May 29, 2026 — First-run Copper River reds, heralding the start of Alaska’s 2026 wild salmon fishery, are in high demand, selling for up to $74.99 a pound.
A third drift net opener, this time up from 12 to 24 hours, was scheduled for the Copper River District of Prince William Sound for Thursday, May 28.
As of Wednesday, May 27, the total harvest came to 73,165 sockeye salmon and 1,224 Chinooks, all from the Copper River district.
At the Pike Place Fish Market in Seattle on Tuesday, May 26, shipping manager Hillary Sager said that their first shipment from the Copper River on Alaska’s Prince William Sound sold out due to preorders. “Demand is still very high and all the fish are spoken for right now,” she said.