Much like a ripe summer tomato or a crisp autumn apple, fish and shellfish have peak moments when their flavor, texture, and nutrient density are at their absolute height.
Understanding the best seafood by season allows you to elevate your home cooking from standard to spectacular. Read on to master the calendar of seafood by season and start planning your next coastal-inspired feast.
The Four Seafood Seasons
While modern logistics allow us to enjoy many varieties year-round, paying attention to the specific seafood seasons ensures you are getting the highest quality product available.
SPRING (March – May)
As the ice thaws, the seafood seasons shift toward delicate textures and the highly anticipated arrival of fresh runs.
- Pacific/Atlantic Halibut
- Rainbow Trout
- Scallops
- Softshell Crab (Late spring)
- Striped Bass
- Atlantic Black Bass
SUMMER (June – August)
Summer is the high point for seafood by season, offering the widest variety for grilling and outdoor entertaining.
- Wild Salmon (Peak season)
- Hard Shell & Soft Shell Crab
- Swordfish
- Fresh Tuna
- Red Snapper
- Live Lobster (New England peak)
- Flounder
- Fresh Crabmeat
- Pacific/Atlantic Halibut
- Clams
- Scallops
FALL (September – November)
As temperatures drop, seafood by season focuses on rich, oil-heavy fish and the return of prime Atlantic shellfish.
- Oysters & Mussels
- Black Cod (Sablefish)
- Swordfish
- Scallops
- Atlantic/Pacific Halibut
WINTER (December – February)
During the coldest months, we look to deep waters for hearty, flavor-packed options.
- Oysters
- Lobster Tails
- Mahi-Mahi
- Cod & Haddock
- Monkfish
- Atlantic Halibut
AVAILABLE ALL YEAR LONG
We ensure these staples are available through fresh or frozen sourcing to provide consistent quality regardless of seasonal seafood trends:
- Cod, Haddock, & Flounder
- Tilapia & Mahi-Mahi
- Shrimp & Atlantic Salmon (Farmed)
- Swordfish & Tuna (Species vary)
- Mussels, Clams, & Oysters (Regional rotation)
- Lobster Tails
- Crab (Pasteurized crabmeat & fresh)
- Scallops
The Difference with In Season Seafood
Why should you go out of your way to check the calendar before you head to the market? Choosing in season seafood isn’t just a trend; it’s a better way to eat. Here are the primary benefits:
- Superior Flavor and Texture: When you eat seasonal seafood, you are getting the product at its natural peak, meaning the fats and proteins are perfectly balanced for the best taste.
- Maximum Nutrient Density: Fish caught during their natural peak season often contain higher levels of Omega-3 fatty acids and essential vitamins.
- Environmental Sustainability: Following the natural seafood seasons helps prevent overfishing and supports the natural reproductive cycles of marine life.
- Better Value: When in season, seafood is at its highest supply, which often translates to more competitive pricing for the consumer.
- Culinary Variety: Eating seafood by season encourages you to try new species and recipes rather than sticking to the same two or three fish all year.
Nervous about trying a new type of seafood? Click to learn more about the different types of seafood and how to cook each one.
Find Specialty, Seasonal Seafood at Adelphia Seafood
Navigating the complexities of the ocean’s calendar shouldn’t feel like a chore. At Adelphia Seafood, we take the guesswork out of the equation for you. For decades, we have built relationships with the best harvesters and fishermen to ensure that our counters are always stocked with the finest seafood available. Whether you are looking for the first catch of the spring or the heartiest winter shellfish, our experts are here to guide you toward the best selection.
We pride ourselves on transparency and education. When you visit us, you aren’t just buying a piece of fish; you are gaining access to a wealth of knowledge about seafood by season and preparation techniques. We believe that everyone deserves access to fresh seasonal seafood, and we work tirelessly to bring the dock-to-table experience directly to your neighborhood. From our daily arrivals to our specialty curated selections, we invite you to taste the difference that timing makes.
Come visit Adelphia Seafood today and discover why we are the region’s premier destination for in season seafood!