Tragedy😢! Jake Anderson How ‘Deadliest Catch’ Was Filmed in One of the World’s Most Dangerous Seas!

How Deadliest Catch was Filmed in One of the World’s Most Dangerous Seas

Hold on to the deck! Deadliest Catch is about to make a splash in the treacherous Bering Sea. First premiering in 2005, this Emmy-nominated juggernaut comes back season after season, delivering heart-pounding, nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat action. Notable for documenting the unforgiving reality of crab fishing, these fearless fishermen put everything on the line, risking it all for that ultimate payday, where one wrong move could mean the difference between a massive haul or a kiss of death.

While the fishermen and fleets of Deadliest Catch have received their fair share of attention, there’s another star that deserves its own spotlight—its filming location. The Bering Sea makes a regular appearance on the show, but where exactly is it? Check out below to see where Deadliest Catch is filmed and where else the crew has ventured outside of the icy seas.

Where is Deadliest Catch Filmed?

Deadliest Catch is primarily filmed in the Bering Sea during the peak of the Alaskan king crab and snow crab fishing seasons. However, these fleets need their base of operations to kick things off. No matter how far these vessels go, their base of operations is the Aleutian Islands’ port of Dutch Harbor, Alaska.

Fans of the show are no strangers to the icy, windy conditions, but underneath the ships’ pots and machinery lies a rich geographical and cultural history. This has cemented the Aleutian Islands and Dutch Harbor as prime fishing locations across the nation. Home to a chain of small islands, the Aleutian Islands separate the Bering Sea to the north from the Pacific Ocean to the south.

Despite its scattered lands, the islands occupy a whopping total area of 6,821 square miles. In terms of geography, the Aleutian Islands are an archipelago comprising 14 large islands, approximately five smaller islands, and countless islets surrounding them. A majority of these islands are part of the Alaskan territory.

Thanks to its uniform climate and rich wildlife, the Aleutian Islands have attracted many seeking either adventure or opportunity, specifically fishing. Although Deadliest Catch spotlights the competitive fishing industry, local communities living in the area have primarily relied on the North Pacific Ocean and the Bering Sea for their livelihood. To residents of the land, fishing is not just a way to make cash—it’s a way to survive.

Dutch Harbor houses the largest community in the archipelago, with 4,700 residents. Referred to as Unalaska, Dutch Harbor played a crucial role during World War II, thanks to its strategic location. After the war, king crab fishery developments took off in Dutch Harbor in the 1960s, followed by Pollock and Pacific cod fisheries in the 1980s. Today, Dutch Harbor is one of the most lucrative fishing spots in the United States, with vessels from all over vying for their share of the Bering Sea’s bounty.

Other Filming Locations for Deadliest Catch

Like many popular shows, Deadliest Catch branched out with spin-offs exploring other territories. For example, Deadliest Catch: Dungeon Cove follows Captain Mike Retherford Jr. as he hunts for Dungeness crabs off the Oregon coast. Primarily filmed in Newport, Oregon, the area serves as one of the last existing fishing towns on the edge of the Graveyard of the Pacific—a dangerous stretch of sea from Oregon to British Columbia, known for claiming fishermen’s lives.

On a lighter note, Deadliest Catch: Bloodline trades the icy seas for Hawaii’s sun-drenched Kona Coast. This deep-sea fishing haven on the island’s west side offers stunning beaches and rich marine life. Captain Josh Harris takes viewers on an adventure to catch marlin, mahimahi, ono, and ahi.

Across the Atlantic, Deadliest Catch: The Viking Returns follows Captain Sig Hansen and his daughter Mandy as they tackle Norway’s icy waters, searching for new fishing opportunities after the Alaskan king crab fishery temporarily shut down.

What is Deadliest Catch About?

On June 11th, Deadliest Catch premiered its 20th season. This season, Captain Jake Anderson leaves the F/V Saga to work under his former mentor, Captain Sig Hansen, on the F/V Northwestern. Meanwhile, Captain Keith Colburn faces a fiery scare on the F/V Wizard that nearly claims a deckhand’s life.

New aspiring captains and fishermen join the action, facing gale-force winds, razor-sharp crab pots, and the relentless pursuit of the catch of a lifetime. With beloved captains like Hansen, Colburn, and Wild Bill Wichrowski still in the mix, the stakes have never been higher.

Who is in The Deadliest Catch Cast?

Over the past 20 seasons, Deadliest Catch has seen many faces come and go. In season 20, fan-favorites Sig Hansen, Keith Colburn, and Wild Bill Wichrowski return, along with new captains like Sophia “Bob” Neelon, Jacob Hutchins, and Rick Shelford. These captains, both veterans and newcomers, face medical challenges, fierce competition, and dangerous seas, all in the pursuit of their next big catch.