Five Fall Fish Recipes Worth the Catch

There are a number of reasons to spend an afternoon, or for that matter, an entire day outdoors chasing after your favorite quarry. It could be you just want to get away and let that fish stretch your line as you let the stresses of the work week slide off your shoulders. Maybe you have a group of friends itching to get out, have a few cold beverages, and share the day on the water. And for some, it’s the excitement of taking your kids out for their first fishing adventures. Regardless of your reason, there is nothing more rewarding than taking time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. A good fish fry to top off the day outdoors is absolutely a great way to put an exclamation point on time well spent. So, let’s have a look at some ways you can enjoy your fresh catch.

The Classic Recipe

One of my passions, along with fishing and hunting, is cooking. There is nothing better than whipping up an amazing meal that not only you enjoy but also your friends and family. So, for the first method of cooking, we are going to keep it simple: a flour and egg dredge. Ingredients are easy and are usually things you have sitting around the house for most of your cooking.

Flour
2-eggs
Milk
Salt-pepper-garlic
Canola oil

This truly is a very basic recipe. Garlic is optional, but I’m a huge garlic fan, so it pretty much goes into everything I cook. This works for bluegill, crappie, walleye, northern pike, and bass. Basically, any white fish you want to use. I don’t list the measured ingredients since it really depends on how much fish you’re using. Remove the fish from the refrigerator, pat dry, and set it aside for about 15 minutes. While the fish are waiting to take a bath, beat the eggs and add milk. In a separate dish, add flour, salt, pepper, and garlic.

Heat your oil over a medium-high heat until hot and shimmering. Dip your fish fillets in the flour, coating both sides, then give them a bath in the egg wash, put them back in the flour mixture, and then give them a good fry. You want to fry them until they are golden brown, then flip them over to achieve the same golden-brown result. Your target internal temperature is 145 degrees, which, honestly, can be reached quickly. Remove and set on paper towels to drain excess oil; season to taste as they cool. Serve with your favorite sides. Coleslaw, potato salad, green salad, fries…whatever your heart desires.

Fish Tacos

So, there’s really the foundation of a great fish fry. What else can you do with these fried fish? There are quite a few anglers who really enjoy a good fish taco, and these will definitely work. You can use either flour street tacos or, for an authentic taste, corn tortillas. Throw a couple of these in a hot pan with a touch of oil to heat and soften, and use two for each taco. The sky’s the limit on ingredients: good Mexican cheese, some tomatoes, either a slaw or shredded lettuce for that crunch, and then top with salsa. If you like spicy, add some jalapeños or a habanero salsa. So good with a cold beverage of your choice and friends.

Dry Rubs

There are quite a few boxed fish fry dry rubs that you can pick up at your local grocery stores. These come in all kinds of options. If you like a bit of heat, you can find one that’ll fit your needs. These are great if you’re planning a shore lunch of some sort; less to pack. Grab a box or two of these dry rubs, some large Ziploc bags, and a portable kitchen of sorts, and off you go. Heat your oil to temp, pour your mix into the Ziploc, add the fish, close the bag, and give it a good shake. Add the coated fish to the hot oil and enjoy! This truly is one of the freshest ways to cook your catch.

Fall Trout

Rainbow trout is a fish we really don’t talk about here in Iowa, since opportunities to catch them, let alone eat them, are not as common as other freshwater fish we catch. The Iowa DNR does a pretty good job of providing opportunities, especially during the winter and spring months, stocking local fisheries with catch-and-cook rainbow trout. Frying these fish in a simple butter-and-oil mixture with lemon-pepper seasoning will bring smiles to one and all. Another option that I’ve enjoyed is placing them in a smoker. Smoked fish is absolutely amazing, especially a few good-sized rainbows. Just keep in mind that there are quite a few bones in these fish, and you need to be wary of small bones as you consume your fish.

Autumn Ceviche

Another way to prepare and enjoy your fish is to make a classic ceviche. This method is not for everyone, but done right, it is absolutely amazing. You can Google recipes for ceviche and find one that fits your preferences. I tend to lean towards those that have a little heat to them, usually adding more jalapeños than the recipe calls for, but they are so good. Serve these with good crackers, give them a splash of Cholula Mexican hot sauce, and enjoy!

There is nothing more rewarding than preparing, sharing, and enjoying a fresh catch. These are the kinds of things that bring families together and remind us all of the great resources we have here in Iowa. Don’t forget to share your love of the outdoors with young and old alike, and steward the resources we share and pass on down for generations to come. Tight Lines All!