Where to Buy Whole Salmon – A Guide to Sourcing Fresh, Sustainable Fish

Salmon is one of the most nutritious and delicious fish you can buy. More and more home cooks are looking to prepare whole salmon, which yields beautiful fillets and creates less waste. But where can you find a whole, fresh salmon to serve a crowd or stock your freezer?

In this guide I’ll share the best places to buy high-quality whole salmon plus tips on how to choose, store and prepare it. Let’s dive in!

Why Buy Whole Salmon?

There are several benefits to purchasing a whole salmon versus just fillets

• Better value – Whole fish is almost always cheaper per pound than fillets. You also get extra salmon for stocks and scraps for flavoring.

• More control over quality—you can look more closely at a whole salmon and see if it’s still fresh.

• More cooking options – Roast, grill, smoke or broil a whole fish for dramatic dinners.

• Full use of the fish – Use the bones, head and scraps to make stock. Reduce waste.

• Impress your guests – Serving a whole baked salmon makes a memorable meal.

For all these reasons, I love to source and cook whole salmon when possible. Next, let’s look at the best places to find it.

Where to Buy Whole Salmon

You have several options for finding high quality whole salmon depending on where you live. Here are my top recommendations:

Fish Markets

Visiting a local fish market or trusted fishmonger is your best bet for whole salmon. Ask to see their whole salmon selection and pick one similar in size to what you need.

Ask the fish expert when the salmon was caught. Look for bright clear eyes, firm flesh, and bright red gills as signs of freshness.

The benefit of fish markets is you can inspect the salmon closely before buying. Check for any damaged areas or undesirable cuts.

Seafood Delivery Online

Many top seafood companies like Seattle Fish Co and Fulton Fish Market ship fresh salmon overnight. Order whole salmon through their website for contactless delivery.

Choose wild-caught Pacific salmon like sockeye, coho or king for the best flavor and texture. Pick similar sized salmon to get the right amount for your needs.

Make sure to cook or freeze the salmon within 2 days of delivery for peak freshness. The ice packs help preserve it in transit.

Warehouse Stores

Check the seafood department at Costco, Sam’s Club or BJ’s Wholesale for whole salmon options. They often have farm-raised Atlantic salmon sold in cryovac plastic packs.

The warehouse prices are attractive, but be aware that the salmon may not be sushi-grade for raw consumption. Cook the salmon within 2 days for optimal quality.

Local Fishermen

If you live near coastal fishing towns, look for local fishermen selling dockside or at farmers markets. They often have whole wild-caught salmon for sale at great prices.

Chat with the fishermen about their catch and cooking suggestions. This is a fun way to get really fresh regional salmon varieties.

High-End Groceries

Grocery stores like Whole Foods or Metropolitan Market often stock whole salmon in their seafood department or cases. Let a seafood staffer know if you need a custom cut.

Expect to pay more per pound compared to other sources. But groceries do offer convenience if you’re in a pinch.

Direct from Salmon Farms

Contact salmon farms in Oregon, Washington, British Columbia or Alaska to order whole salmon directly. This eliminates the middlemen costs.

Shipping costs may be high if you’re distant from salmon territory. But it’s a good option to explore for smoked salmon lovers.

How Much Does Whole Salmon Cost?

The price of whole salmon varies greatly based on:

• Where you buy – Fish markets and direct tend to be cheaper than groceries

• Salmon species – Wild sockeye costs more than farmed Atlantic

• Weight – Larger salmon over 10 lbs. cost less per pound

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