Fish Processing
Other than the time and effort it takes to travel to Alaska and actually catch fish, nothing is more important to a successful fishing trip than properly caring for your catch. Beginning in 2025, after many years of outsourcing this critical part of the experience, we built our own in-house fish processing facility—and the results have been outstanding.
We now operate a fully customized system that includes a check-in and weigh station, cutting area, office with industrial freezers, and commercial vacuum sealers designed to get the job done right.
TAKING CARE OF YOUR FISH: THE PROCESS
Step 1: Cleaning & Transport
At the end of your guided trip, your guide will clean (fillet) your catch and place it in a plastic bag for transport. You’ll then bring it to our processing check-in station at 33361 Keystone Drive. Look for the ShelterLogic tent at the front of the property, and please text us your ETA so we can be ready to receive your fish.
Step 2: Check-In & Cooling
Once you arrive, we will weigh, label, and log your fish before placing it in a cool holding area to await portioning and sealing.
Step 3: Portioning & Preparation
Your fish is carefully cut into convenient meal-size portions (1–3 lbs). Each piece is hand-wiped with paper towels to remove all slime and blood. We never rinse fish with water during processing, as moisture reduces quality—this step should only be done just before cooking.
Step 4: Packaging
The 1-3 lb meal sized portions are placed into 8×12, 5-mil commercial vacuum chamber bags. From there, they go through our professional vacuum-sealing process, ensuring long-lasting freshness and the highest quality product to take home.
Step 5: Freezing
We have a fleet of very efficient freezers waiting to store your fish. It typically requires a total of 18-24 hours to completely freeze your catch. All fish and freezers are carefully labeled and monitored ensuring your fish is well taken care of from start to finish.
Step 6: Boxing
Boxing your fish for transport via luggage on the plane home or arranging overnight shipping via FedEX.
We offer both 25lb. and 50lb. boxes that are airline approved and ready to be checked as luggage or we can ship you fish to you overnight with FedEx.
The overwhelmingly cheaper way to get your fish home is to take it on the plane. We will carefully make sure none of the boxes exceed the 50lb. weight requirement.
If you have no choice or do not mind paying for the added convenience, we do offer FedEX overnight shipping Mon, Tues and Wed weekly. A 50lb. box of fish costs approximately $450-$500 to overnight from Alaska to most lower 48 destinations.
Cost: $2.95 per pound and this includes vacuum sealing, freezing and storing your fish.
Boxes:
#25 LB ….. $25
#50 LB ….. $35
Storing Fish in Anchorage
One common challenge for travelers is keeping their fish safe and frozen while staying in Anchorage or traveling elsewhere in Alaska. If you’re flying out of Anchorage and need a place to store your fish boxes for a few days, there are several options available.
Airport Freezer Storage – Huntleigh USA
Huntleigh USA provides freezer storage at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, conveniently located on the ground level next to Baggage Carousel 4.
Phone: 907-248-0373
Rate: $24 per day, per box (most standard fish boxes)
Requirements: Boarding pass and valid ID are required to store fish or other items at the airport.
More Info: Huntleigh Storage Details
For general details, visit their website: Huntleigh USA Anchorage
Hotel Freezer Storage
If you are staying at a hotel, check first to see if they offer freezer storage. Many Anchorage hotels have walk-in freezers available for guests, and a quick phone call to the front desk can confirm availability.
Below is a list of hotels in Anchorage with Walk-in Freezer / Freezer Storage:
Free airport/train shuttle
123 rooms
Refrigerator & microwave in rooms.
Good for fishing/hunting clientele.
Many rooms
Good infrastructure.
Near the airport
Fairly close to downtown.
10th & M Seafoods
Another option for both fish processing and storage in Anchorage is 10th & M Seafoods, located downtown.
Website: 10th & M Seafoods