History
The Copper River fishery is the first salmon to hit Alaska markets each year, traditionally celebrated with a 'first fish' ceremony. The 2026 fishery opened May 22 with a 12-hour drift gillnet period, and the sockeye harvest forecast was 728,000 fish on Copper River. Native Alaskan and commercial fleets have fished these waters for generations.
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Common allergens: Fish
Make it at home
Ingredients
- 4 Copper River sockeye fillets, 150-180g each, skin on
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Flaky sea salt and black pepper
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
Method
- Pat the fillets dry and let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking.
- Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until very hot, then add the olive oil.
- Season the fillets generously with salt and pepper, then place skin-side down in the pan and press lightly with a spatula for 30 seconds.
- Cook undisturbed for 4 minutes, until the skin is crisp and the salmon has cooked two-thirds of the way up.
- Flip and cook 1-2 more minutes until the centre is medium-rare; the fillet should still give slightly to the touch.
- Remove from the pan, add the butter and dill to the residual heat, swirl to a brown butter and spoon over the fillets. Serve with lemon wedges.
Tip from the editors. Do not overcook. Sockeye dries out at 50C internal; pull at 45C and let carry-over cooking finish it.
Where to eat copper river sockeye salmon
Copper River sockeye salmon in Anchorage
Crow's Nest ★ 4.6
Crow's Nest is Anchorage fine dining: 20th floor of Hotel Captain Cook, sommelier-led wine programme and Chef Cameron Richardson driving Alaska seafood.
Book1-2 weeks ahead
Glacier BrewHouse ★ 4.3
Glacier BrewHouse runs Sat-Sun brunch from 11:00-15:00 on 5th Avenue with alderwood-fired Alaska salmon, hollandaise and a house IPA on tap for the crowd.
OrderAlderwood-fired Alaska salmon with hollandaise and house IPA on tap
Simon and Seafort's ★ 4.4
Simon and Seafort's runs the Cook Inlet view downtown since 1978 with USDA prime steak, fresh Alaska halibut, weekend brunch, private rooms and a sustained.
South Restaurant and Coffeehouse ★ 4.5
South Restaurant runs an all-day brunch on Old Seward Highway with a Croque Madame, seared scallops and Kaladi Brothers coffee bar at the South Anchorage.
OrderCroque Madame with seared Alaska scallops on the side
More cities are in research. Want copper river sockeye salmon covered somewhere specific? Tell us where you want to eat.