TOPIC:

I had some in a "fish boil" last night. T-riffic!

For years I bought into the conventional wisdom that lake trout were good for smoking and that was about it. However, a friend took some that he breaded and fried and said he liked it better than any of the other salmon or trout, so I tried and while I wouldn't go so far as to say I like it better than the others, it was pretty darn good. While I limit how much I eat and give to my dogs, between this and a number of other non-fishing friends who say they like it, the fillets off two lakers go pretty quickly.

I don't want to get this switched to a debate about "toxins." No doubt they are there, but arguing the benefits of proper cleaning, cooking, size restrictions and the rest to the average person is like trying to have a reasonable "climate change" discussion with a millenial or GenX er who has been indoctrinated since kindergarten. Still, I wouldn't much worry about the dog overeating unless you feed it only fish like a sled dog eats in Alaska. Toxins accumulate over a lifetime (human) and then a person living in a big city or works in a steel mill has a better chance of getting cancer than a regular, life-long laker eater. A dog is unlikely to become so toxified in 12 or 15 years to be life-shortened.

I appreciate your info on this. I've heard all the dire warnings from the types you mentioned. They are expecting me to grow a third eye and are surprised it hasn't happened already. My two Afghan Hounds are going to love you because laker is their number one favorite topping on the dry kibble.

Smoking Lakers is always good. If I catch a smaller one, say around 26 inches, I fillet it, keep skin on. Wrap in foil, season to taste, use fresh garlic ,onion lemon and use a butter,brown sugar,honey glaze.
Oh man , that's a very tasty dish.
Alot of hate for Lakers out there, not starting a debate- I'm a relative new comer to Lake Michigan Salmon/ Trout fishing and I welcome the tug of all species.