July 17, 2026 — An early-season indicator of how salmon prices will go this season in Alaska is Bristol Bay’s sockeye fishery, which opened in June. It’s the largest harvest of sockeye in the world, estimated at 44.1 million this season. The region’s main processor, Silver Bay Seafoods, announced in an email to fishermen a base price of $1.60/lb. That’s 30 cents higher than last year and 80 cents more than 2024.
Silver Bay wouldn’t comment on prices in Southeast Alaska but talk on the dock says it’s higher for all species: sockeye are about $3.00/lb and chums are over $1.00/lb. They’ll adjust the price later, giving some fishermen bonuses in the winter.
A smaller processor, Circle Seafoods in southern Southeast, is paying seiners $1.07/lb for chum, which is 18 cents more than last year — also $2.50/lb for sockeye, and $0.61/lb for pinks.
Simon Marks is with McKinley Research Group, which tracks Alaska’s commercial fishing economy.