Every fall, one of the great salmon migrations on the Pacific coast funnels through a narrow ribbon of water between northern Vancouver Island and the BC mainland. Right now, as you read this, Organic Ocean co-founders Dane Chauvel and Steve Johansen are out on Johnstone Strait, bringing in wild keta salmon at the peak of the run.
You may know this fish by another name. We call it keta, after its scientific name, Oncorhynchus keta. Caught bright and silver in salt water, Johnstone Strait keta is a firm, mild, versatile wild salmon, and one of the best values in BC seafood.
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Why Johnstone Strait Matters for Wild Keta Salmon
Johnstone Strait is the northern gateway to the inside waters of the BC coast. Salmon returning from the North Pacific to spawn in the Fraser River, the rivers of the Strait of Georgia, and the inlets of the mainland coast travel down this corridor on their way home. That makes it one of the most important places on the coast to fish fall keta.
Timing is everything. The keta run through Johnstone Strait builds through September and typically peaks in October. Fish caught here have bright skin, firm flesh, and good colour.
Out on the Water with Our Fishermen
Dane and Steve have spent decades fishing the BC coast, and the fall keta season is one they know well. The work is fast and weather-dependent. Openings are set by Fisheries and Oceans Canada based on in-season run assessments, so the crew fishes when the fish are there and the managers say go.
Once aboard, each fish is processed with care and chilled quickly to protect quality. That attention on deck is what separates a premium keta from a commodity one, and it is a big part of why we trust the fish coming from our boats.
What Does Keta Salmon Taste Like?
Keta is a mild-tasting Pacific salmon. Compared with sockeye or Chinook, it is leaner, with a lighter flavour and a firm, flaky texture. The flesh ranges from pale pink to a vibrant red. If you find some salmon too rich or too "fishy," keta is the one to try.
That lean profile makes it a cook's fish. It takes beautifully to bold marinades, smoke, spice rubs and sauces, and it holds together on the grill or in a pan.
Easy Ways to Cook Johnstone Strait Keta
- Grilled or planked: brush with oil, season simply, and cook skin-side down over medium heat. Pull it while the centre is still slightly translucent.
- Miso or teriyaki glaze: keta's mild flavour is a perfect canvas for sweet-savoury glazes.
- Fish tacos: firm flakes stand up well to slaw, salsa and lime.
- Smoked or candied: a West Coast tradition. Keta's lower fat content makes for clean, firm smoked salmon.
- Chowder and curry: it holds its shape in soups and stews better than richer species.
One tip: because keta is lean, cook it gently and a minute less than you think.
Looking for more ideas? Browse our chef tips and recipes.
Keta Salmon Nutrition: Lean Protein with Omega-3s
Wild keta salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein while being lower in calories and fat than richer salmon species. It still delivers heart- and brain-healthy omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), along with vitamin D, vitamin B12, selenium and potassium.
For anyone looking for a lighter wild salmon to eat more often, keta is an easy, nutritious choice that fits a wide range of diets.
Wild, Sustainable and Traceable
BC salmon fisheries are managed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, with openings that respond to in-season information about how many fish are returning. That management, together with the hard work of fish harvesters on the water, helps keep keta runs healthy for the long term.
As a Certified B Corp, Organic Ocean is committed to transparency from boat to plate. We know the boats and we know the captains and crew. When you buy Johnstone Strait keta from us, you know exactly where it came from.
Why Fall Keta Is One of the Best Values in Wild Salmon
Keta has long been underrated in North America, often overshadowed by sockeye and Chinook. In Japan and across much of Asia, it is prized, and its roe is the source of much of the world's ikura. When it is caught bright in the ocean and handled properly, keta delivers wild BC salmon quality at a price that makes it easy to put on the table every week.
Get Johnstone Strait Keta While the Run Is On
The fall keta season is short, and the best fish come during the peak of the run. Fresh Johnstone Strait keta from our boats is landing now.
This week only · October 18 to 24
Buy 4, Save 15%
On Wild Pacific Keta Salmon single portions, 12-packs and 24-packs. Applied automatically at checkout.
Orders over $149 ship free. Browse all our wild BC seafood.
