Two rivers smoked fish

Hailey, Idaho

By Terri Schmidt, Co-op volunteer writer

Gordon Flade and his wife, Melody, took ownership of Two Rivers Smoked Fish in Hailey, Idaho eight years ago. They sell their fish under the label Sun Valley Smoked Salmon and Trout. The beautiful packaging for the fish was created by a local artist.

Gordon said, “Two Rivers Smoked Fish is truly a Ma and Pa family run business.” Gordon and his son Joshua, along with their spouses run the business. The family is proud to be an Idaho-based company and uses as many Idaho products as possible.

Gordon, Joshua, and another son Spencer spent a decade fishing for wild Sockeye salmon in Bristol Bay, Alaska, which ultimately led to owning their smoking business. Each year the Flades process 6,000 pounds of Sockeye salmon, 5,000 pounds of Steelhead from Norway (which is shipped in by air), and 25,000 pounds of Rainbow trout from southern Idaho’s Snake River Basin. It’s illegal to catch, process, and commercially sell wild trout so extensive research was performed to find the best quality farm-raised trout so that customers can have the highest quality smoked trout available.

The company is considered an Artisan type of business, and the quality of the fish is one of the things that makes Sun Valley Smoked Trout and Salmon such a delicious product. Other smoking companies cut corners by using low quality farm-raised trout and salmon, but Two Rivers uses only the best available. Their proprietary brining, smoking, and seasoning adds to the quality and exquisite taste of their smoked fish. They hot smoke all the fish they produce to ensure product safety and extended shelf life; 90 days refrigerated and 12 months frozen without flavor change.

In addition to Moscow Food Co-op, Two Rivers Smoked Fish sells to the Metropolitan Market grocery chain in Washington, Bristol Farms grocery chain in California and many Albertson’s stores. They also sell to multiple wine bars, restaurants, and resorts. Their fish products can be found in at least 10 states and Puerto Rico.

When not working, Gordon and Melody love cross-country skiing and spending time with grandchildren! The whole family is considered foodies and when they eat at fine restaurants Gordon will ask the staff if they have ever tried smoked salmon or trout. He introduces their fish and said, “Once they get a taste of our product they say – ’Wow, it’s one of the best fish I’ve ever tasted.’ That’s how we grow the business!”

To learn more about Two Rivers Smoked Fish checkout their website, www.smokedtrout.com, and their Facebook page.