Alaska’s Wild Salmon Catch Lands in Chicago

During my first pass through the South Loop Farmers Market last winter—at the Roosevelt location—I was struck by two things. First, the atmosphere: more party than produce stand. And second, a small booth displaying a sign that read, “Wild Alaska Salmon from our nets to your table.” In Chicago? At a farmers market?

Mat Riendeau and Karen Trine, along with their three kids, split their time between Chicago and Kodiak, Alaska, where they fish the annual wild salmon run each summer.

Hook Point is a true small-scale, family-run operation with a deep respect for the fish they harvest and the ecosystems they depend on. Their main catch is sashimi-grade Alaskan sockeye, a fish prized for its rich flavor, vibrant color, and firm texture. They also occasionally offer coho and other species depending on the season.

For Chicagoans eager to try it, the best way to secure a hefty share of their harvest is through seasonal salmon boxes, available by preorder. These boxes are shipped once a year—usually in early November, right after the fishing season wraps—and come packed with dry ice and Green Cell Foam, a compostable, even water-dissolvable insulation that ensures the supply chain process honors the family’s commitment to sustainability.

Boxes are available in 5- or 10-pound options and contain either full fillets, 8-ounce portions, or a mix of both. Prices start at $150, and quantities are limited. In other words, don’t wait.

But even if you’re a salmon box commitment-phobe, you’re not out of luck. Hook Point Fisheries will be popping up at farmers markets all over Chicago, selling frozen portions, sharing recipes, and connecting directly with customers who are curious about where their seafood comes from. The full summer schedule is posted at hookpointfish.com.

And one last note: if you have a dog, you’ll want to snag a bag (or two) of Hook Point’s freeze-dried, single-ingredient salmon treats. Anecdotally, these have become the high-value reward of choice in our household—especially for training our reactive pup.

Photos courtesy of Hook Point Fisheries.