When Does the Copper River Salmon Run Happen?

The Copper River salmon run is one of Alaska’s most iconic natural events. Every spring, thousands of wild Pacific salmon make the arduous 300-mile journey from the Gulf of Alaska up the Copper River to their spawning grounds. This annual salmon migration draws attention from fishermen, locals, foodies, and nature lovers alike. But when exactly does this remarkable salmon run occur?

An Overview of the Copper River

The Copper River is located in southcentral Alaska, east of Anchorage. It stretches nearly 300 miles from its headwaters at the Wrangell Mountains to its mouth at the Gulf of Alaska. The river gets its name from the copper deposits that were mined along its banks in the late 1800s.

The Copper River is glacially-fed, meaning it receives a significant portion of its water from melting glaciers. This results in low temperatures and silty waters. The river winds through the Chugach National Forest, passing through narrow canyons and wide gravel flats.

The Copper River delta where it meets the ocean is one of the largest continuous wetlands on the Pacific Coast. This fertile delta provides excellent habitat for young salmon as they transition from freshwater to saltwater.

The Salmon Species of Copper River

The Copper River is home to runs of all five Pacific salmon species

• King (Chinook) salmon – The largest of the salmon species, prized for its buttery texture and rich flavor. Copper River kings average 20-30 pounds.

• Sockeye (red) salmon – Known for its bright red-orange flesh and rich fatty taste. Copper River reds average 5-8 pounds.

• Coho (silver) salmon – Smaller salmon with moderate fat content and medium-firm texture. Copper River silvers average 6-12 pounds.

• Pink (humpy) salmon – Abundant small salmon with light pink flesh and mild flavor. Copper River pinks average 3-5 pounds.

• Chum (dog) salmon – Large salmon with firm, pale flesh and strong flavor. Copper River chums can reach 30 pounds.

The Annual Salmon Migration

The Copper River salmon run is one of nature’s great spectacles. Each year, hundreds of thousands of salmon make the 300-mile journey from the ocean back to their natal streams to spawn.

This strenuous migration involves leaping up rapids, traversing miles of open river, and bypassing hydroelectric dams. Some experts estimate the Copper River run may involve salmon swimming up to 1,500 miles roundtrip from their ocean feeding grounds.

Salmon return to the Copper River between May and September. Here is the general timing for the run of each species:

• Kings – Early May through June
• Sockeye – Mid-May through July
• Coho – Mid-July through September
• Pink – July through mid-August
• Chum – June through mid-July

Within these broad timeframes, the exact timing of the salmon run varies from year to year depending on water conditions, ocean productivity, and other factors. Generally, the peak of the run occurs in June for kings and July for sockeye.

Opening Day

The commercial fishing season on the Copper River is carefully managed by Alaska Fish and Game to allow sustainable harvests while protecting salmon populations. Each year, an “opening day” is announced marking the start of commercial salmon fishing for the season.

For 2025, the Copper River salmon season will kick off on May 22nd. This opening day is hugely important for the town of Cordova and other fishing communities, as the first fresh Copper River salmon of the year fetch premium prices at markets.

In 2024, sockeye salmon from the first opener sold for $10/lb and king salmon went for $15/lb. Prices usually decline later in the season as more supply comes on the market.

Celebrating the Salmon Run

The annual return of salmon is a huge event in Cordova and other communities along the Copper River. The first salmon harvested each year are ceremoniously flown to Seattle, where chefs craft gourmet dishes to celebrate the start of the salmon season.

Locals hold festivals and salmon bakes to welcome the return of the fish. Fishermen eagerly wait for opening day, when they’ll launch their boats and set their nets to intercept the incoming salmon. Scientists monitor salmon runs and collect data to inform sustainable management.

For seafood lovers, the Copper River salmon run means the return of some of the most prized wild salmon in the world – rich in flavor and health benefits. When springtime arrives in Alaska, it’s time to look forward to these incredible fish making their way back home.

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.