As annual community gatherings go, there are few that are more widely known and mouth-wateringly anticipated by the region’s residents than the annual Lake Lenore Fish Smoker.

The annual whitefish netting out of Lenore Lake provides the hundreds of pounds of fish to feed the masses who arrive at the Lake Lenore Community Hall. There is no cost for the generously seasoned and willow smoked delicacy; only a donation bucket awaits the patrons.

The smoker had its early origins as a private business venture by the local hotel. About a decade ago, the Lake Lenore Chapter of the Wildlife Federation took over the event as a fundraiser both for the local wildlife chapter and for the community hall. Since then residents of Lake Lenore and surrounding communities have come together for some mid-winter socializing over the tempting morsels. 

Sheets of brined and seasoned whitefish were laid out on foil in a quonset across from the community hall. Here the master smokers shuttled the sheets out to the grates atop barrels that served as the smokers. Smoke from the plentiful red willows rose into the area greeting the noses of incoming diners. That’s where fish masters Tim Prodahl, Beryl Bauer, and Vaughn Irlbeck plied their trade. 

Tim Prodahl explained that funds from the smoker were welcomed by the Community Hall.

“For the hall, there’s always an endless amount of repairs and improvements that need doing there. They’re always looking for money.”

Beryl Bauer explained how the funds helped out lakeside.

“The local wildlife federation does enhancement out at the lake with the boat launch and things like that.”

The commercial fishery out at Lenore Lake has been going on for more than forty years according to Prodahl. The organization simply undertook the practice.

“It’s a one-weekend event where we can go out and commercial net the whitefish. We keep back 250 whitefish for this event. We’ve been reduced to one day, one net, one pull to preserve the stocks of fish in the lake.”

Bauer notes that some lakes in Alberta that were not subject to quotas have been fished clean. The annual quota has been reduced to ensure the longevity of the stocks over a long period. 

The local keeper of the spices, which are a closely guarded secret, is Alan Schemenauer. Schemenauer tended the outdoor smokers throughout the afternoon while runners shuttled the smoked fish across the street to the hall. The process of netting, filleting, and preparing the fish, not to mention harvesting the red willow required for the smokers, takes countless hours and many dedicated community members.

Meanwhile in the hall itself, those gathered enjoyed this year’s catch and awaited the raffle draws. The local Knights of Columbus had a quad on hand to be raffled during the event, and the Lake Lenore Lions Club sold tickets on their $1000 raffle.

Once the smoke subsides on the Lake Lenore Smoker, everyone will be back on the lake next weekend for the annual fishing derby.