Need help with trout

[Darrin]

Yesterday I bought some whole rainbow trout from Costco. There were 3 in a pack and they are about 2 pounds each. I put them in a brine last night and plan on smoking them this evening. I've never smoked a whole fish before. What temp should I smoke them at? And should I hang them in the smoker or just lay them on the grate? Any other tips would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

[Richtee]

I have not done rainbows, but I have done lakers a couple times. I went with around 200-220 or so, until the skin loosened up on them. Hmmm seemed to take a couple hours, but it was last year. The thick part of the meat should flake easily at any rate...

[Dionysus]

What Rich said .... around 225 for a couple a hours. The main thing with fish is don't fuss with it. Lay them right on the grill and leave them alone. If you try to move them around or flip them you'll end up with a mess. You might find the skin sticks to the grill, but that's OK ... Also try to use a milder wood, I like fruit woods the best, to me it's not so heavy a smoke for the fish.

[solar]

I've always smoked fish on a sheet pan, and have always gotten great results. I like using sheet pans because most fish on the grill will fall apart and/or stick, but with a pan you don't have that issue. As for the temps, I always do fish around 200° because fish cooks rather quick and higher temps will most likely dry it out.

[Richtee]

I've always smoked fish on a sheet pan, and have always gotten great results. I like using sheet pans because most fish on the grill will fall apart and/or stick, but with a pan you don't have that issue.

Good idea... but whatever you smoke it on...make sure it's clean and well greased... forgot to mention that... sorry!

[supervman]

Whole fish, you might want to put some herbs, onions and what not in the cavity.

[Gunslinger]

I can help you with that fish. I'll help you eat it.

You guys want some good eats, you should try smoked paddle fish steaks.
I'll take some pics this year. IF I EVER SNAG ONE!!!!

[Capt]

Ahhh, the three pack Costco rainbow trout...... I have smoked those many times. After I brine and pelicle forms, I get the smoker up to temp. I do not lay them on the side, but actually spread the belly open, belly touching the grate, so the are look just like they are swimming. I have always done this with the whole rainbows, I find the fat doesn't accumulate in the cavity, and you get a better smoke penetration. Just my .02

[Slanted88]

Ahhh, the three pack Costco rainbow trout...... I have smoked those many times. After I brine and pelicle forms, I get the smoker up to temp. I do not lay them on the side, but actually spread the belly open, belly touching the grate, so the are look just like they are swimming. I have always done this with the whole rainbows, I find the fat doesn't accumulate in the cavity, and you get a better smoke penetration. Just my .02

Gotta agree....Louie loves Rainbow on a oak fire!

[Richtee]

I do not lay them on the side, but actually spread the belly open, belly touching the grate, so the are look just like they are swimming. I have always done this with the whole rainbows, I find the fat doesn't accumulate in the cavity, and you get a better smoke penetration. Just my .02

Hmmm Interesting...Thanks Ryan! I'mma gonna try that next run.

[Bassman]

The only fish worth smoking anymore is hump backed chub, razorback sucker, snail darter and the lowly pikeminnow (formerly known as squawfish). If they're done up properly they taste a lot like either spotted owl, California condor or the great bald eagle. With any of the above, just make sure you use a lot of KC Masterpiece.

[Richtee]

The only fish worth smoking anymore is hump backed chub, razorback sucker, snail darter and the lowly pikeminnow (formerly known as squawfish). If they're done up properly they taste a lot like either spotted owl, California condor or the great bald eagle. With any of the above, just make sure you use a lot of KC Masterpiece.

?? OK I'm not gonna ask...

[Bassman]

Out here, these are what the environmentalists consider endangered species. They build fish ladders so some (1) of them can swim upriver over the roller dams. It's all BS, just hoping some eivirofreak was reading.

Sorry Darrin, didn't mean to hijack your thread.

[minnbill]

So where are they?