Chinook salmon, also known as king salmon, is one of the most delicious and prized salmon species. Its rich flavor, large size, and high omega-3 content make it a favorite for cooking and eating. But where can you find and buy fresh, high-quality chinook salmon?
As a salmon aficionado, I’ve researched and tried many places to source the best tasting chinook salmon In this article, I’ll share my top recommendations for buying wild-caught and sustainably farmed chinook, so you can enjoy this incredible fish at home
Buying Fresh Wild Chinook Salmon
Check Local Fish Markets
One of the best ways to buy ultra-fresh wild chinook salmon is to visit your local fish market or seafood shop The highest quality salmon will come directly from the docks to these retailers,
I suggest visiting fish markets in major fishing cities like Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, and Juneau. These cities receive regular salmon deliveries from Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. Ask the fishmonger questions about sourcing, freshness, and sustainability.
Carefully inspect the salmon for clear eyes, shiny skin, and no unpleasant odors. Buying smaller quantities more often results in better freshness.
Order Directly from Fishermen
Another way to buy very fresh wild chinook is to order directly from local fishermen who catch salmon right from the source. Look for salmon stands near fishing docks or visit fishermen’s co-ops.
You can even order a whole fresh salmon! Purchasing directly from small fisheries helps support their businesses while providing you incredibly fresh salmon at fair prices.
Be sure all direct fishery purchases meet local regulations for licensing and handling. Look for operations with high safety standards when shipping fish.
Purchase Wild Salmon Online
Ordering wild salmon online allows you to buy fresh-caught fish directly from reputable, sustainable fisheries in Alaska, Pacific Northwest, and beyond. You can have wild-caught salmon shipped overnight frozen at peak quality.
Look for well-known fisheries like Wild Alaskan Salmon & Seafood, Trident Seafoods, and Vital Choice that responsibly source salmon and immediately freeze after catch. Order smaller quantities more frequently for optimal freshness.
Check delivery costs and methods before ordering. Opt for fast 1-2 day shipping with insulated packaging and frozen gel packs to keep your salmon chilled.
Buying Quality Farmed Chinook
Order Through Online Retailers
Online companies like HelloFresh and ButcherBox offer subscription meal kits or monthly boxes with responsibly farmed chinook salmon.
Look for details on feeding, antibiotic usage, farming conditions, and sustainability. Opt for U.S. or Canadian-raised salmon when possible. Order smaller fillets or steaks and use within a few days for peak freshness.
Check High-End Grocery Stores
Grocery stores like Whole Foods, Wegmans, and Metropolitan Market sell farmed chinook from reputable aquaculture companies. Look for quality certifications like “Best Choice” rated.
Stick to the seafood counter over pre-packed areas for better temperature control. Ask when the salmon arrived and where it’s from. Check for firm, shiny salmon with clear eyes and bright red gills. Only buy what you’ll use in a couple days.
Order from Specialty Online Markets
Companies like FultonFishMarket.com and SeattleFishCompany.com offer responsibly farmed chinook for online ordering.
Opt for fresh never frozen salmon if you want sushi-grade. Or choose frozen at-sea salmon processed within hours of catch. Research their farming practices and antibiotic use. Go with U.S. or Canada-raised when possible.
Extra Tips for Purchasing Chinook
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Seek out MSC or BAP certification for sustainable, responsibly farmed salmon.
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Inspect whole salmon for clear eyes, healthy gills, and no odors. Fillets or steaks allow for easier quality checks.
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Only buy what you’ll use in a few days unless freezing. Chinook is best ultra-fresh.
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Portion salmon in airtight bags removing air before freezing for 2-3 months max at 0°F.
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Refrigerator thaw or thaw under cool running water. Avoid room temp. Cook fully after thawing.
With this guide, you now know the best places to buy delicious chinook salmon sustainably caught in the wild or carefully raised on farms. Enjoy the rich, velvety texture of this iconic salmon with your favorite cooking methods. Happy salmon shopping and eating!
Helpful information when buying salmon
When the salmon season opens (see dates), Indian fishers may be found selling fish at a number of locations along the Columbia. Sellers are regularly at these locations, but look for signs along the river, too:
- Marine Park in Cascade Locks
- Bridgeside parking lot located under the historic Bridge of the Gods Bridge
- Brigham Fish Market, Cascade Locks
- Lone Pine in The Dalles
- Wild Columbia Salmon, 108 Highway 35, Hood River
- Wild Columbia Salmon, 230 1st Street, White Salmon, Washington
- Boat launch near Roosevelt, Washington
To find out where the day’s catch is being sold, call the Salmon Marketing program at (888) 289-1855, (503) 238-0667 during normal business hours. Days, times and availability vary.
Sales are cash only. Ask for a receipt from your vendor.
Check out our Fresh Salmon Buying Tips.
- Chinook Salmon Closed
- Steelhead Closed
- Coho Salmon Closed
- Sockeye Salmon Closed
- Sturgeon Closed
- Shad Closed
Fish are marked SCARCE if the run is ending or just getting started or a tributary fishery (usually the Klickitat River) is open but not the main Columbia River. Availability is quite limited and can only be determined by actually driving to the sales locations.
Walleye, yellow perch, bass, catfish, and carp are occasionally for sale in very small numbers.
COVID precautions when buying a salmon
Expect fishers to have stricter protocols to ensure their own safety and the safety of customers. Remember these guidelines when buying from tribal fishers:
- Wear a mask.
- Use a credit card to pay if your fish seller is set up to accept them.
- Learn more about the community you’re buying from. COVID doesn’t affect all groups and ages the same way and even if you don’t feel it is a potential threat to you personally, it is a major threat to the tribal community, particularly tribal elders.
- Thank you for supporting tribal fishers by enjoying Indian-caught salmon, but also please support them by helping keep COVID from spreading into our vulnerable population.
HOW TO BUY SALMON | What Salmon Should You Buy at the Grocery Store?
FAQ
Is chinook salmon expensive?
Wild Alaska King Salmon, also known as Chinook Salmon, is more expensive for multiple reasons: King Salmon are more difficult to catch commercially due to their large size. They frequently get over 30 lbs where the 2nd largest, Silver Salmon, usually cap out at 20 lbs, and Red Salmon only get up to 9 lbs.
What is another name for chinook salmon?
Other Names
Chinook, chins, king. quinnat, tyee, tule, blackmouth, and spring salmon.
Do any supermarkets sell wild salmon?
Tesco Finest 2 Alaskan Sockeye Wild Salmon Fillets 230g offer a premium seafood experience at home. Sourced from the pristine waters of Alaska, these fillets are known for their rich flavour and vibrant colour.
Which is better sockeye or Chinook?
Chinook salmon is richer in selenium, magnesium, and phosphorus, yet sockeye salmon is richer in vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin B1, vitamin B5, and vitamin …
What is Ocean troll caught wild chinook salmon?
…Ocean troll caught wild Chinook salmon are special. Each fish is individually caught on a trolled lure, usually at a fairly great depth (200 to 500 ft or more).
Can you buy wild salmon online?
And thanks to overnight shipping, online retailers, community supported fisheries, and seafood buying clubs, almost anyone can gain access to restaurant-quality wild salmon without living near an ocean. Caught by Alaskan fishermen. Sustainably sourced, wild, and fresh, never frozen. Is it possible to buy wild salmon?
Is the 2022 troll commercial wild chinook salmon season closed?
The 2022 Troll Commercial Wild Chinook Salmon Season is now closed. Only in the KMZ zone did we have quotas. Fisherman Direct encourages all people who love to eat Wild Chinook Salmon to get involved with your local watershed council. This year (2022) we had limited area openers for the Oregon coast thru October.
Where can I buy fresh wild caught Alaska sockeye salmon?
Get the low down here, then hit the Seafood department in your local Whole Foods Market store to stock up or shop online for pickup or delivery .* Grab some Fresh Sustainable Wild Caught Alaska Sockeye Salmon from July 10 through July 23, just $11.69 per pound with Prime.
Can you buy fresh salmon?
It can be purchased as either steak or fillets, fresh, frozen, canned or smoked. When can you buy wild salmon? And indeed, farmed Atlantic salmon is available fresh all year. Even wild species are available pretty much whenever a hankering strikes, albeit mostly frozen and canned.
Where can I find wild salmon?
Weekly farmers markets in my area have been a great source for finding wild salmon from independent fishers. There are often one or two vendors selling their catch directly to consumers. I’ve been able to establish relationships with the fishmongers and ask them questions about the salmon’s origins and freshness.