Whether you wish you’d caught more fish when you visited the Kenai Peninsula—or you just want easy access to excellent fish at about half the usual retail price —this fishery in Kasilof is a great find.
The family-owned fishery—a historic site first established in the 1930s —offers fresh-caught wild salmon and other fish at harvester prices. They sell whole fish, and you get the satisfaction of picking your own fish from their catch if you’re on location when the boats come in.
The fishery offers a high level of quality, too. The Chase family operation, which has owned the fishery since 1993 (BEACHM stands for everyone's names: Brian, Elizabeth, Aaron, Caleb, Hannah, and Michael) takes extraordinary care of their fish, to keep it fresh and intact longer. They take ice out on the boats with them to ice the fish after catching it—not something many fishermen do—and they bleed every fish as quickly as possible, both of which helps extend a fish’s shelf life.
Because of such practices, BEACHM has earned the distinction of being among the first harvesters in the State to earn both the AQS (Alaska Quality Seafood) for outstanding handing, and the global MSC certification (Marine Stewardship Council) for harvesting a sustainable product.
You can also take a free tour of the fishery, available on every Monday or Thursday during harvest season (typically late June through mid August). You’ll be fascinated to learn the details of how the fish you get at home makes its way to your table. You’ll also get a balanced, insider’s perspective on the tough rules mandated in the Alaska constitution that help both sportfishing and commercial fishing, including family producers like this one. Each tour is interactive and based on the interests of the group, so ask plenty of questions—the hosts are even happy to share great fish recipes, too.
Season
June 25-August 10; orders must take place during the active season to insure availability.
