauty from every angle. She is also a passionate angler, enjoying the opportunity to fish in Alaska’s pristine waters and taking great joy in helping guests experience the

Mitchcell "Mitch" Keeling

MITCHELL 'MITCH' KEELING

COMPLEX SALES MANAGER / RESERVATIONS ADVENTURE SPECIALIST

Just your typical Tennessee boy that grew up with ma’ams and sirs. I enjoy thrills and adventures. Alaska has been able to provide that and more. When not at work or fishing you can find me on my mountain or road bike.

Our Fleet

North Rivers

North Rivers

With almost a $1M investment in enhancing the resort’s amenities, three North
River boats were added to Salmon Falls Resort’s fleet in 2022.

  • 31’ North River Seahawk Offshore Walk Around sportfishing boat
  • Custom built for the Resort
  • Twin Honda 250 HP outboards
  • Shockwave suspension seating
  • Premium heavy- gauge aluminum
  • Top of the line navigation and fishing electronics
  • Heated cabin with private head
  • Ample deck space for fishing efficiency and guest comfort

About North River
North River logo North River has earned this reputation by building high quality commercial and recreational boats for over 50 years with the best ride, time-tested in the Alaskan maritime wilderness, which provides fishing lodges and guides with the safest, most comfortable vessels for their guests.

27.5’ Custom Aluminum Boats

Each of our 5-custom designed, 27 ½ foot aluminum boats made by Riddle Marine are built for safety, performance, comfort and convenience. All boats include a heated cabin, air-suspension seats, private heads, fuel-injected twin Honda 200 outboards, and a full complement of Lowrance electronics. These boats are thoughtfully designed to meet all our salt water fishing needs and we are eager to bring them to our fleet this season.

27.5’ Custom Aluminum Boats
24’ Skagit Orca in the marina at Salmon Falls Resort

24’ Skagit Orca

More than any other boat in their class, Skagit Orcas are built to get you to your destination and back safely, quickly and comfortably - even with less than ideal weather conditions. It’s no surprise that the Skagit Orca is foremost an excellent choice for Anglers. Each boat is built solid without compromising the comforts that make fishing a pleasure. With a combination of speed, all-weather comfort, the Skagit Orca will suit all your salt water fishing needs. Each boat is equipped with a 250 outboard.

18’ Lund SSV Self-Guided Fleet

The ideal self-guided fishing boat, the Lund SSV is perfect any type of fishing. Built with heavy grade aluminum these Lund boats provide a safe and stable ride. Each boat is equipped with a 40HP Honda, steering wheel, rod holders, seats, gaff and fishing net.

18' Skiff for self-guided fishing out on the water in the marina