It’s no secret that Alaska’s Copper River produces the best wild salmon in the world. Delicious, nutritious, and available year-round, these fish are the best of the best. Sought after by chefs and fine dining establishments across the globe, they are sustainably harvested from the icy waters of this glorious river.
But what about the river itself? Let’s learn a little about the waters that are home to these prized wild salmon.
Copper River was named for the area’s rich deposits of copper. Alaskan natives and later Russian and U.S. settlers mined the mineral, though the conditions were harsh. More extensive mining came in the early 20th century with the discovery of the Kennecott Mine and the establishment of a nearby town. Though the mine was abandoned long ago, the National Park Service maintains a historic area for visitors interested in the ghost town.
Image from the Freshwater and Marine Image Bank
Attention soon turned to a different treasure of this magnificent river: salmon.
Copper River is no small stream. Its massive watershed contains the enormous Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, numerous creeks and rivers, trails, camping, museums, and a host of natural wonders. Copper River flows from the Copper Glacier through the Chugach Mountains, where it has carved a canyon to get to its ultimate destination, the Gulf of Alaska.
This vast natural area, located several hours northeast of Anchorage, supports one of the last bastions of abundant wild salmon. The 290 miles of the Copper River provide sustenance for wildlife, the Indigenous Ahtna community, and discerning diners worldwide.
The Ahtna have lived in the Copper Basin for centuries. They have extensive knowledge of the river and its ecosystems and have passed down their cultural expertise through generations. The salmon and other fish of the river have been an important part of the Ahtna economy for hundreds of years.
Over two million salmon arrive at the Copper River each year to spawn, returning to their birthplace. The waters are teeming with King, Coho, and Sockeye salmon, famously swimming upstream against the current. Both commercial and sport fishing are allowed on the river but are tightly controlled to sustain the bountiful population of these coveted fish.
Copper River is a gorgeous area, but it can also be rugged and difficult. The Alaskan wilderness is a formidable foe so make sure you have an experienced guide if you ever decide to visit. You’ll find a lot of nature, but not much in the way of accommodations.
Thankfully, you don’t have to catch your own Copper River wild salmon. Flash frozen portions are available all year; our salmon brings the taste of the wild to your plate.
Contact us for more information about obtaining some of this majestic delicacy for your kitchen.
Sources: State of Alaska, Wikipedia