How to Properly Ship Salmon from Alaska Back Home

Shipping salmon from Alaska requires careful planning and preparation to ensure your precious catch makes it home in perfect condition. With the right materials and some know-how, you can package your salmon like a pro so it stays fresh or frozen during the journey. This guide covers everything you need to know to ship salmon from Alaska.

Planning Ahead is Key

The first step is planning ahead Know approximately how many salmon you expect to catch and get an idea of the different sizes, This helps determine the appropriate shipping container size and packaging materials needed

Research airline restrictions if flying with your salmon Most airlines restrict loose ice and limit refrigerant amounts If driving, determine the expected travel time. Cross-country journeys may take 2-5 days while within the Pacific Northwest maybe just a day. Longer transit times require more insulating and refrigerant to keep salmon fresh or frozen.

Confirm your fishing lodge or charter provides packaging materials and services. Most will vacuum seal, freeze, and package your catch for transport home but double check to avoid any surprises. If packing yourself, gather necessary supplies beforehand like a cooler, freezer packs, and insulation.

Packaging Materials

The right packaging materials are key for protecting your salmon during shipping. Here are some common options:

• Hard plastic coolers – Ideal for transporting fresh salmon with ice packs. Sturdy and durable but bulkier.

• Polyurethane foam shippers – Provides excellent insulation to keep contents frozen. Requires an outer cardboard box when flying.

• Wax boxes – Typical two-piece box used by lodges. Add insulation and freezer packs as wax alone won’t protect for long periods.

• Vacuum seal bags – Remove air and prevent freezer burn. Use for individual fillets or whole salmon.

• Insulation – Bubble wrap, foam, or reflective lining helps regulate temperature. Necessary for longer transit.

• Refrigerant – Gel ice packs, dry ice, or loose ice to keep salmon cool or frozen.

Packaging Tips

Follow these tips to ensure your salmon stays fresh or frozen during transit:

• Double box foam shippers with an outer cardboard box if flying. This protects against damage.

• Line wax shippers with insulation like bubble wrap or foam. Wax alone won’t preserve your salmon.

• Vacuum seal or wrap individually frozen fillets and whole salmon using a Foodsaver or plastic wrap.

• Place sealed salmon packages together in a layer inside the cooler or shipper. Fill any air gaps with more insulation.

• Check airline rules before using loose ice or dry ice. Gel packs are generally safer for flying.

• For fresh salmon, use ice packs or loose ice and insulate with newspaper, bubble wrap or foam.

• Pack refrigerant packs throughout the container, not just on top or bottom. This keeps an even temperature.

• Always place sealed salmon in a leak-proof plastic bag even when using a liner. This adds extra protection.

Shipping Containers

The container you use depends on various factors:

Hard Plastic Coolers

Best for:

• Fresh salmon – Use ice packs to keep cooled 1-2 days
• Shorter transit times – Insulates better than wax boxes
• Driving trips – More durable and reusable

Foam Shippers

Best for:

• Frozen salmon – Keeps frozen up to a week without refrigerant
• Long transit times – Superior insulation properties
• Flying – Sturdy protection when double-boxed

Wax Boxes

Best for:

• Frozen salmon on shorter trips – Add gel packs if over 8 hours
• Prepared by lodges – Convenient but limited insulation
• Cost-effective – Cheap disposable method

Vacuum Seal Bags

Best for:

• Individual fillets and whole salmon – Block freezer burn
• Layering inside coolers – Compactly fills air gaps
• Short trips – Doesn’t replace insulation/refrigerant

Plastic Tubs

Best for:

• Temporary freezer storage – Reusable
• Short driving trips – Lid offers security
• Limited quantities – Not suitable for bulk

Estimating Required Refrigerant

Having the right amount of refrigerant is crucial for fresh salmon. Too little and temperatures may rise above safe levels. Too much and you could leak toxic fluids if flying. Estimate required refrigerant by:

• Type – Gel packs last longer than loose ice
• Quantity of fish – More volume needs more cooling
• Container size – Large spaces demand more refrigerant
• Transit time – Longer durations require extra cooling

As a general rule, plan for 2-3 pounds of gel ice packs per day of transit. Add extra packs for longer driving times or hot weather. For flying, follow airline refrigerant restrictions.

Handling Thawed Salmon

Despite best efforts, salmon may unintentionally thaw or start softening during transit. Here are some handling tips if your frozen salmon thaws:

• Keep the fish chilled at 40°F or below until you reach your destination or processing facility. Continually drain off and replace ice as it melts.

• Separate thawed fillets from frozen ones and prioritize cooking thawed salmon immediately. It’s still safe to eat or process.

• If no ice is available and temperatures exceed 40°F, cook thawed salmon right away. Heat destroys bacteria growth.

• When refreezing thawed salmon, freeze quickly by placing bags in an ice bath to re-chill before returning to a freezer. Don’t refreeze more than once.

• Inform your airline, lodge or customs officials immediately if thawed salmon starts leaking fluids during transit.

Inspecting Your Shipment

Inspect your packaged salmon thoroughly when unpacking it at your destination. Look for any signs of damage, odors or soft texture indicating spoilage. If the salmon has partially or fully thawed but smells fresh and feels firm, you can safely refreeze or process it. Discard any salmon with an unpleasant fishy or rotten odor.

With smart planning, high-quality packaging materials and proper freezing techniques, you can ship your treasured Alaska salmon harvest home in perfect condition. Follow these tips and you’ll impress everyone with your professional shipping skills. Enjoy the fruits of your fishing adventures for months to come! Let us know if you have any other salmon shipping tips to share.