Species/Run Times

The pristine waters of the Copper River, Gulf of Alaska and Prince William Sound support healthy, sustainable runs of all five Pacific salmon species, from the mighty Chinook and robust Sockeye starting in mid-may to the delicate yet complex flavor of our Coho in the fall.

  • out of season
  • light fish runs
  • average fish runs
  • moderate fish runs
  • heavy fish runs
Chinook Salmon Availability
Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec.
out_of_season out_of_season out_of_season out_of_season heavy moderate out_of_season out_of_season out_of_season out_of_season out_of_season out_of_season

Chinook (King), oncorhynchus tshawytscha

The King is the largest of all the Pacific salmon and the most highly prized by salmon connoisseurs. Their black gums and black irregular spots on their back, dorsal fins, and tail distinguish them from other species. The average weight is approximately 20 pounds but they are known to get much larger. They are the first salmon to return to the Copper as summer begins. The high oil content makes it an excellent choice for grilling, baking, broiling, sautéing, steaming, poaching and smoking.
Sockeye Salmon
Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec.
out_of_season out_of_season out_of_season out_of_season average heavy moderate out_of_season out_of_season out_of_season out_of_season out_of_season

Sockeye (Red)

Sockeye salmon make up the heart of the Copper River run. Beginning in Mid-may along with the king run, sockeyes run right through July. Their deep red color, rich color and firm texture make them a prized addition to any dinner plate. Their average weight is about six pounds, but they are known to grow nearly three feet in length. Sockeyes are suitable for grilling, broiling, sauteing, baking, poaching, steaming, and smoking.
Coho Salmon Availability
Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec.
out_of_season out_of_season out_of_season out_of_season out_of_season out_of_season out_of_season average average out_of_season out_of_season out_of_season

Coho (Silver), oncorhynchus kisutch

Silvers are known in the Copper River region as the last great salmon of the season. The feisty fish are distinguished from the other salmon species by the cloudy spots on their backs and the lack of any spots on the lower half of their tail fin. The average weight is approximately 9-10 pounds. Coho are noted for their orange-red flesh, delicate flavor, and firm texture, which make them an excellent choice for grilling, baking, broiling, sautéing, steaming, poaching and smoking.
Chum Salmon Availability
Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec.
out_of_season out_of_season out_of_season out_of_season out_of_season moderate moderate light out_of_season out_of_season out_of_season out_of_season

Chum (Keta), oncorhynchus keta

Chums, or keta salmon as they are called in other parts of the state, are highly prized for their roe. They are recognized by the dark edges on their tail fin and the narrow bridge to the tail. Average weight is approximately 8 pounds. Chums are noted for their firm texture and delicate flavor and are very good for smoking.
Pink Salmon Availability
Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec.
out_of_season out_of_season out_of_season out_of_season out_of_season light moderate heavy out_of_season out_of_season out_of_season out_of_season

Pink (Humpy), oncorhynchus gorbuscha

The humpback salmon is famous for the prominent fatty hump of spawning males. Small and abundant, Pinks average a weight of 3-4 pounds. Their size, tiny scales, and spotted tails distinguish them from other species. Their light pink-colored flesh and mild flavor make them a great choice for a variety of recipes.
Frozen Salmon
Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec.
heavy heavy heavy heavy heavy heavy heavy heavy heavy heavy heavy heavy

Frozen Chinook, Sockeye, Coho, Pink and Chum salmon

Copper River salmon is available all year long. All the health benefits of fresh salmon in convenient cans, jars and vacuum packed pouches. Canned and smoked salmon is great in pasta dishes, as salmon salad and as a healthy snack. Use frozen salmon just as you would fresh in all your recipes.
Smoked Salmon
Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec.
heavy heavy heavy heavy heavy heavy heavy heavy heavy heavy heavy heavy

Smoked Chinook, Sockeye, Coho, Pink and Chum salmon

Copper River salmon is available all year long. All the health benefits of fresh salmon in convenient cans, jars and vacuum packed pouches. Canned and smoked salmon is great in pasta dishes, as salmon salad and as a healthy snack. Use frozen salmon just as you would fresh in all your recipes.
Canned Salmon
Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec.
heavy heavy heavy heavy heavy heavy heavy heavy heavy heavy heavy heavy

Canned Chinook, Sockeye, Coho, Pink and Chum salmon

Copper River salmon is available all year long. All the health benefits of fresh salmon in convenient cans, jars and vacuum packed pouches. Canned and smoked salmon is great in pasta dishes, as salmon salad and as a healthy snack. Use frozen salmon just as you would fresh in all your recipes.