Baked Whole Rainbow Trout with Lemon

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, rinse your trout thoroughly under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. This is crucial as it helps to remove any residual scales and ensures the skin is crisp after baking.

Rub each trout lightly with olive oil on both sides to ensure they won't stick to your baking tray. Place each fish on a large baking sheet.

Season the inside of each trout with salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder. Be generous with your seasoning, it's key to flavoring the fish well.

Place a couple of thin lemon slices and a sprig or two of fresh dill inside each fish. This not only adds amazing flavor but also helps keep the trout moist while baking.

Dot each trout with small amounts of butter. This allows for a beautiful, golden color to develop during the baking process, and adds a richness to the flavor.

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the trout flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to over-cook, as this will make the trout dry.