Canning Fish
Salmon, Blue, Mackerel, Trout

Ever wanted to try canning fish? I live in an area that has lots of small lake and stream fishing. Trout and other such fish are what is available. But we have never been much fishermen.  A few trips with the kids, and tangled lines, and itty bitty stream trout cooked over a fire is about the extent of our fishing experience. Fun memories, but certainly not anything to bring home and can.

I don't really care for most fish.  But Salmon?!?   Oh we love salmon! Last time we were in Oregon we visited with a friend who supplied a Salmon dinner. Real fresh non farm raised salmon. We also have a friend from Minnesota who brings us fish when he visits. He is an avid ice fisher. I forget what kind he brings... mmmmm but it is good!

Gotta love those friends!

Canning Fish Procedures

I have not canned fish before. But it looks to be a simple procedure.  A big thank you to Susan, one of my readers who graciously offered to take pictures of their canning fish sessions for this page. 

I found these tested instructions from the NCFHFP here.

First step.... 

Fish must be prepared in 1/2 pints or pints.

You will need to know how to use a pressure canner. This pressure canning page has more detailed information and step by step instructions.

Prepare

Gather your canning supplies

• pressure canner
• canning jars
• canning lids and rings
• jar lifter and canning funnel
• stock pot
  
• bowls
• large spoons
• sharp knife
• towels and dish cloths
• large bowl or stock pot to brine your fish in salt water.

Ingredients

Fish
canning salt

Procedure

First clean your fish, you'll need to remove the head, tail, all fins, and scales. Wash well and split fish lengthwise.   Cut fish into jar length pieces.

Soak your fish in a salty brine for 1 hour. 1 cup of salt to 1 gallon of water.

While fish is soaking gather all materials needed. Start your water heating in your canner. See pressure canning for more detailed instructions.

Drain fish for 10 minutes. You want to be sure it is well drained.

Pack fish into hot jars,(pints or half pints) skin sides out next to the glass. Leave a 1 inch head space. Do not add liquid.

Place lids and process according to pressure canning instructions. 

Process Process pints or half pints 1 hour 40 minutes at 10 pounds pressure

Don't forget to adjust for your altitude. Use the chart below. 

Adjustments for Pressure Canner
Altitude in Feet	Dial Gauge Canner	Weighted Gauge Canner
0-1000	11	10
1001-2000	11	15
2001-4000	12	15
4001-6000	13	15
6001-8000	14	15
8000-10,000	15	15

Question from my inbox:

I fell asleep while canning salmon in open water kettle and the water level was two inches below the top of the jars 4 hrs later. They sealed but are they safe to eat? or can I freeze the batch in the jars? this was 4 days ago. I have tried county extension and they don't have any one in that department. 

Lois - WA
___________________________
answer: 

When you are canning any kind of meat including fish you really need to pressure can it. I can't give any recommendations regarding water bath canning salmon. I am sure that an extension office will tell you the same thing.

You probably would be safe freezing right away. I'd freeze in freezer bags. However, since your fish has been out for 4 days, I don't believe it would be safe at this point.

In the future, you might try another extension maybe in a nearby town. That is what I do. I like to work with the lady at an extension office that is actually in the next town over. Here is a site with listings by state and county. Extension Service Listings 

Sharon
SimplyCanning.com 

Source - Canning Fish

Canning Meat
Venison Ground
Venison-hot pack
Venison -raw pack
Chicken
Homemade Chicken Broth
Homemade Chicken Soup
Fish
Smoked Fish

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