Drifters Fish owner and commercial fisher, Nelly, with Copper River salmon. Photo courtesy of Drifter’s Fish.
BUY FRESH Copper River Salmon in Eugene, Oregon
Copper River salmon season kicks off each May as Alaska’s first wild salmon fishery of the year. The 2026 opener launched Friday, May 22, when the first boats hit the water in pursuit of the season’s most anticipated catch.
Nelly and the crew at Drifters Fish fished the opener and sent a limited haul of Copper River Reds straight to Fisherman’s Market.
Running through September, Copper River salmon is celebrated for its rich, buttery flavor and exceptional quality—but availability is always limited.
Huge thank you to Drifters Fish for the opportunity to, once again, bring our community super fresh, sustainably harvested wild Copper River salmon this season. Drifter’s Fish is family owned by a small team of fishers based in Cordova, Alaska. Each fish will be hand cut onboard, packed in ice, carefully boxed and shipped to us by Nelly and her team.
Give us a call for availability: (541) 484-CRAB, extension 3 to talk to a live Monger.
Copper River Salmon
Wild and Free, Naturally Delicious
Wild and Free, Naturally Delicious
Every May marks the highly anticipated start of Copper River salmon season—Alaska’s first wild salmon fishery of the year.
Looking for fresh Copper River salmon in Eugene, Oregon? Fisherman’s Market brings in wild Copper River king and sockeye salmon as the season opens, with limited early shipments that are some of the most sought-after seafood of the year.
Typically available mid-May through September—limited supply. Give us a call for availability: (541) 484-CRAB, extension 3 to talk to a live Monger. We ship!
FUN FACT: Copper River salmon travel over 300 miles upstream, and that intense journey is what makes them some of the richest, most flavorful salmon in the world.
Drifters Fish owner and commercial fisher, Nelly, with Copper River salmon. Photo courtesy of Drifter’s Fish.
Copper River…Home to Premier Salmon Species
The Copper River is home to three premier wild Alaskan salmon species: King, Sockeye and Coho. Each year, from May through September, these resilient salmon undertake an extraordinary 300-mile journey up the river’s challenging and turbulent waters to spawn.
Rich Flavor, Firm Texture and High Fat Content
The high fat content gives the salmon a rich, buttery flavor and a firm, moist texture, which makes them particularly sought after by chefs and seafood enthusiasts. Copper River salmon are known for their exceptionally high omega-3 fatty acid content. This is because the fish need to store a lot of fat to sustain them during their long migration up the Copper River, which is one of the longest and most challenging salmon migration routes with an average elevation gain of 12 feet per mile!
Culinary Uses
Copper River salmon can be prepared in various ways, including grilling, broiling, baking or smoking. Their rich flavor and firm texture make them versatile for different culinary dishes, from simple preparations that highlight their natural taste to more elaborate creations.
Looking for recipe ideas?
Check out these mouth-watering salmon recipes:
