when does copper river salmon run

When Does The Copper River Salmon Run?

The Copper River in Alaska is home to some of the most coveted salmon in the world Every year, salmon enthusiasts eagerly await the first arrivals of Copper River King, Sockeye, and Coho salmon But when exactly does this famous salmon run occur?

You can read about the Copper River salmon season in this article. It will tell you when to see these beautiful fish. We’ll talk about what makes this salmon so special, when the species comes into season, and why timing is important for enjoying wild Copper River salmon.

The Famed Copper River

The Copper River originates from the Wrangell and Chugach mountains in Alaska and flows 300 miles to the Gulf of Alaska Three species of salmon – King, Sockeye, and Coho – are born here before making the treacherous upstream journey back to their spawning grounds

This demanding migration results in salmon with higher levels of heart-healthy fats compared to other salmon. The protein-rich diet and cold, clean waters also lend the salmon their bright coloring and supple flesh. When combined with strict fishing regulations, you get some of the most flavorful salmon in the world.

The Copper River salmon run is also the earliest sustainable wild salmon harvest in the United States. After winter, this first taste of summer salmon is highly anticipated by seafood fans. Top restaurants compete to feature Copper River salmon each year due to its prestige.

When Do Kings Arrive?

Kings, also known as Chinook, boast the highest fat content of the three salmon species. They have a rich, buttery flavor and smooth texture that melts in your mouth.

The first Kings of the season arrive in mid-May. The peak of the King run lasts until about June 20th. After that, numbers dwindle until the run ends in early July.

In 2022, the first Kings were landed on May 12th. The season opened May 16th. To catch Kings at their peak richness, look for Copper River salmon in stores during late May and June. Availability remains limited as only about 20,000 Kings are sustainably harvested each year.

Sockeye Salmon Season

Abundant Sockeye salmon, also called Red salmon, run from May through early August. They have a hearty flavor and firm orange-red flesh.

The Sockeye run overlaps with both Kings and Coho. The peak, however, lasts from late June through July. During this height of abundance, Sockeye salmon are great for grilling, smoking, canning, or freezing.

Around 3 million Sockeye salmon return annually to the Copper River. This allows more opportunity to enjoy Sockeye salmon than the rare King catches. Still, Sockeye numbers can vary year to year, so take advantage of the peak season.

When to Find Coho Salmon

The last Copper River salmon species to arrive are the Coho, also called Silver salmon. They run from early July through mid-September.

Coho have a delicate flavor and soft texture when compared to Kings and Sockeye salmon. They’re a popular late summer and early fall salmon choice.

The Coho run peaks in August and early September each year. Their season wraps up the Copper River salmon offerings for the year. Coho are excellent prepared simply with salt, pepper, and garlic or lemon.

Why Timing Matters

Here are the key reasons being aware of Copper River salmon seasons helps you enjoy them at their very best:

Fat Content

All species put on extra fat and weight as they migrate upriver to spawn. Early-run salmon haven’t reached peak fat levels yet.

You’ll enjoy the most omega-3 rich Kings in late May through June. Sockeye and Coho also gain fat through July and August. This makes mid and late-run salmon more moist and flavorful.

Freshest Taste

The start of each species’ run means that salmon is at its freshest. The King’s mid-May arrival brings the first wild salmon taste of the season. Coho in September provides a last taste of summer.

Catching salmon early in each run period offers the best flavor and texture. As the runs extend through summer, freshness decreases up until the end of the season.

Supply and Demand

Low supply and high demand during the early run drives up costs for coveted Kings. Similarly, Sockeye prices start higher when the first bright red fillets appear in May.

As their season progresses, more supply helps lower costs. Abundant late-July Sockeye and August Coho often cost less than the scarce early runs.

Here is a simple overview of when each salmon species runs in the Copper River:

Kings: Mid-May – Early July (Peak late May – June)
Sockeye: Late May – Early August (Peak late June – July)
Coho: Early July – Mid-September (Peak August – early September)

Plan Ahead to Enjoy Copper River Salmon

Now that you know when to expect prized Copper River salmon, you can anticipate the start of each run. Here are some tips to enjoy them at their seasonal best:

• Check fishing reports in May to find out when the first Kings arrive. This marks the start of the salmon season.

• Look for Kings in late May and June when their fat and flavor peaks. Their buttery texture melts in your mouth.

• Grilling season coincides with abundant Sockeye salmon in July. Enjoy them cooked over a hot fire.

• Bake flavorful August Coho salmon with veggies as summer produce overflows.

• Smoke extra Sockeye or Coho in August when prices dip and preservation is perfect.

• Invite friends for a salmon feast to savor the last Copper River Coho in September.

The short Copper River salmon seasons make these fish a true delicacy. Their unwavering migrations result in salmon renowned for both flavor and sustainability. By timing your meals and activities to match the salmon runs, you can enjoy one of nature’s greatest seasonal gifts at its absolute best.