From Boat to Table: Local woman gives Jackson a bite of Bristol Bay

JACKSON, Wyo. — Four hours of sleep. That’s all Jess Normandeau can hope for during peak salmon season in Bristol Bay, Alaska.

During the other waking twenty she’s got one thing on her mind: the best sockeye salmon in the world.

Since 2016, Normandeau has traded in valley summers for the grueling, yet rewarding work of a deckhand on commercial fishing boats in Bristol Bay, Alaska — the largest commercial sockeye salmon producing region in the world.

But this summer is different — after six years of scrubbing decks as a deckhand, she’s finally captain of her own boat.

Breaking Into the Industry

Originally hailing from Vermont, Normandeau's journey to commercial fishing began with a simple dream: spending her winters skiing. "I just wanted to be a ski bum and work hard during the summers," she says. Through persistent cold calling and networking, she landed her first deckhand position after college, joining the crew in Bristol Bay – the largest commercial sockeye salmon producing region in the world.

"People say it's the best job in the world ten months of the year, but the worst job in the world for the other two," Normandeau explains. "It's a two-to-three-month season of super hard work."

Life on the Water

This year marks a profound shift in Normandeau's career. After purchasing her own boat this spring, she's transitioning from the physical demands of a deckhand to the complex responsibilities of a captain.

"Being a deckhand is really physically taxing. I won't be doing much of the physical work now that I'm driving the boat," she says. "But the actual fishing is really stressful as a first-year skipper. You're working around the clock and it's a steep learning curve."

A Female Captain in a Male-Dominated World

In Bristol Bay's commercial fishing industry, Normandeau is joining an elite group – female skippers represent just one percent of captains in the region. The role demands a diverse skill set that goes far beyond navigation.

"I have to be a diesel mechanic and an electrician. On top of that, I also have to know how to manage people and take care of my crew," she explains. "I have to find fish and be intelligent in reading tides, waves and weather patterns. You have to wear a lot of hats as a commercial fisherman."

Fortunately, she won't be facing these challenges alone. Two experienced friends will join her crew for the intensive five-week fishing season. Their expertise will be crucial in an environment where every day counts.

"What makes it stressful as a fisherman is that a season is so short. I'm there and back in two months and only on the water for five weeks," Normandeau says. "If you miss four good fishing days that's a big loss of income."

From Boat to Table

Bristol Bay's sockeye salmon are prized worldwide for their quality. These wild-caught fish feed on phytoplankton, resulting in meat that's rich in vitamins and omega-3s, with a distinctive vibrant red color. Normandeau's operation ensures premium quality from catch to plate.

"The second the fish hits my boat I have what's called a refrigerated seawater system," she explains. "The fish go in ice-cold water underneath the deck and get flash frozen. They stay frozen from the second they die to the moment they are on someone's plate."

This commitment to quality is the foundation of her newest venture, "Slipstream Sockeye." This year, Normandeau is offering 20-pound shares of salmon to Jackson locals, available as either filets or portions. "Selling fish is really fun and a great way to engage with the community. It's something I'm so psyched and proud to do."

When Normandeau delivers her salmon to Jackson this October, she'll be completing a journey that's taken her from Vermont to Alaska, from deckhand to captain, and from ski bum to successful entrepreneur. Despite the sleepless nights and countless challenges ahead, her unbridled optimism remains her secret weapon: "You just have to jump in, you'll never be prepared, you just have to do it."

This article was originally published on June 2, 2022 on buckrail.com.