Smelt 2017

[BIGMIKE]

Any of you guys got the scoop on this years open days? My kids are excited since last year. Easy cheap fun for the whole family.

[Jason]

I haven't seen anything yet, but should be about a month out.

Not sure if the kids and I will go this year as we don't seem to do much with the Smelt and always have a bunch left over.

[Dhoey07]

Did you have to buy a fishing license for them last year?

[Blacklab]

Jason they make great candles as well     

[Boss .300 winmag]

@Jason how did you cook them?

[Jason]

@Jason how did you cook them?

their smoked or fried in our house. And no I don't smoke them whole with the heads and guts in them 

[Boss .300 winmag]

@Jason how did you cook them?

their smoked or fried in our house. And no I don't smoke them whole with the heads and guts in them 

We always had them fried in flour in a cast iron skillet till golden brown crunchy.    That was one thing my gramps did cook right. Never had them smoked, but I bet it's good if you smoked to a really dry state.

[metlhead]

My favorite recipe at one time had them tasting just like sturgeon. Small sacrifice for such a nice upgrade. And the roses look good also.

[WSU]

They were good smoked. Best part was my 2 year olds would carry around by the handfuls and eat them fins and all. Grossed my wife out.

[jay.sharkbait]

I grew up with the saltwater version. They would spawn in front of the cabin during the fall.

We would pan fry the big ones while they were still moving and smoke the little ones whole.

[lokidog]

What do you smelt smokers use for brine?  I got a bunch on Lopez Is last year and like them fried, but I'd like to try something different.

[WSU]

I tried my salmon brine and it worked fine

[jay.sharkbait]

What do you smelt smokers use for brine?  I got a bunch on Lopez Is last year and like them fried, but I'd like to try something different.

I used a light salt brine to get rid of the slime. I only soaked them for a hour or so.

[JDHasty]

I tried my salmon brine and it worked fine

 

[Blacklab]

When I was a kid my grandfather would smokem. With or without the heads all good to me back then. Can't ever remember having them fried, probably did though. Any of your favorite fish brine should work. I personally haven't smoked any wouldn't be difficult. Heck haven't even dipped for them in 100 yrs.