Juneau Sampler

Two of the most common and sustainable fishing methods we rely on in Southeast Alaska are trolling and net fishing. Each method supports responsible harvesting and quality.

Troll-Caught: Hand-Harvested Excellence

Troll fishing is one of the most selective and low-impact methods of harvesting wild salmon. Skilled fishermen tow several lines behind small boats, each line outfitted with lures or baited hooks. When a salmon bites, it’s brought in one at a time, by hand, ensuring minimal stress and damage to the fish.

This results in exceptionally high-quality fish, with bright scales, firm flesh, and full flavor. Troll-caught salmon, particularly King (Chinook) and Coho (Silver), are landed and processed quickly, locking in peak freshness. It’s a slower, more labor-intensive approach, but it delivers a premium product and reduces bycatch (unintended species) to near zero.

Net-Caught: Responsible and Community-Driven

Net fishing, used in both gillnet and purse seine operations, involves carefully placed mesh nets that are deployed to intercept schools of fish as they migrate through Alaska’s coastal waters.

• Gillnets hang like underwater curtains, allowing fish to swim partway through and catch gently by the gills.
• Seine nets encircle schools of fish and are drawn in gradually, allowing careful selection and minimal damage.

These methods are managed with strict quotas and seasonal limits to preserve fish populations for generations to come. Net-caught fish are often handled in volume, but thanks to Alaska’s cold waters and fast processing, they still offer superb freshness and quality.