Ok now this may seem a bit odd but trust me, this method will work for most skin on whole fish and it is a really cool presentation when you unwrap it.
You can bake this on a hot bed of coals outdoors.
The secret to this dish is really fresh fish.
Also- You can change up the filling if you want. A compound butter works well, aromatic veggies and herbs, or for Salmon- You could use a smoked fish pate inside.
Using lead free clay only!
Alaskan pay attention- you could cook a whole small salmon this way!
1 large whole rainbow trout- gutted---about 1.5-3#
( I know Alaska has very big fat trout)
1 large sheet of parchment paper(quillon sheets)- large enough to wrap fish in.
Prepared pesto or other suitable filling
Modeling clay(non toxic)
1- Roll out the clay into 2 sheets- 1/4" thick, long and wide enough to fit a whole fish on with room to spare.
2-lightly stuff the cavity of the fish with filling.
3- place on a parchment and fold over parchment to cover completely.
4- Place 1 sheet of clay on a greased sheet pan.
Place fish on sheet of clay, wet edges of clay lightly.
5- top with second sheet of clay. try to mold fairly tight around body.
6- The artistic part!!! Using a popsicle stick, twig or whatever, and a knife.
trim around the fish to keep its resemblance of the fish inside.
model the top of the clay with scales, eye, mouth, etc.
7. Bake in a very hot oven , grill, or on a bed of very hot coals.
about 20- 30 minutes
Note- The clay should turn to a very hard crust.
Remove to a platter and serve--- Carefully.
When your ready to open it-- trim all the way around the edges and lift the top off in 1 piece.
Enjoy!