Each spring, something special happens in the waters of Alaska’s Copper River: the first wild salmon of the season begin their run. And here at Tony’s, our seafood buyers are already on the ground—working closely with Alaskan fishing partners to bring this prized catch to Colorado.
The 2025 Copper River salmon season officially opened on May 22, and we’re expecting fresh Copper River Sockeye to hit our seafood cases by Friday, May 30. Here’s what you need to know.
Sockeye Salmon: A Strong Season Ahead
According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), the forecast for Copper River Sockeye is excellent. This year’s total run is estimated at 2.638 million fish, which is 50% above the 10-year average.
That means good news for our customers: more availability, peak freshness, and exceptional quality. Copper River Sockeye is known for its deep red color, rich flavor, and high Omega-3 content. Whether you’re grilling, broiling, or pan-searing, it’s one of the best wild salmon experiences you can have.
We expect to start offering fresh fillets of Copper River Sockeye at Tony’s by May 30. Quantities will be limited by nature, so don’t wait too long to stop in.
Chinook (King) Salmon: Limited Supply, Big Impact
The outlook for Copper River Chinook—also known as King salmon—is more modest this year. ADF&G projects a total run of just 36,000 fish, which is 25% below the 10-year average. As a result, conservation measures are in place to protect this iconic species.
What does this mean for you? We may not see Copper River King salmon in our stores until later in the season, and prices are expected to be historically high due to scarcity.
While we wait, we’ll continue to offer responsibly sourced King salmon from other fisheries. And when the first Copper River Kings arrive, we’ll let our customers know right away.
Why Tony’s?
Our seafood team works directly with trusted fishing partners in Alaska. That means:
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Faster delivery from boat to case
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Peak freshness and flavor
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Transparent sourcing
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Commitment to sustainability
We believe in sharing the story behind the seafood we sell, and the Copper River run is one worth telling. If you’re a salmon lover—or just curious about what makes this fish so special—come by the seafood counter and talk to our team. They’d love to tell you more.
Copper River Sockeye hits Tony’s on May 30—while it lasts.
Watch our social media and email updates for fresh arrivals, King salmon availability, and seasonal recipes.