When is Wild Salmon in Season?

Wild salmon is one of the most popular and delicious types of seafood Its rich, fatty texture and mild, sweet flavor make it a favorite for everything from sushi to salmon burgers However, wild salmon is only available fresh during certain parts of the year. Knowing when wild salmon is in season can help you get the best tasting and highest quality fish.

In this article, we’ll break down when and where you can find wild salmon based on species and region We’ll also answer some common questions about wild salmon seasonality, storage, preparation, and more Read on to learn everything you need to know about catching wild salmon at its seasonal peak of freshness and flavor.

Understanding Wild Salmon Seasonality

Wild salmon is a seasonal food, unlike farmed salmon which is available year-round. The reason wild salmon has a season is due to its natural lifecycle and migration patterns. Here’s a quick overview of the salmon lifecycle:

• Salmon hatch in freshwater streams and rivers. They spend their early months maturing here before heading out to the ocean.

• Salmon spend most of their adult life span foraging in the open ocean, where they gain over 90% of their weight.

• When it’s time to spawn, salmon migrate back to their natal freshwater rivers and streams to reproduce. They cease eating once they re-enter freshwater.

• After spawning, the adult salmon die and the cycle begins again.

This migration from ocean to river mouth happens at different times for different salmon species. Fisheries managers carefully regulate the fishing seasons to coincide with these migration patterns. This allows enough salmon to be harvested while also letting sufficient numbers reach their spawning grounds.

The key takeaway? Since wild salmon availability is tied to natural migration cycles, the fishing (and therefore purchasing) seasons are limited to just a portion of the year. Let’s look at the peak availability times for wild salmon.

Wild Salmon Season by Species and Location

Wild salmon season varies by specific species, as well as location where it is caught. The five main species of wild Pacific salmon are:

• Chinook (also called King)
• Sockeye (also called Red)
• Coho (also called Silver)
• Pink (also called Humpback)
• Chum (also called Dog)

Here are the peak wild salmon seasons broken down by species and popular fishing regions:

Chinook (King) Salmon

Peak Season: May – September

Locations: California, Pacific Northwest, Alaska

Flavor Profile: Rich, buttery, high in omega-3s

Best Uses: Grilling, smoking, baking, sushi/sashimi

Sockeye (Red) Salmon

Peak Season: June – July

Locations: Alaska, British Columbia

Flavor Profile: Deep red flesh, robust flavor

Best Uses: Grilling, broiling, soups/stews

Coho (Silver) Salmon

Peak Season: July – November

Locations: Pacific Northwest, Alaska

Flavor Profile: Medium-fat, mildly sweet flavor

Best Uses: Grilling, smoking, roasting, canning

Pink (Humpback) Salmon

Peak Season: June – September (every other year)

Locations: Alaska, Canada, Russia

Flavor Profile: Mild, delicate flavor

Best Uses: Canning, smoking, salmon burgers

Chum (Dog) Salmon

Peak Season: July – November

Locations: Alaska, Canada, Japan

Flavor Profile: Lean, firm texture

Best Uses: Smoking, grilling, stewing

As you can see, wild salmon seasons focus around summer and early fall months, which is when most species are migrating and being caught. However, within that timeframe different species come into peak season at slightly different times based on run timing.

Wild Salmon Season by Region

The peak seasons listed above can vary somewhat depending on your location and where the salmon is caught:

Alaska

In Alaska, wild salmon starts running as early as May and the season lasts through September. Some highlights include:

• May – June: Prized Copper River King salmon

• June – July: Abundant sockeye salmon runs

• July – September: Coho, pink, and chum salmon

Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon, Northern California) sees wild salmon running from June through September, including:

• June – July: King and sockeye salmon

• July – September: Coho and some chum salmon

California

In California, the season typically runs April – November, with King salmon being the main species caught during summer months.

Availability of Wild Salmon Outside of Season

While fresh wild salmon is only available during its fishing season, you can enjoy high-quality wild salmon year-round due to modern preservation techniques:

• Frozen wild salmon – Freshly caught salmon can be cleaned, vacuum-sealed, and frozen immediately to lock in flavor and quality. Frozen correctly, it can last 6 months or more.

• Canned wild salmon – Wild salmon is canned shortly after being caught, preserving its texture and nutrients. Has a 2 – 5 year shelf life.

• Smoked salmon – Smoking imparts delicious flavor while extending shelf life. Both hot and cold-smoked wild salmon lasts 1 – 2 months refrigerated.

• Salmon roe – Salmon eggs are salt-cured into caviar/roe, preserving their rich taste for months of shelf life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I store fresh wild salmon?

• Keep fresh wild salmon well chilled at 32 – 38°F

• Store in the coldest part of your refrigerator

• Place in a shallow pan on ice if fridge isn’t cold enough

• Consume within 2 days for best quality

What’s the healthiest wild salmon?

• Sockeye and King salmon are highest in omega-3s

• They have the most fatty, robust flavor

Which salmon is best for smoking?

• Sockeye and chum are best for smoking

• Higher oil content helps smoked flavor absorb

Is farmed salmon available year-round?

Yes, farmed salmon is available fresh year-round since it is raised in managed aquaculture systems. However, many chefs and seafood lovers prefer the flavor and texture of wild-caught salmon in season.

Can I fish for wild salmon during the off-season?

Regulations prohibit targeting wild salmon outside of the designated fishing seasons. However, check your local Fish & Wildlife agency for recreational fishing regulations in your area.

Enjoy Wild Salmon at Its Seasonal Best

Understanding when wild salmon is in its peak season allows you to enjoy this incredible seafood at its best. Seek out fresh wild salmon during the summer and fall months based on species availability in your region. Then use high-quality frozen or smoked salmon to satisfy your cravings during the off-season.

What’s your favorite way to eat wild salmon? Let us know in the comments!