Whatever the legal size is too keep

I don't filet them, or should i say i've never caught one big enough to filet. I split their belly and pull the guts and gills out and cook them whole. The meat pulls off the bones easily when cooked.

i've caught some 20 inch trouts and some 8 inch ones never have i filleted them it seems like you would loose too much.

stuff them and smoke them is my favorite.

I don't keep them unless they're 12" or better. 357 is right, smoking them is the way to go.

Any size is the wrong size. I've been catch and release for many years. Do that enough times and statistically at least 1 of the ones you let go, will get caught by some kid and change his /her world from a video game to the great outdoors.

I agree with rocky exceptthat when I head to Pennsylvania for some eatin' fish. Remove the guts ,gills and fins. Cut a slit along the back bone roll in egg and seasoned flour and fry in hot oil until golden brown.Drain on papertowels then pull head back towards tail which will remove most of the bones Bon apetite Wash it all down with Ice cold beer. like the other guys said best to smoke those large trout. Clean the fish as soon as you can and keep them cool for best taste.