KOKANEE SALMON From Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery...

[David Platt]

A friend and I were in line at 7:00 a.m. this last Friday to receive 5 milked and egged salmon from CPW Roaring Judy Hatchery between Gunnison and Crested Butte. They had enough fish to let us go through the line a second time, so...we got 10 fish each. Gutted and gilled 'em Friday afternoon & soaked in water overnight in the fridge.

Yesterday, we put 'em on the pit and smoked 'em all in two batches. Pretty amazing results. Looks like we're gonna be in line again next Friday for more! The hatchery is scheduled to give these "spawn-once-in-a-lifetime-then-die" fish away each Friday through November 7th. this year. A great final use of the resource and I'll be enjoying these all winter as snacks on crackers with cream cheese or ...?

 

[thyRon]

Tried that before as well and I learned the hard way that being patient with the brine and smoke truly makes a difference. Cream cheese and crackers are a perfect combo, but I also love mixing it into scrambled eggs or putting it in pasta with a bit of lemon.