Once again, it’s that time of year — when the tide rises, the nets unfurl, and the wild rivers of Bristol Bay, Alaskacome alive with one of the greatest natural spectacles on Earth: the Sockeye Salmon Run.
Our crew aboard the F/V Ava Jane has returned to these storied waters, ready for another season of fishing at the edge of the world. Here, at the bottom-left curve of Alaska’s continental plate, where the Bering Sea meets the Aleutian Islands, the ocean pulses with life. The summer sun lingers low and long, and millions of wild sockeye begin their ancient journey home.
This is where Wild for Salmon was born — and where, every summer, the magic begins again.
Stewardship of the Sea: Sustainable Fishing in Bristol Bay
Fishing here is not just a livelihood; it’s a legacy. The Bristol Bay fishery is a model for sustainability, managed with care so future generations can share in its abundance.
Our fishermen live by a promise — to harvest responsibly, protect the ocean’s delicate rhythm, and respect the life cycles that sustain it. Quotas are carefully monitored, escapement goals meticulously measured, and every fish we catch is part of a bigger picture: preserving the health of this wild ecosystem.
As stewards of the sea, we don’t take more than nature offers. We fish by hand, by weather, by patience — and by gratitude.
Run Timing and Migration Patterns
Each summer, sockeye salmon migrate from the open Pacific to the freshwater rivers of Bristol Bay — a homecoming written in their DNA.
This year, scientists predicted an early start to the 2024 Sockeye Salmon Run, with the first waves arriving in late May and early June. Now, as July stretches on, we’re in the thick of it — the peak of the season.
The air hums with activity. Boats trace silver paths across the bay. The fish move in bright, determined flashes beneath the surface, a living pulse that connects the open ocean to the inland streams where life begins anew.
2024 Forecast: A Promising, Abundant Run
Early estimates for this season called for a moderate return of around 39 million sockeye. But nature, ever generous, had other plans.
Recent counts have raised the forecast to an impressive 53.2 million fish, turning what was once predicted to be an average run into a strong, abundant one.
Each year tells a slightly different story — shaped by ocean temperatures, plankton blooms, and time itself — but this one feels especially hopeful. Bristol Bay continues to remind us that when ecosystems thrive, abundance follows.
Spawning Escapements and Harvest Projections
Fishery managers and biologists watch the run closely, using sonar, aerial surveys, and genetic sampling to track escapement — the number of salmon that make it upriver to spawn.
Healthy escapement is the heart of sustainability. It ensures that the next generation of sockeye will return to these same rivers years from now.
Based on early data from 2023 and historical patterns, this year’s escapement levels are expected to be strong — possibly even surpassing recent records. That means both a healthy harvest and a thriving ecosystem.
Gearing Up for the 2024 Season: Life Aboard the F/V Ava Jane
Fishing Bristol Bay is a ritual of preparation — one part science, one part art, and all heart.
Boat Readiness
Before casting off, the Ava Jane is checked from bow to stern. Every bolt tightened, every system tested, every safety line inspected. When you’re miles from shore, every detail matters. The goal: to keep the crew safe and the operation running smooth through long days and cold nights.
Nets and Gear
For drift gillnetting, precision is everything. Each net is inspected, repaired, and fitted with fresh mesh to ensure clean, efficient fishing. A good net is like a good tool — reliable, resilient, and ready for the moment the fish arrive in force.
Provisions and Supplies
Before heading out, the cabin is stocked for six intense weeks at sea. Dry goods, hearty meals, coffee (lots of it), and a few comforts from home fill the galley. Out there, surrounded by endless water and sky, these small things matter most.
The Ava Jane is more than a fishing vessel — she’s a floating home for our crew and a bridge between wild Alaska and your dinner table.
Meet the 2024 Crew of the F/V Ava Jane
This year’s crew brings together seasoned hands and new hearts — a team united by saltwater, sunrises, and a shared respect for the ocean. Each name tells a story of tradition, skill, and love for this work.
The Spirit of Bristol Bay Lives On
Each salmon we bring aboard represents more than a meal. It’s a moment in a centuries-old cycle — a gift from Alaska’s cold, clean waters to our tables and our communities.
As we navigate another season, we remain committed to our promise: to fish with care, honor the resource, and deliver the purest wild-caught salmon to your home.
Because when we care for the ocean, it cares for us in return.
