Rising from the Copper Glacier in the untouched wilderness of Southcentral Alaska, the Copper River Delta is one of the last remaining intact watersheds on Earth. This remote and pristine region is home to one of nature’s greatest wonders: the return of wild salmon to the place where their lives began.

Every spring, beginning in May, Copper River Salmon respond to an ancient, instinctive call. They leave the open ocean behind and begin a grueling 300-mile journey upstream, back to the exact spot where they were born. This epic migration ensures the next generation of salmon and preserves one of the most celebrated fish runs in the world.

What makes Copper River Salmon so special? It’s all in the journey. To survive the demanding swim against strong currents and elevation gains, these salmon store up rich reserves of Omega-3 fatty acids and natural oils. The result is a fish with exquisite texture, brilliant color, and a deep, savory flavor that chefs and seafood lovers eagerly await each year.

This incredible natural process is closely managed by the Alaska Department of Fish & Game. Before the harvest begins, state biologists carefully monitor how many salmon have successfully reached their spawning grounds. Only after sustainable levels are met is the commercial fishing season opened—an opportunity granted to just a select group of skilled fishermen.

At Anthony’s Seafood Company, we’ve been part of this tradition for over 40 years. Each season, we’re among the first to bring the prized Copper River Salmon from the Alaskan wilds straight to our guests’ tables in the Pacific Northwest.

Leading the charge is Tim Ferleman, our head seafood buyer and former executive chef. For Tim, this isn’t just a job—it’s a mission. As soon as the first salmon are caught, they’re flown to Seattle within 12 hours, where Tim and our team are waiting.

Each fish is hand-inspected for quality, weight, and clarity before being prepared for its final journey. In less than 24 hours, Copper River Salmon travels from ocean to table, arriving fresh at our restaurants for you to enjoy—just as nature intended.

At Anthony’s, securing the first Copper River Salmon of the season is more than a tradition. It’s a reflection of our deep respect for the Northwest’s natural bounty, a testament to our commitment to quality, and above all, a celebration of the wild spirit that defines this remarkable fish.