Freezing Caught Trout

Question
Is it safe to freeze trout with internal organs?

Answer
Robert; While it will probably be better than having the trout lie unfrozen for a time until they can be gutted I would not recommend freezing any fish with internal organs.
While the fish is frozen the organs are not dangerous nor are they really bad while the fish is fresh the danger is in contact with them after the fish is thawed enough to dress.  Making contact with the now thawed internal organs and their contents could spread any bacteria which would certainly thaw faster and become active before the fish is completely thawed.  If you are ice fishing and throw the fish you want to keep on the ice and they freeze quickly they are  probably ok.  However I would not keep them simply on ice or cold water then take them home to freeze them without removing the entrals.  Wash them good with cold running water after removing the entrails then freeze them as quickly and as fast (flash freeze if possible)as possible.  This way you do not have to more than rinse them after thawing and put them to the heat however you wish.

If you have any doubts check with your state fish and game management for more thorough instructions.

Thanks for calling on me to answer your question.  If there is anything else dealing with fishing please call on me and I will do my best to answer or lead you to someone who can.
I am
Jack L. Gaither  (JackfromSeminole)
Lake Seminole Georgia