Date: May 16, 2011

May 1st marks the beginning of the commercial season for wild salmon from the fisheries of the Pacific Northwest. This year has the welcome news of the opening, after a three-year hiatus, of the California fishery for a 120-day regulated season from Point Arena to Point Sur. We will feature the California Kings as they are available, as well as the excellent Pacific Kings from Oregon, Washington and Alaska.

King salmon (known also by its common name Chinook) are the largest of the six salmon species. Anadromous by nature, they are born in freshwater and migrate to saltwater before returning to their home rivers to spawn. These fish enjoy the bounty of their wild habitat during their three to four year migratory journey in the ocean, which accounts for their medium firm texture and unique, moderately pronounced flavor. This elite fish is ocean-caught by the troll method utilizing one line and one hook.

Enjoy wild Pacific King salmon through September at The Fish Market, although call ahead as things like weather conditions, fishing luck and prices can affect availability to us.