Alaska Fish Recipes

Halibut are a flatfish with a body width of approximately one-third the length.  Both eyes are located on the top, darker half of the fish.  As you can see in the photos, the underside is much lighter, making the Halibut harder to spot from below as it swims. Likewise, the dark top-side of the fish acts as camouflage alongside the sea floor.

There are lots of different species of fish you can fish for in Alaska. Whether or not you fish on a charter boat in Southeast Alaska or off the backs of the Russian River your goal is still the same, to catch an Alaska salmon. Salmon is by far the most popular and there are several different types.

Adults have black irregular spotting on the back and dorsal fins and both lobes of the tail fin. They also have black pigment along the gum line. In saltwater, Kings have bluish-green coloration on the back which fades to a silvery color on the sides and white on the belly. Spawning Kings in freshwater range from red to copper to almost black, depending on location and degree of maturation. Males are more deeply colored than females and develop a 'ridgeback' condition and a hooked nose.

Prior to spawning, sockeye are a shiny greenish blue on the top of the head and their back, bright silver on the sides, and white on the belly.  Adults may carry small black dots on their backs, while juveniles may have dark marks on their sides.

Adult Silvers will weigh between 8 to 12 pounds and span 24 to 30 inches long; however, trophies of up to 26 pounds have been caught.  Fish in the sea are dark metallic blue or greenish on the back and upper sides, a brilliant silver color on middle and lower sides, and white below.

This species is 15-20 inches long, weighing an average of 10 pounds. The body is typically trout-like and elongated. Lake trout are light green or grey, dark green, brown or almost black with lighter colored spots.

In 1980, at the peak of the king crab industry, some Alaskan fisheries produced up to 200 million pounds (90.9 million Kilos) of crab. However, by 1983, the total size of the catch had dropped almost sixtyfold

Razor Clam digging on the Kenai Peninsula is one of Alaska's most popular outdoor activities. It is primarily a family sport which is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is also relatively inexpensive; requiring only adequate boots and clothing, a clam shovel or tube, bucket and a current sport fishing license for those 16 years of age or older. Over 1.2 million clams are dug each year from the beaches along Cook Inlet.

Oysters naturally grow in clusters on muddy beaches, and traditional farming techniques closely resemble the wild life cycle. Alaska farmers use suspended culture techniques where single oysters are grown in nets or trays hung from floating longlines in waters 30-120 feet deep.