Limited Edition Collector Blades
How to Fillet a Trout
How do you fillet a trout? Cut behind the gill plate down to the spine, turn the blade toward the tail and slide along the backbone to remove the fillet, then flip and repeat. Trim off the rib bones and pull the pin bones with tweezers. A thin, flexible blade follows trout's delicate frame. The Dalstrong Gladiator Series 7" Flexible Fillet Knife ($79) is German X50CrMoV15 with a flexible blade made for this.
Step by step
- Gut and rinse the trout if needed (trout scales are tiny; most people don't scale). See how to scale and gut a fish.
- Cut behind the gills at an angle down to the spine.
- Turn the blade flat toward the tail.
- Slide along the backbone with the blade angled slightly down against the bones.
- Flip and repeat.
- Trim the rib bones: slide the knife under them and lift away.
- Pull the pin bones along the center line with tweezers, pulling toward the head.
- Skin (optional): tail end down, knife between flesh and skin, pull the skin while holding the blade steady.
Fillet or butterfly?
| Method | Best for |
|---|---|
| Two fillets | Pan-searing, baking |
| Butterflied (boned, joined at the back) | Stuffing, grilling whole |
| Whole, gutted | Campfire, roasting |
Tips
- Keep the fish cold; it's easier to cut.
- Let the flexible blade bend over the ribs instead of forcing it.
- Save the frame for fish stock.
Our picks
Flexible Fillet Knife 7", Gladiator Series, NSF Certified ($79). Spec sheet: German X50CrMoV15 steel, 54–56 HRC, 16–18° edge, NSF certified. Flexible blade.
Fillet Knife 6", Shogun Series, ELITE ($139). Spec sheet: Japanese AUS-10V core, 62+ HRC, 8–12° edge, 66-layer Damascus or hammered finish.
Boning Knife 6", Crimson Red ABS Handle, Gladiator Series, NSF Certified ($69). Spec sheet: German X50CrMoV15 steel, 54–56 HRC, 16–18° edge, NSF certified.
Related: how to fillet a salmon.
Hone before you start with a ceramic honing rod ($79). More: knife safety tips.
FAQ
How do you fillet a trout?
Cut behind the gills to the spine, slide along the backbone to the tail, flip and repeat, then remove rib and pin bones. A flexible blade like the Dalstrong Gladiator Series 7" Flexible Fillet Knife ($79) follows trout's delicate frame.
Do you need to scale trout?
Usually not; the scales are very small.
How do you remove pin bones from trout?
Pull them with tweezers along the center line, toward the head.
What is the best knife for filleting trout?
A thin, flexible fillet knife of 6 to 7 inches.
