Go Wild! There is such a difference between WILD and FARMED Salmon, that all you have to do is taste them side by side. You'll agree - Wild is better.

 

If you find it difficult to understand the differences between the various Salmon species and the nicknames, look below to find out more. I hope the notes help in eliminating any confusion.

 

At Black Bear, we're partial to Sockeye, Kings and Keta as they offer the highest of quality in flavour and texture that we demand for our Black Bear Smokehouse Fresh Salmon. There is a significant difference in the quality of the fish caught in the wild Northern BC Pacific waters versus those grown and fattened in fish farms. The reason is obvious why customers, the likes of the Four Seasons and Pan Pacific Hotels, have been serving my fathers smoked salmon for years. It is simply because we produce the best quality. Not the least expensive, just the best.

 

 

The most valuable of the wild BC salmon catch. Its deep-red, firm flesh makes it the richest and most sought-after of BC's salmon and gives it the name of red salmon when smoked or canned. Sockeye is the mainstay of the commercial fishery, contributing about two-thirds of the total value of the salmon harvest. Blue-tinged silver in color, sockeye salmon live four to five years, weigh up to 7 pounds (3.2 Kg), and are the slimmest and most streamlined of the five species of the Pacific West Coast waters

 

 

Arguably the finest salmon in the world. Also called Spring or Chinook salmon, the largest of BC's salmon, often running over 35 lbs. (18kg) and can grow to a weight of up to 120 pounds (55 Kg). King salmon live from five to seven years and the lightly spotted and blue-green backs distinguish them. Much sought after by sports fishermen and often called Tyee or Smilie (if a trip to one of our Lodges and hunting for the elusive King is of interest, as mentioned I can arrange a fishing trip for you. Send me an email.) Gourmets prize this fish for its firm flesh that can range from ivory white to deep red. Commercial harvests are small.