From River to Table: Reeling in More than Just Salmon

After a long pause since our move to Kodiak in 2022, I’m happy to finally sit down, take a deep breath, and share a little slice of our Alaskan life with you. Life here has a rhythm all its own — one that ebbs and flows with the tides, the seasons, and the salmon runs.

When we first arrived, I thought I was leaving behind a lot — a familiar optometry community, a steady home-life pace, even this blog. But in return, Alaska offered something I didn’t know I needed - a connection to spirit and space. Space to slow down, space to breathe, and space to reconnect with divine nature in the mountains, forests, and waters of the Last Frontier.

Family Days on the Water

Fishing in Alaska is about far more than filling the freezer for winter — it’s about presence. It’s about listening to the trickle of the river, watching eagles trace wide circles overhead, and feeling the quiet pulse of the current tug at your line. Out here, you can’t help but feel small — and grateful — in the immensity of it all.

Kodiak offers two main salmon runs each year: sockeye (red) in mid-July and coho (silver) in September. When those seasons arrive, our family gears up early — rods, waders, snacks for the kids — and heads out along mossy trails that wind through the forest toward the river. We’ve come to know our favorite holes and hidden bends, though they shift a little each season, reshaped by tides and time.

Out there, we share the river with others who call it home — including the famed Kodiak grizzlies. Bear encounters remind us to move with caution, always keeping our distance and following bear safety guidelines, but also to respect that we are the visitors in their homes. Each catch becomes a moment of gratitude: a gift from the water, accepted with humility and care. At day’s end, we bring our fish home, clean and process them, then freeze them for the long winter ahead.

From River to Table

There’s a deep satisfaction that comes from bringing home a wild-caught salmon — it's the kind of gratitude that only grows from understanding the journey behind it. Each fillet tells a story of patience, cycles, and connection: to the water, to the land, and to each other.

Living in Alaska, we’re surrounded by abundance that feels both humbling and sacred.

There’s something extraordinary about that kind of freshness — the “river to table” nourishment that feeds the body and soul. It’s a gift we savor weekly, as wild salmon graces our table in one form or another all year long. And as an optometrist, I can’t help but appreciate that wild salmon, rich in omega-3s, is as good for our eyes as it is for our hearts.

Why Wild-Caught Sockeye Is a Superfood for Your Eyes

Sockeye salmon, like other fatty fish, is packed with omega-3 fatty acids—specifically EPA and DHA—which are essential for maintaining healthy retinal function and protecting against age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Plus, the high levels of astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant found in wild salmon, help fight oxidative stress that can damage our eyes over time.

Today, I’d like to share a simple, flavorful recipe for baked sockeye salmon with lemony garlic butter. This dish is perfect for a wholesome, eye-friendly meal, and it’s a wonderful way to honor our local waters and the incredible health benefits of wild salmon.

A Flavorful, Mindful Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 sockeye salmon fillets

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• Zest of 1 lemon

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or dill (optional)

• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Season the sockeye salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Place on the prepared baking sheet.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and parsley.

4. Brush or spoon this vibrant, aromatic mixture over each fillet.

5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily and is cooked to perfection.

6. Serve with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of parsley for a fresh, eye-healthy meal.

Connecting the Dots: Fish, Nutrition, and Eye Health

Eating wild salmon like sockeye isn’t just good for your taste buds; it’s a simple, effective way to support your eyes, heart, and brain health. The omega-3s help maintain the structural integrity of your retina, while antioxidants like astaxanthin mitigate oxidative stress. Incorporating wild, locally caught salmon into your diet aligns with mindful, sustainable eating practices—knowing exactly where your food comes from and honoring the seasons.

As an optometrist living in Alaska, I encourage my patients to enjoy the rich bounty of our environment and to make mindful choices that nourish both their eyes and overall well-being. Whether you’re catching your own fish or sourcing it from local purveyors, remember that each meal is an opportunity to nurture your vision and appreciate the natural beauty surrounding us.

Enjoy your “river to table” feast, and here’s to healthy eyes and a vibrant, mindful life!