Fish Processing Service Included
Service Value and Cost
Fish processing, professional freezing, and departure boxing are included with our fully guided and self-guided fishing packages. Local processors charge up to $2 per pound of fish. We provide this service to all lodge guests free of charge. No matter how much fish you catch, there is no additional fee. We take care of everything. All we ask is that you tip our fish processors accordingly.Our Processing Procedure
When you get back to the dock from a day of fishing, the Chinook Shores crew will meet you there. We’ll unload your fish and hang it for your photo, then you can relax and let us filet, vacuum pack, freeze, and box your catch. We have cleaning tables and sinks on the dock and a dedicated processing room set up with two commercial vacuum packers and a (6×12 ft) blast freezer. All fish is processed to your specifications, immediately rinsed in cold, fresh water to lock in quality, and vacuum-sealed into portions. After that, all fish immediately enters our deep freezer where it is flash-frozen in about 6 hours.Meat Yield and Custom Cuts
Our staff are expertly trained—the best processors in the area—to ensure maximum meat yield from your fish. With salmon, we typically fillet out each side, then portion the bags into manageable 1–1.5lb vacuum-sealed portions. However, customization is always welcome. You can request smaller portions, whole fillets (great for dinner party presentation), or even steaked salmon with the backbone in. Just put in your request with our dockhands when you get in.Your Catch Guarantee
If you’re familiar with processors who mix product (like hunters and deer), you know the frustration. We hate that practice. When you stay at our lodge, you leave with the fish you caught. We take great lengths labelling and organizing to ensure your fish never mixes in with another group’s fish at any point.Departure and Travel Prep
On your departure day, our crew will ask you how you’d like your fish divided up. We can split it as many ways as you want, or combine it all in as few boxes as possible for easy transportation. We box your frozen fish in wet-lock boxes with insulated liners that will keep your fish frozen for at least 24 hours. We will strap the boxes shut and make sure they are labelled for the airlines. Then all you have to do is check it at the airport counter as you would a checked bag.