Where to Get Fresh Salmon Near Me

As a seafood lover one of my favorite fish is fresh salmon. There’s nothing quite like the delicate pink flesh and rich buttery flavor of a perfectly cooked salmon fillet or steak. While salmon is available year-round, it really shines during peak season from mid-spring through early fall. If you want to enjoy salmon at its absolute best, it’s important to know where to source high-quality, fresh salmon close to home.

After doing some research in my local area, I’ve discovered several excellent options for finding fresh salmon near me. Here’s my guide to tracking down the best salmon that’s never been frozen.

Check Your Local Specialty Fish Market

Dedicated fish markets and seafood shops should be your first stop when searching for fresh salmon. The best seafood purveyors have direct relationships with fishermen and pride themselves on providing the highest quality catch. I’m lucky to have several reputable fish markets in my area.

A great local fish shop like Peter’s Fish Market in Midland Park, NJ will receive fresh catches daily. Their selection changes based on what’s biting, but you can expect to find wild salmon like Coho and Sockeye in season. A knowledgeable fishmonger can tell you where the salmon is coming from and when it was caught. They can also portion salmon to order and recommend preparation tips.

For a top-notch selection, I highly recommend heading to the fish counter at Whole Foods Market. Their seafood standards are extremely high – all salmon is sustainably wild-caught and delivered six days a week to stores. The fishmongers will gladly fillet a whole salmon side right before your eyes.

Check the Catch of the Day at Your Supermarket

If you don’t live near a dedicated fish market, the seafood counter at your local supermarket can be a convenient option. Chains like Wegmans Stop & Shop and ShopRite stock fresh, wild-caught salmon when it’s in season. Ask the seafood department staff what day their delivery arrives and try to shop on that day for the best selection.

For example Publix Super Markets offers fresh salmon flown in from premier fishing spots like Chile and Alaska. Even though some of their salmon travels far it’s packed on ice and shipped quickly to their stores. Focus on sniffing and visually inspecting the salmon – pass on any pieces that have an off smell or look slimy.

I’ve found that large supermarket chains often run weekly sales on salmon, so it pays to keep an eye out for discounted pricing. Just make sure to use or freeze the fish within a couple days of purchase.

Swing by the Fish Counter at Your Local Grocery Store

If you have a quality local grocery store nearby, don’t overlook their fresh seafood selection. Many independent grocers work with regional distributors to source salmon and other seasonal fish. The seafood staff will be able to tell you when their delivery days are scheduled.

For example, Gus & Co. in Montclair, NJ gets fresh fish shipped in several times a week from the famous Fulton Fish Market in the Bronx. They stock wild salmon during peak season. Their experienced fishmongers can ensure you get the best fillets or steaks for your recipe.

Check Out Your Favorite Local Restaurants

Believe it or not, many restaurants are willing to sell you fresh fish raw, even if they don’t advertise it. Call ahead to fine dining establishments and mom-and-pop eateries to ask if they have fresh salmon available for retail purchase. Many will accommodate the request if they have extra on hand.

This is a great way to pick up sushi-grade salmon for making your own homemade sashimi and nigiri. Just be aware that you’ll pay a premium price compared to the supermarket. But knowing the chef’s trusted source can give you peace of mind.

Don’t Forget About Farmers Markets

During salmon season, it’s common to find fresh catches at farmers markets and farm stands, especially those located near the coast. Ask the various vendors if they have salmon available, or look for signs advertising “fresh catch.”

The salmon may be coming straight from the boat to the dock to your table – you can’t get much fresher! Double check where the fish is coming from and when it was harvested. Farmed salmon tends to show up more often than wild at markets.

Order Salmon Online

If you still can’t track down high-quality fresh salmon locally, consider ordering it online. There are several reputable seafood purveyors that ship fresh salmon overnight direct to consumers. Be prepared to pay premium prices, but it can be worth it for special occasions like anniversary dinners or dinner parties.

Companies like Sitar’s Alaska Salmon, Sea to Table, and Lobster Anywhere offer flash-frozen wild salmon that arrives at peak freshness. The key is to order early in the week so you can receive and defrost the salmon when you need it.

Know When Salmon is in Season

Timing is everything when it comes to savoring wild salmon at its peak. Salmon season on the Atlantic coast runs from April to October. On the Pacific side, you’ll find fresh salmon like Sockeye and King in season May through September. Ask your fishmonger where the salmon you’re buying is coming from and when it was caught to gauge freshness.

During the off-season, look for frozen wild salmon or canned salmon like sockeye and pinks, which pack great flavor. Avoid farmed Atlantic salmon in the winter – it’s just not worth it.

Fresh, wild salmon is generally available at the peak of its season during the summer months, typically from May to September. While farmed salmon is available year-round, both fresh and frozen.