When is Copper River Salmon Available? A Guide to this Premium Wild Alaska Salmon

Copper River salmon are some of the most prized salmon in the world. These wild salmon make an annual migration from the Pacific Ocean up the rugged Copper River in Alaska to spawn. Their journey covers over 300 miles of rocky rapids icy waterfalls and powerful currents. The strenuous swim builds up rich stores of healthy omega-3 fats in the salmon’s flesh, making them exceptionally flavorful and nutritious.

The Copper River Salmon Season

The Copper River salmon season is highly anticipated every year by seafood lovers and runs from mid-May through September. Here are the key dates for the 2025 season:

• May 22, 2025 The season officially opens with a 12-hour fishing period. This initial opening day is a huge event celebrated by the town of Cordova at the mouth of the Copper River.

• May – June: The early summer months mark the arrival of king (chinook) salmon. Bright red in color and high in fat content, Copper River king salmon are the superstars of the run. Supply is limited as kings make up less than 5% of the Copper River salmon catch.

• June – July: Sockeye (red) salmon start running in large numbers in early summer. Sockeyes account for the bulk of the commercial harvest. They have bright red flesh and a rich, full flavor. The 2025 sockeye run is forecast to be excellent with over 1.9 million fish expected.

• July – September: Coho (silver) salmon run in mid to late summer. Smaller and more delicate than kings and sockeyes, cohos have bright orange-red flesh and a milder flavor.

The peak salmon fishing occurs in June and July when the volume of returning sockeye salmon is highest.

Availability of Fresh Copper River Salmon

The first fresh Copper River salmon of the year will be available starting on opening day, May 22. These prized early-season kings and sockeyes are flown to seafood retailers and restaurants within 24 hours of being caught. For the next four months, fresh salmon will be available in limited quantities until the runs increase in June.

Once the high-volume sockeye harvest begins in early summer, fresh Copper River salmon gets more widely distributed across the U.S. Seafood lovers eagerly await these salmon, renowned for their deep red color and rich flavor. The salmon can be found at specialty fish markets, high-end restaurants, and some grocery store chains like Whole Foods. Availability improves through the summer months but remains limited as demand is extremely high.

Copper River Salmon are available in the following forms:

• Fresh whole salmon (headed and gutted) – the most desirable form, ideal for cooking salmon steaks or filleting yourself
• Fresh salmon fillets – more convenient, allows you to cook just the fillet portions
• Frozen whole and fillet salmon – captures the fresh flavor at peak season for year-round enjoyment
• Canned Copper River salmon – cooked on the bone and canned shortly after being caught

Where to Buy Copper River Salmon

Here are some tips for finding this premium wild salmon:

• Check the seafood counter at your local specialty market or high-end grocer like Whole Foods. Many stores advertise when they have Copper River Salmon in stock.

• Look for Copper River salmon at restaurants, especially higher-end seafood restaurants that pride themselves on quality ingredients. Menus will indicate it as a specialty item.

• Search online mail order seafood websites and check availability. Popular options include Vital Choice, Wild Alaskan Company, Trident Seafoods, and Seattle Fish Company. Note that supplies are limited so you may need to join a waiting list.

• Time your visit to Seattle or Alaska during the May to September salmon season and check out fish markets like Pike Place Market where you can find excellent Copper River salmon when supplies peak.

• In Alaska, visit one of the premier seafood restaurants in cities like Anchorage, Juneau, and Kodiak. Salmon is featured heavily on menus and commonly identified by its source river.

Why Is Copper River Salmon So Prized?

What makes these salmon so special compared to other wild Pacific salmon? Here are a few reasons:

• Lean and nutritious – Low in saturated fats and high in heart-healthy omega-3s. Has an exceptionally good fat-to-protein ratio.

• Intense flavor – The long migration builds extensive fat reserves, giving the salmon a rich and buttery flavor. The cold, clean glacial waters enhance the taste.

• Deep red color – Bright blood-orange to red color indicates high astaxanthin levels, an antioxidant that adds flavor.

• Limited supply – Only available for a few months each year during the salmon run on Copper River located in remote Alaska. Adds to its exclusivity.

• Sustainable fishery – Carefully managed to maintain healthy salmon populations and ecosystem. Certified sustainable by MSC.

• Prized texture – Firm, moist texture with small fine flakes when cooked properly. Smooth and lush mouthfeel.

• Ritual and tradition – Celebrated seasonal start of the salmon season in Alaska. First fresh salmon after the long winter wait.

The unmatched flavor and nutritional value make Copper River salmon a delicacy that is perfect for everything from salmon burgers to smoked salmon spreads. When you find it, savor this premium wild salmon to enjoy one of Alaska’s natural wonders of the sea.

The 2025 Copper River salmon season has begun, with the sockeye (red) run expected to be strong and the king (Chinook) run forecasted as weak. The sockeye commercial season opened on May 22, with an estimated 2.638 million fish, 50% above the 10-year average, according to Tony’s Meats & Market.