Camping with a toddler in Lake Tahoe is both fun and exciting. Besides seeing a mama baby and her baby cub, one of the joys of camping or taking a day trip to Lake Tahoe is going fishing. As a dad, it is a wonderful thing being able to teach my son all of the outdoor things I learned as a child, including fishing, cooking and the wonders of nature. Fishing, hiking or camping with a toddler is a great way to introduce them to the beauty of the outdoors.

Instructions for Cooking Cutthroat

Step 1: Have fun with your kid(s)

The purpose of going fishing, hiking or camping with your toddler is to have fun. It can be stressful if your expectations are based on what you use to do before having a child or what you think you should be able to do. Please keep in mind that toddlers are little and their minds are eager to do things that their bodies have not mastered. So have fun!

Step 2: Soak Your Cedar Sheets

Your first step is to soak your cedar sheets. When using cedar sheets, some of the smaller fish can be wrapped completely, however larger fish need to sit on top of the sheets. Determine the number of sheets you will need and soak them in warm water for about 10 mins. This will allow them to add a slight smokey taste to your fish and prevent the sheets from catching on fire. Some people often soak their cedar planks in chardonnay when cooking Trout or white fish. The fun thing about cedar sheets or planks is that you can try whatever you want. However, I would avoid using red wine due to how it can stain your cedar planks and/or add an unwanted color to the fish.

Step 2: Season and prepare your fish

Note cleaning and removing the insides of all fish should be done right after you catch them or within an hour for ultimate freshness and taste.

Personally, I think that lemon, butter, and fish go hand in hand. However, for this recipe, I added bacon for more flavor and subtle saltiness.

Ingredients:

• 1 6-8 pound Cutthroat
• 1 Whole lemon, sliced
• 3 Sprigs of parsley
• 2 Sprigs of basil
• 1 Tablespoon of olive oil
• 1/2 Teaspoon of Himalayan salt
• 1 Tablespoon of ground pepper
• 1 Teaspoon of paprika
• 4 Cloves of garlic, chopped
• 3 Slices of Apple Smoked Bacon
• 1 cast iron griddle
• As many cedar sheets as needed for your size fish

Instructions

• Light your grill and allow time for it to warm. The temperature should be around medium heat.
• Take your cedar sheets out of the water and arrange them on your cast iron griddle. The caster iron will allow for even cooking and prevent any flame flare up from burning your fish.
• Chop your garlic and fresh herbs and sprinkle the herbs, garlic, salt, pepper and paprika on your fish. Your Cutthroat is easy to work with if you cut it down the center (from gills to tail) and leave the back intact.
• Layer lemon slices evenly on your fish.
• Layer your 3 pieces of bacon over your lemons.
• Set your fish on the cedar sheets, close your grill and to cook for 10-12 minutes depending on your preference of doneness and the size of your fish.

After about 12 minutes, depending on the size of your fish, you will have a tender and flavorful dish and a very happy toddler!

Cutthroat can be served with mixed greens, fresh vegetable or any gluten-free side dish you prefer.

What do you enjoy about Lake Tahoe? Have you had any fun adventures camping with a toddler? Please share your comments on your favorite freshwater fish.