Every year, you ask us the same question
"Can we get it fresh? From the first catch?"
We heard you. And this year, we're making it happen.
Every May, the Copper River fishing fleet leaves the harbour at Cordova, Alaska, and heads out to the flats (the nickname for the Copper River fishing area) for the season's first opener. It's part race, part ritual. The atmosphere is electric. The boats get blessed, the fishermen take their spots, and at 7am the nets go in.
There's a tradition on the first day. Everyone who gets their hands on the first Copper River Sockeye of the year kisses it. The fishermen do it. The processors do it. We do it. Because this fish deserves that kind of respect.
This year, I'll be in Cordova for that first opener. Working with our small-boat fishermen to secure a special, limited allocation and getting it air-freighted overnight, directly to you, before anyone else.
That's what this pre-order is. The first Copper River Sockeye of 2026, from the water to your table in the most direct line possible.
FIRST CATCH of 2026 - Exclusive Fresh Copper River Sockeye Salmon Fillets
Expected delivery: 27 May 2026
Fresh off the Boat. Straight to You.
Before the restaurants get it. Before anyone else.
Limited allocation.
The first Copper River Sockeye of 2026, from the water to your table in the most direct line possible
Exact dates are subject to natural conditions and may shift slightly. We'll communicate any changes in real time.
CATCH
Cordova, Alaska
The season's first opener. Juro is on the boat with the small-boat fishermen pulling the first sockeye of 2026 by hand from the glacial waters of the Copper River.
PACK
Cordova, Alaska
Juro is on the dock and in the processing plant. Fish are cleaned immediately after hitting the dock in Cordova. They are filleted, prepared and packed for overnight air freight.
Your Door
27 May
FedEx overnight delivery. Your exclusive first catch of 2026, arriving perfectly fresh, exactly as nature intended.
Why is Copper River Sockeye different from every other salmon?
The provenance
The Copper River runs 300 miles through some of the most unforgiving terrain in Alaska. Its banks are lined with glaciers. The current in places is ferociously strong. Cold and relentless.
To reach their spawning grounds, Copper River Sockeye have to swim every mile of it. And to do that, they build extraordinary reserves of fat, rich in natural oils, deep in flavour, unlike anything you'll find from any other region.
This is why Copper River salmon is considered the gold standard of wild Alaskan salmon. Not because of marketing. Because of the river itself.
What's on the plate
What does all that mean when it's in front of you?
Deep, vivid red flesh. A richness that you taste immediately. Fat that slowly marbles out on the grill, basting the fish from the inside. A texture that's firm but yielding — the kind that makes you put your fork down just to appreciate it.
Wild Sockeye is the most popular of the five wild Alaskan salmon species for good reason. The Copper River version is simply the finest expression of it.
Let's clear a few things up
What if weather or conditions delay the catch?
Mother Nature always has the final word on the water, that's exactly what makes this fish worth the wait. If the catch window shifts, we'll communicate with you immediately and update your expected delivery date. Pre-orders are secured regardless of exact catch timing.
How is it shipped?
Your order is packed in an insulated box with gel ice and shipped via FedEx overnight from Alaska to arrive fresh straight to your door.
Can I order for a restaurant or event?
Yes. If you're a chef or restaurant and want to host a First Catch dinner, reach out to us directly at info@alaskafreshseafood.com. We have a limited restaurant allocation and would love to talk.
Do you ship everywhere?
We ship this order to the continental 48 states and Alaska. We're not able to ship to Hawaii, or US territories at this time.
When does pre-ordering close?
Pre-orders close on May 22. After that, the first-catch window closes until next season.
Be the first to taste the 2026 wild season
Pre-orders close 18 May. This is the first Copper River Sockeye of 2026 and there's a limited allocation.