DW's Blog

Coper River Salmon

by DW Green — May 7, 2025

“I love those competitors that won’t sell the neat stuff, I call them Sales
Preventions Managers.”—Wise retailer.

Salmon from the Copper River in Alaska could be the world’s best tasting fish. It’s truly a very special early summer treat. I remember back in the late 1980’s, suggesting a Copper River salmon promotion to an Alaskan retailer. The owner said, “No way Jose. They wouldn’t sell. Because everyone who lives in Alaska, catches their own salmon.” After some arm twisting, a couple shots of bourbon and a small wager, he agreed to promote them. It was a huge success and they continued to promote Copper River salmon every year thereafter. Now days, the cost of procuring Copper River salmon is the reason cited by retailers not to promote them. They are expensive, nearly $50 a pound retail in California.

“I love those competitors that won’t sell the neat stuff, I call them Sales Preventions Managers.” Funny yet true. How many times do retailers discourage or prevent sales? Fear of loss always prevents gain.

The Copper River salmon season in 2025 officially begins on May 22nd with a 12-hour opener for sockeye and Chinook salmon. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) anticipates a strong sockeye run, forecasting a harvest of 1.92 million fish, more than double the ten-year average. The commercial drift gillnet fishery will open at 7:00 am on May 22nd.