After you catch a fish, it needs to be cleaned properly before you can consume it. Part of the cleaning process involves removing the scales from the fish. Scales do not need removing from a trout, but many people prefer to remove them due to the texture. Removing the scales from a trout may seem complicated, but the scales slide off the fish easily. Once you remove the scales, you can continue to clean and gut the fish so you can cook it.
Step One
Rinse the fish under cool running water.
Step Two
Place the trout on a cutting board. Hold the head or tail end with one hand to keep the fish in place.
Step Three
Drag the dull side of a knife from the tail to the gills. Notice the clear scales brush off onto the knife.
Step Four
Return the dull knife back to the tail. Continue to run the knife down the length of the fish until you remove all the scales from all sides of the fish.
Step Five
Rinse the fish under cold water to remove any excess scales