Fisheries and Seafood in the Joliet Region
Joliet may be hundreds of miles from the ocean, but the city sits along the Des Plaines River and near the Illinois River and Lake Michigan, and it is part of one of the largest seafood markets in the Midwest. Restaurants, grocery stores, and consumers in Joliet rely on fishery companies that harvest, farm, process, and distribute fish and seafood. Illinois also has a growing aquaculture sector and commercial fisheries that harvest invasive carp to protect the Great Lakes.
Here are ten fishery and seafood companies serving the Joliet area.
The Top 10 Fishery Companies Serving Joliet
1. Fortune Fish and Gourmet
Based in the Chicago suburbs, Fortune Fish and Gourmet is one of the largest seafood distributors in the Midwest. It supplies restaurants and retailers with fresh and frozen seafood from around the world, with a strong focus on sustainability.
2. Supreme Lobster and Seafood
Supreme Lobster and Seafood distributes lobster, shellfish, and fresh fish to restaurants and grocery chains across the Chicago region. Its processing capabilities ensure consistent quality.
3. Plitt Seafood
Plitt Seafood, a Chicago institution, supplies high-quality seafood to restaurants throughout the metro area, including Joliet. Its expertise and relationships with fishermen make it a trusted partner.
4. Schafer Fisheries
Schafer Fisheries in Thomson, Illinois, harvests and processes wild-caught Mississippi River fish, including invasive carp. Its products support efforts to control carp populations while creating useful food and fertilizer products.
5. Jake Wolf Memorial Fish Hatchery
Operated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, this hatchery raises millions of fish to stock lakes and rivers, supporting recreational fishing across the state, including waters near Joliet.
6. Sysco Seafood
Sysco's specialty seafood division supplies restaurants with a wide range of fish and shellfish, backed by traceability programs and quality standards.
7. Chicago Fish House
Chicago Fish House distributes fresh fish and seafood to restaurants and retailers, offering custom cutting and fast delivery.
8. Superior Fresh
Superior Fresh, based in Wisconsin, operates one of the largest indoor aquaponics facilities in the world, raising Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout alongside leafy greens. Its sustainably farmed fish reach grocery shelves across the Midwest, including stores serving Joliet shoppers.
9. Dirk's Fish and Gourmet Shop
Dirk's is a respected Chicago fishmonger that supplies fresh fish and shellfish to home cooks and restaurants. Its knowledgeable staff and emphasis on quality make it a go-to source for Great Lakes whitefish, walleye, and perch, which are regional favorites on Joliet menus.
10. Gordon Food Service Seafood
Gordon Food Service offers a variety of frozen and fresh seafood products for restaurants and institutions, with dependable delivery throughout the Joliet area.
Trends in the Fishery Industry
Sustainability is central to modern fisheries. Buyers increasingly seek certified sustainable seafood and responsibly farmed fish. Recirculating aquaculture systems allow indoor fish farming with minimal environmental impact, and Illinois is exploring these technologies.
Invasive carp, now marketed as copi, are gaining attention as a sustainable, healthy protein. Restaurants and processors are finding creative ways to use this abundant fish while helping protect Great Lakes ecosystems.
How to Choose a Fishery or Seafood Supplier
Look for suppliers with strong cold chain practices, traceability, and sustainability certifications. Freshness, consistency, and delivery frequency are essential for restaurants. Ask about product origin and handling procedures.
Working with local and regional suppliers can provide fresher products and support Midwest fisheries.
Joliet's Waterways and Their Role
The Des Plaines River flows directly through Joliet and joins the Kankakee River to form the Illinois River just southwest of the city. These waterways support recreational fishing for species such as catfish, bass, and walleye, and are part of the critical corridor where agencies work to prevent invasive carp from reaching Lake Michigan. Commercial harvesting of carp in downstream sections of the Illinois River is part of this strategy, creating a unique intersection between fisheries management and business.
Local anglers also benefit from nearby forest preserve lakes and ponds stocked with fish raised in state hatcheries, making fishing a popular pastime throughout Will County.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is copi?
Copi is the new market name for invasive carp species. The fish is mild, healthy, and abundant, and eating it helps reduce populations that threaten native ecosystems.
How can restaurants ensure seafood is sustainable?
Ask suppliers about sourcing, certifications, and traceability, and consider locally harvested or responsibly farmed species.
Is farmed fish healthy?
Responsibly farmed fish can be a healthy source of protein. Modern aquaculture systems monitor water quality and feed to produce high-quality fish.
Where can Joliet residents buy fresh fish?
Grocery stores, specialty seafood markets, and fishmongers in the Chicago region offer a wide variety of fresh fish.
Conclusion
Joliet benefits from a diverse network of fishery companies, from major seafood distributors to river fisheries and hatcheries. These businesses bring fresh, sustainable fish to local tables and support healthy waterways throughout Illinois.