University of Wisconsin–Madison

Michael Valley, Mississippi River Fisherman and Catfish Fillets with Lime

Episode 13

Transcript

In this episode, The Fish Dish travels to the Mississippi River to meet Michael Valley, a fourth-generation fisherman out of Prairie du Chien. Mike operates Valley Fish and Cheese, a quirky store that sells a plethora of different river fish and also turtles, alligator meat, as well as Wisconsin cheese.

Sharon describes how the river fishery differs from the Great Lakes fishery and delves into the colorful history of clamming in Prairie du Chien, once called the Freshwater Pearl Capitol of the U.S.

For the Fish-o-Licious part of our show, we cook catfish. Learn the secret to making it taste delicious! Mike also offers his secrets for a good catfish fry and we discuss how even the skin of the catfish is edible and a good source of protein.

Mike talks about his business with Sharon Moen.
Mike talks about his business with Sharon Moen. Image credit: Jeremy Van Mill, Wisconsin Sea Grant
A postcard of Mike Valley in front of his store.
A postcard of Mike Valley in front of his store. Image credit: Bonnie Wilison, Wisconsin Sea Grant
An image of Mike with a 36-pound sheepshead from his Facebook page.
An image of Mike with a 36-pound sheepshead from his Facebook page. Image credit: Michael Valley
Mike carves a decoy, which he sells in his store.
Mike carves a decoy, which he sells in his store. Image credit: Michael Valley
The inside of Valley Fish and Cheese.
The inside of Valley Fish and Cheese. Image credit: Bonnie Willison, Wisconsin Sea Grant
Fish in the smoker.
Fish in the smoker. Image credit: Bonnie Willison, Wisconsin Sea Grant
Marie breads the catfish fillet.
Marie breads the catfish fillet. Image credit: Sharon Moen, Wisconsin Sea Grant
Catfish fillet with lime sauce.
Catfish fillet with lime sauce. Image credit: Sharon Moen, Wisconsin Sea Grant

Recipe

Fish Fillets with Lime 

Thanks to our guest

Michael Valley, Valley Fish and Cheese