Seafood · Shelf Life · 2026

🐟 How Long Does Salmon Last?

Safe storage times for raw and cooked salmon — fridge, freezer, and food safety tips.

📅 Updated 2026⏱ 2 min read
QUICK ANSWER

Raw salmon lasts 1-2 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer. Cooked salmon lasts 3-4 days in the fridge.

How Long Does Salmon Last?

LocationDurationTemperatureNotes
Refrigerator1-2 days (raw)Below 40°F (4°C)Store on ice or on the bottom shelf; use within 1 day if possible
FreezerUp to 3 months0°F (-18°C)Wrap tightly in plastic wrap then place in a freezer bag; remove all air
PantryNot safeN/ANever leave raw fish at room temperature for more than 2 hours

Signs Salmon Has Gone Bad

  • ⚠️ Strong fishy or ammonia odour
  • ⚠️ Flesh turns dull grey instead of bright pink/orange
  • ⚠️ Slimy coating on the surface
  • ⚠️ Soft, mushy texture that falls apart

Salmon Storage Tips

  1. Buy salmon the day you plan to cook it when possible
  2. Store on a bed of ice in the fridge for freshness
  3. Keep away from other foods to prevent odour transfer
  4. Cook to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C)
  5. Consume smoked salmon within 5-7 days of opening
⚠️

Fresh fish is highly perishable. When in doubt, the smell test is reliable — fresh salmon smells of the sea, not fishy or sour.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Raw salmon after 3 days in the fridge should be discarded — it is past the 1-2 day safe window and could cause foodborne illness.
Unopened smoked salmon lasts up to 2 weeks in the fridge. Once opened, consume within 5-7 days.
Yes — freeze fresh salmon tightly wrapped for up to 3 months. For best quality, freeze it the day you buy it.
Eatvora tracks your salmon purchase date and reminds you to cook or freeze it before the 1-2 day window closes.