Copper River Salmon now in stores

Copper River King and Sockeye Salmon are available in store now. Looks like the average price from the Pike Place Market is $40 /lb for the King and $32 /lb for the Sockeye. I called around to some of my other competitors such as Whole Foods, QFC, and Safeway and they are all within that same ballpark.
As the season progresses, look for the prices to drop slowly at first and then they should level out in the mid teens in a few weeks. If you get your fish now, you know it will only be less than 24 hours off the boat. Any longer, and may be as long as 36-72 hours off the boat. That is still super fresh, just not as fresh as when you get it this weekend.
Season opened to blustery conditions that kept most boats from seeing any significant amount fish in their nets. We should see about 20,000 lbs coming into Seattle today if the weather calmed down and the boats were able to fish effectively.
Tip: Cook this fish hot and fast. Do not smother it in anything but a dash of dill and a squeeze of lemon. Anything more and it will take away from this magnificent fish. Don't forget, like beef, Salmon (and most fish) continue to cook after you take it off the heat. Pull it off the grill right when it starts to flake easily (may be still a little raw in the middle and that's okay) and let it stand for about 5 minutes before serving. Watch your side dishes! Make sure they are not over powering in flavor. Grill some asparagus for your vegie and some Basmati rice for your starch. Or if you want to do it all on the grill, grill some root vegetables with a little coarse salt and olive oil.
Do not miss out on this very special fish. Even if you have to dig into your gas budget to do it. It is worth it.

Copper River Update

Well, as it seems to always be the case with the Copper River Salmon season opener, the weather is playing its part to make it as difficult as possible. With 40 knot winds and seven foot seas, the fishing has been close to impossible. Alaska Airlines has plans to fly 10 tons of this flavorful fish to Seattle for arrival on Friday. Let's cross our fingers and hope to see that shipment made. The season is only for 12 hours today.

Copper River Salmon

The premier salmon season is almost here.

Hopefully opening on time on Thursday the 15th of this month, is the famed Copper River Salmon season. Starting in the pristine waters of the Prince Williams Sound, these strong fish must navigate 300 miles of the cold, raging Copper River to their spawning grounds.
It is the length and temperature of this river that makes these fish so special. Due to these attributes of the river, these robust fish have an amazing store of natural oils and body fat which makes them some of the tastiest, and richest fish that swim.
Buyers Beware: For those of who have a hard time waiting for the first fish to arrive in stores, we are more than happy to pay the outrageous prices for the first taste. Copper River King and Sockeye salmon prices last season at the opening were $29.95 lb and 18.95 lb respectively. However, by the end of the short season the prices were $14.95 lb and 8.95 lb respectively. So you see, there is a huge difference in price from the beginning of the season to the end. This due in part to the fact that we never truly know how long the season will last. It varies from season to season. On most days, there is only a couple of hours of fishing allowed. Then it is shut down. This is just one way that the Alaskan way of sustainability is unmatched anywhere else in the world.
If you have never experienced this amazing fish, go ahead and splurge on a small 1/2 pound piece for yourself. Keep the seasoning simple and light; a little lemon-pepper, a splash of white-wine, and a sprig of fresh dill. Bake it hot (around 385) and quick (about 8-10 minutes for most single servings). Be selfish. Do not share. You will not be upset at spending that amount for a piece of fish.