Copper River salmon species are harvested using the Gillnetting technique.

Gillnetting involves laying a net wall in the water in the fishes’ path. The fish swim into the mesh and are prevented from escaping. This is one of the most prevalent fishing methods used to harvest salmon in Alaska.

• Most gillnetters are small one to three-man boats. Most gillnetters are 32 to 42 feet.
• A gillnet fisherman uses a net from 900-1,800 feet long, a harvest method regulated by the State of Alaska. Mesh size is also regulated to target the salmon harvest and minimize bycatch.

• Gillnetters are equipped to carry fish on ice or in refrigerated holds and most deliver their catch several times throughout a fishing period. Icing at the point of harvest is the single best way to maintain quality and ensure that the consumer receives the very best salmon possible. They usually divide their fish hold into several bins that are lined with a brailer bag, which is essentially a canvas tote bag for salmon.
• Then, when the gillnetter comes alongside the tendering vessel, the brailer bags are lifted aboard, the catch is transferred into the tender’s fish hold for transport to the shore processor and the bags are returned to the catcher vessel. This reduces handling of the fish, which significantly improves the quality of the catch.