So what’s the deal with Copper River salmon?
Copper river salmon season is approaching, so now is the best time for a refresher on why Copper river salmon is the best salmon to buy and the best salmon to eat.
Seafood lovers know that there’s an incredible diversity to salmon. There’s Pacific and Atlantic salmon, wild-caught and farmed, king, sockeye, and coho, and the list goes on. Each type of salmon has its strengths. But when it comes to what the best salmon to eat is, many salmon lovers agree that Copper River salmon tops the list.
All About Copper River Salmon
Located in Alaska, the Copper River presents conditions that produce the best wild salmon in the world. In order to make it through the icy, grueling 300 mile stretch of glacial water back to their spawning grounds, Copper River salmon start their journey with exceptionally high fat and Omega-3 levels in their bodies. All that fat acts as stored energy to help fuel their epic migratory quest.
Along the way, of course, the migrating salmon still need to eat. And unlike farmed salmon, Copper River salmon don’t eat nutritional pellets. Instead, they eat their natural diet. Their diet consists mostly of krill and shrimp, along with small fish, and their diet is robust—again, to fuel their epic quest back to their spawning grounds.
This natural diet, as well as that high body fat content, give Copper River salmon incredible richness, flavor, and nutritional value. That’s what make it the best wild caught salmon, period.
The general distinctions between types of salmon still hold true, with coho and sockeye being firmer and king salmon being more tender and delicate in taste and texture. But whether you choose Copper River king salmon, Copper River sockeye salmon, or Copper River coho salmon, take one bite and you’ll know why Copper River salmon is the best wild caught salmon on many experts’ lists.
Don’t Miss Copper River Salmon Season
And there’s the (salmon) rub: Copper River salmon isn’t available year round like most other types of salmon. The best salmon to buy isn’t available to buy whenever you want. You’ll have to get it when it’s in season. Further limiting the supply, Copper River maintains high standards of sustainability. This ensures Copper River salmon for years to come, but it also means what’s caught goes fast each year.
Copper River hosts the first salmon run of each year, which usually begins in mid or late spring. Keep an eye on your favorite fishmonger (hint: it’s us) so you don’t miss out on the best Alaskan salmon—in fact, the best salmon, period, that you can buy.
Order directly from the Pike Place Fish Market fishmongers’ catch here.