As an avid fly fisherman, I live for those perfect summer afternoons when I can escape to a cool mountain stream and try my luck at catching trout. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of the fight as a rainbow dances on the end of your line or brings in a fat brown trout lurking under the banks. However, once you’ve made your catch, the real work begins. 

You now have fresh, delicious trout you’ll want to enjoy later, but proper storage and handling are critical to ensuring the flavor and texture stay as close to catching it as possible until mealtime. In this post, I’ll share my tried and true methods for bringing your catch of trout home and how to store trout after catching it until you’re ready to cook it up.

Necessary Items for Storing Trout

Before we get into the specifics of how to store trout, it’s essential to have the necessary items on hand. These include:

• A cooler or insulated bag
• Ice packs or bags of ice
• Ziploc bags or airtight containers
• Paper towels or a clean cloth

Having these items ready will make the process smoother and ensure your trout stays fresh and safe.

10 Steps on How to Store Trout After Catching

Step 1: Keep the Fish Cool

After catching your trout, keeping them calm as soon as possible is essential. This helps slow down bacterial growth and preserves the freshness of the fish. Use a cooler or insulated bag with ice packs or bags of ice to create a cold environment for your catch.

Step 2: Clean and Gut the Fish

Before storing your trout, they should be appropriately cleaned and gutted. This removes bacteria in the fish’s innards and helps maintain its quality during storage. Removing the head and tail can also help preserve the fish’s freshness if you plan on storing the trout for more than a day.

Step 3: Dry the Fish

After cleaning and gutting, dry the fish with paper towels or a clean cloth. This removes any excess moisture and helps prevent bacterial growth. A dry fish is also less likely to spoil quickly.

Step 4: Wrap the Trout in Paper Towels

To further absorb any remaining moisture, wrap each trout in paper towels before placing them in a Ziploc bag or airtight container. This will help keep the fish dry and preserve its texture. Alternatively, you can also use a clean cloth to wrap the fish.

Step 5: Place in Ziploc Bags or Airtight Containers

Once the trout is wrapped, place it in a Ziploc bag or airtight container. This will help prevent any air from getting to the fish, which can cause spoilage. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing the bag or container.

Step 6: Add Ice Packs or Bags of Ice

Add ice packs or bags of ice to the cooler or insulated bag to keep the fish chilled. This will help maintain a cold environment and prevent any bacterial growth. Place the trout on top of the ice and not directly on it.

Step  7: Store in a Cool Place

Store the cooler or insulated bag in a cool place, such as a refrigerator or a cold basement. Avoid storing it in direct sunlight or warm areas, as this can lead to spoilage. If you plan to store the trout for more extended periods, replenish the ice as needed.

Step 8: Transporting the Trout

If you’re transporting your trout from the fishing spot to home, keep them in a cooler or insulated bag with ice packs. This will help maintain their freshness until you can properly store them at home. Avoid leaving them in a hot car or exposed to direct sunlight during transportation.

Step 9: Keep an Eye on the Temperature

Trout should be kept below 40°F (4°C) to prevent spoilage. Make sure to regularly check the temperature of your trout and replenish the ice as needed to maintain a cold environment. Having a thermometer on hand is also a good idea to check the temperature.

Step 10: Cook and Enjoy!

When you’re ready to cook your trout, make sure to do so within 2-3 days of catching them. This ensures the best flavor and texture. Simply remove from storage, rinse with cold water, and prepare as desired.  Whether you grill, bake, or pan-fry your trout, it will surely be a delicious meal worth the wait.

Storing trout after catching it may seem daunting, but with these ten steps, you can ensure your catch stays fresh and safe to eat. Always keep the fish cool, dry, and airtight for best results. Proper storage and handling allow you to enjoy the fruits of your fishing labor without worrying about spoilage.

8 Things to Avoid When Storing Trout

Here are some things to avoid when storing trout after catching:

1. Leaving the Fish on a Warm Surface or in Direct Sunlight

As mentioned before, warmth and sunlight can cause spoilage in trout. Avoid leaving them on any warm surface or exposed to direct sunlight during storage.

2. Using Containers that are too Big

Using containers that are too big for the amount of fish you have can lead to excess air and moisture, which can spoil your catch. Make sure to use appropriately sized containers or bags.

3. Storing Trout in Water

Storing trout in water can cause bacterial growth and make them slimy. Avoid storing them in water, and dry them thoroughly before storage.

4. Not Replenishing the Ice

Keeping a consistent cold temperature is critical to preserving the freshness of your trout. Regularly check and replenish the ice in your cooler or insulated bag as needed.

5. Using Dirty Containers or Utensils

Dirty containers and utensils can introduce bacteria that can spoil your trout during storage. Use clean containers, bags, and utensils when handling and storing your catch.

6. Storing Trout for too Long

Trout should ideally be stored for at most three days after catching. After this time, the quality and freshness may start to decline. Cook and consume within 2-3 days of catching for best results.

7. Not Properly Cleaning and Gutting the Fish

Properly cleaning and gutting trout before storage is crucial in preventing bacterial growth and maintaining its quality. Take advantage of this step!

8. Letting the Trout Come into Contact with Raw Meat or Poultry

Cross-contamination can happen if you store your trout alongside raw meat or poultry. Make sure to store them separately and use separate containers or bags.  Following these tips can help ensure that your trout stays fresh and is always safe for a delicious meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Can I Store Trout in the Fridge?

Trout can typically be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days before cooking and consuming. Keep it below 40°F (4°C) and replenish ice as needed.

Can I Freeze Trout for Longer Storage?

Yes, trout can be frozen for more extended storage. Properly clean and dry the fish before wrapping it in plastic wrap or sealing it in an airtight container. Frozen trout can last up to 6 months in the freezer.

Can I Store Trout in the Same Container as Other Types of Fish?

It’s not recommended to store different types of fish together, as they may have different storage requirements and can potentially cross-contaminate each other. It’s best to keep them separate in their containers or bags.  Proper storage is critical to preserving the freshness and flavor of your trout catch.

Is It Safe to Eat Trout That Has Been Stored for Over 3 Days?

Eating trout that has been stored for more than three days is generally not recommended, as the quality and freshness may start to decline. It’s best to cook and consume within 2-3 days of catching for optimal taste and safety.

Can I Store Trout With Other Types of Fish?

Yes, you can store trout with other fish as long as they are properly cleaned, dried, and stored in separate containers or bags. Make sure also to avoid cross-contamination with raw meat or poultry.  Ultimately, storing trout separately is best to ensure its quality and freshness.  With these tips and precautions, you can safely store your freshly caught trout for a delicious meal anytime.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to properly store trout after catching, you can fully enjoy the experience of fishing and cooking your catch. In conclusion, properly storing trout after catching is crucial for maintaining their freshness and flavor. By following the steps on how to store trout after catching outlined in this post, you can ensure that your catch remains in top condition until it’s time to prepare a delicious trout dinner.

From cleaning and gutting the fish to choosing the correct storage method based on your situation, we’ve covered all the necessary information for successfully preserving your trout. Remember to keep it cool, dry, and in an airtight container, and avoid common mistakes like storing it in water or leaving it on warm surfaces. With proper storage and handling, you can savor the taste of fresh trout without worrying about spoilage.