A couple of weeks ago I had the absolute privilege of traveling to Cordova: a remote town in southcentral Alaska known for commercial fishing. I was invited by Copper River Salmon along with three new friends: Carina Wolff, Diane Morrisey, and Jazz Leaf. We had the most amazing time learning about what makes Copper River salmon so unique. From the management of salmon populations, the environmental quality in which they thrive, to the artisan craft of harvesting that’s been handed down for generations: it’s incredible to think about what goes into getting this top-quality salmon to our tables. 

I learned so much while on this remarkable trip, which has inspired my newfound appreciation for wild-caught Alaska salmon. I hope reading this article does the same for you!

The Environment: The Copper River Watershed

An astounding 26,500 square miles make up one of the last intact watersheds in North America. The Copper Glacier is where the watershed originates and includes not just the Copper River, but several other rivers, as well as hundreds of tributaries, lakes, and smaller rivers. The Copper River Watershed project is dedicated to the preservation of critical habitats for salmon, ensuring their spawning and rearing grounds are healthy and sustainable. 

Fisheries Management: Sustaining Salmon Populations for Years To Come

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) has rigorous processes for data collection and information gathering to ensure salmon populations are sustained. 

• Research and Data: Extensive collection of data on salmon populations including counts, sizes, ages, and reproductive health.
• Quota Allocation: Based on these assessments, ADF&G sets annual catch limits for salmon to ensure fishing does not exceed the population’s ability to regenerate. 
• In-Season Monitoring: ADF&G monitors real-time salmon catches during the fishing season through data from fishers, processing plants, and surveys. 
• Escapement Goals: ADF&G sets goals for the number of fish that must ”escape” fishing and return to spawn, ensuring long-term population sustainability. 
• Adjustment of Regulations: If stock levels vary from expectations, ADF&G can adjust fishing regulations including season length, catch limits, and area closures. 
• Seasonal Openings and Closures: Unlike where I live in Minnesota, a fishing “opener” can last less than 24 hours, as opposed to months. ADF&G sets specific salmon fishing seasons to align with their life cycles, allowing time for spawning and growth. 

The amount of dedication that goes into ensuring the sustainability of these salmon is nothing short of incredible. It requires a collective understanding, appreciation, and respect not only for salmon population preservation but for every person involved in this concerted effort.

The Lifecycle of Salmon

Once the salmon reaches the “fry” stage of its lifecycle (approximately 2 inches long), they can spend up to 2 years in freshwater, before preparing for their journey to the Gulf of Alaska and the Pacific Ocean. While there, they eat small crustaceans and zooplankton, and many spend years at sea. Every year between May and September, King, Sockeye, and Coho salmon return to the Copper River, making the 300 mile migration to spawn. Because of this arduous journey, along with the distinctive environment the fish are traveling in, they pack on abundant fat reserves resulting in salmon that is rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and flavorful oils. 

Different Types of Copper River Salmon

Three wild Alaska salmon species originate in the Copper River. The seasons for each vary slightly,

Quality Handling From Net To Plate

There are two netting methods I learned about while In Cordova: gillnetting and seining.

Gillnetting involves vertical panels of netting that are dropped into the water. They’re attached to paced floaters referred to as “corks”, and are weighted by lead lines, allowing the net to remain “upright” in the water. Salmon swim into these nets, their gills catching on the net. 

Purse seining is the next method we learned about, which involves a net that is deployed around an entire school of salmon. The seine also has floaters to keep the net vertical in the water, but the bottom is enclosed.

Once the salmon are harvested from the nets, they are bled which helps maintain the pure taste that wild Alaskan salmon is known for. The fish are then chilled in fish holds using slush ice, a combination of flaked ice and seawater. 

If the season is long and the fishing is good, tender boats are critical in transporting freshly caught fish from fishing vessels to onshore processing facilities. This allows fishers to remain on the water (the journey can be 9+ hours!), continuing to fish as long as the opener allows. 

Cooking Copper River Salmon

After learning so much about these amazing fish and what it takes to get such a quality ingredient to our table, it was an absolute highlight to be able to create a gorgeous meal together! Here’s what we made:

• Green Goddess Roasted Salmon (recipe coming soon!)
• Simple Roasted Salmon with Garlic and Lemon (recipe coming soon, but try Carina’s Salmon with Spicy Avocado Feta Salsa)
• Diane’s Lentil Salad
• Jazz’s Roasted Vegetables (try Jazz’s Air Fryer Asparagus and her Balsamic Vinaigrette recipe that doubles as a luscious sauce!)

Wild Copper River Salmon: There’s Nothing Like It

The heart of Cordova’s economy (and many surrounding towns) is salmon, and it’s palpable. My time in this beautiful place learning about Copper River Salmon has transformed how I look at wild-caught salmon. The people involved and dedicated to this species’ sustainability, quality, and reputation are simply remarkable! Many fishers have had a passion for the craft passed on to them for generations, carrying on the legacy of their family business. It’s reassuring to see up close the dedication and care that goes into the harvesting of such an incredible ingredient.

Want Copper River Salmon for yourself?

Copper River Salmon has an amazing tool that allows you to see exactly where you can get Copper River Salmon in your area! Simply type in your zip code and it will show you retailers, restaurants, farmer’s markets, seafood markets, processors, and wholesalers that carry this premium fish.

Salom Recipes To Try

• Grilled Mediterranean Salmon
• Simple Salmon En Papillote (Salmon In Parchment)
• Maple Dijon Roasted Salmon
• Sweet And Smoky Grilled Salmon
• Salmon With Sriracha And Lime
• …and many more to come!

Know Where Your Food Comes From

What an experience. I hope this article has inspired you to seek out wild-caught Copper River salmon! The proof lies in cooking it yourself: the freshness, appearance, taste, and quality are unmatched. Know not only where your food comes from, but also what it takes to get to your table.

A massive thank you to Copper River Salmon for such an incredible opportunity to learn more about this beautiful food source!

Tags: Alaska, Alaska Salmon, Copper river, Cordova, featured, Salmon, Wild Caught