Grill & Chill: Great Lakes Freshwater Fish on the Pellet Grill

by | Grilling

A full fish on a blue plate with peppers and a tomato

As summer kicks off and the Great Lakes come alive, there’s nothing better than grilling up your fresh catch over the smoky goodness of Grillers Gold Premium BBQ Pellets. Whether you’re reeling in trout from Lake Michigan or bass from an inland lake, freshwater fish is a summer tradition worth savoring.

June is prime fishing—and grilling—season. And with the right pellets and the right technique, you’ll elevate your catch from “just caught” to “can’t stop eating.”

Why Freshwater Fish & Pellet Grills Are the Ultimate Summer Pairing

Freshwater fish are lean, flaky, and mild-flavored—making them ideal for smoke-infused grilling. Your Grillers Gold pellet grill gives you:

  • Consistent heat for delicate fish
  • Kiss of smoke that complements, not overpowers
  • Flare-up-free cooking for tender, juicy fillets
two men on a wooden dock with a fish in a net on a lake

Great Lakes Pellet Pairings

Celebrate the spirit of the lakes with these flavor-packed pairings:

  • Lake Trout – Try Cherry or Fruitwood Blend for a rich, slightly sweet smoke that pairs beautifully with flaky fish.
  • Smallmouth Bass – Use Competition Blend or Fruitwood Blend for a smooth, mellow flavor that enhances without overpowering.
  • Walleye & Perch – Go with Pitmaster Blend or Competition Blend to bring out their buttery texture with a light, aromatic smoke.
  • Whitefish – Bold and classic, Smokeshack Blend gives this meaty fish a hearty, Up North BBQ finish.
  • Catfish – Smokeshack Blend is your go-to here—deep, bold, and perfect for blackened or spicy seasoning styles.

Recipe: Cedar Plank Grilled Lake Trout

This simple but spectacular dish brings out the best in your fish—and your grill.

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole Lake Trout, butterflied or 2 skin-on fillets
  • 1 cedar plank, soaked in water for at least 1 hour
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill (or parsley if you prefer)
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Optional: thinly sliced red onion or a pinch of paprika

Pellet Recommendation:

Grillers Gold Cherry or Fruitwood Blend

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your pellet grill to 350°F using your selected Grillers Gold pellets.
  2. Season your trout with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic. Place lemon slices and herbs inside the cavity or on top of fillets.
  3. Place the soaked cedar plank on the grill for 2–3 minutes to toast slightly. Flip, then place the trout directly on the plank.
  4. Grill for 20–25 minutes, depending on thickness, until the fish flakes easily and reaches an internal temp of 140–145°F.
  5. Optional: Squeeze extra lemon and garnish with more fresh herbs before serving.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with grilled asparagus, corn on the cob, or baby potatoes
  • Serve with garlic aioli or dill yogurt sauce
  • Enjoy with a crisp beer or chilled white wine—bonus points if it’s local!
three tacos in a metal taco holder with fish tacos inside. Mango slaw and other toppings

Recipe #2: Grilled Freshwater Fish Tacos

Fish tacos are a summer favorite—and a perfect way to use your fresh catch in a fun, flavor-packed dish. Whether it’s perch, walleye, or bass, grilling it with Grillers Gold pellets gives your tacos a smoky twist the whole table will love.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb freshwater fish fillets (walleye, perch, or bass work great)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Juice of 1 lime

For toppings:

  • Shredded cabbage or slaw mix
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Diced tomatoes or pico de gallo
  • Crumbled cotija or feta cheese
  • Lime crema or sour cream
  • Corn or flour tortillas, warmed

Pellet Recommendation:

Grillers Gold Pitmaster Blend or SmokeShack Blend for a bold flavor punch

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your grill to 375°F with your chosen Grillers Gold pellets.
  2. Season the fish with olive oil, lime juice, and the following spice mix:
    • 1 tsp chili powder
    • ½ tsp cumin
    • ½ tsp smoked paprika
    • ¼ tsp garlic powder
    • ¼ tsp onion powder
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  3. Place directly on the grill or use a grill basket for smaller fillets. Grill for 3–4 minutes per side, until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily.
  4. Assemble tacos with warm tortillas, grilled fish, and your favorite toppings.

🔥 Pro Tip: Want a little crunch? Add crushed tortilla chips or grilled corn for texture!

Two Ways to Win with Grillers Gold

Now you’ve got two sure-fire recipes to make the most of your June fishing trips—or a quick market run. From rustic cedar-planked trout to fun, festive fish tacos, there’s no better way to enjoy Great Lakes bounty than on your pellet grill with Grillers Gold Premium BBQ Pellets.

So load up your grill, stock the cooler, and make every weekend taste like summer vacation.

Cheers, my friends!

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