Commercial salmon harvesters head to Barkley Sound as the province prepares for its largest forecast sockeye return since 2018.

British Columbia’s commercial salmon fishing season is underway, with the first wild B.C. sockeye harvest of 2026 opening June 9 in Barkley Sound, near Port Alberni on Vancouver Island’s west coast.

The season begins with a renewed sense of optimism as fisheries forecasts predict approximately 7.5 million Fraser River sockeye will return this year — the strongest forecast since 2018. As fresh salmon reaches fish counters, markets and restaurant kitchens across the province, chefs are eager to showcase one of British Columbia’s most celebrated seasonal ingredients.

“Wild B.C. salmon is one of British Columbia’s most iconic foods and an important economic driver for communities throughout our coast,” says Lisa Simonsen, marketing director for the BC Salmon Marketing Council. “We’re excited to see fresh, sustainably harvested wild B.C. salmon returning to seafood counters, restaurant menus and dinner tables across the province.”

Harvested from the cold waters of the Pacific Ocean, wild salmon is prized for its flavour, versatility and nutritional value. It also supports thousands of jobs across the fishing, processing, distribution, retail and hospitality sectors.

Whether grilled, roasted, cured or gently poached, fresh salmon is a hallmark of summer cooking on the West Coast. The following recipes celebrate the arrival of the new season, offering delicious ways to enjoy this iconic Canadian seafood at home.