About Us
Discover Our Story: A Journey of Tradition Preserved and Culinary Excellence Crafted with Passion.
Fumoir Cascapédia Smoke House specializes in artisanal salmon smoking, a tradition passed down through generations of the Legouffe family. Jerry Legouffe inherited the technique from his great-grandfather, who began as a fishing guide at the Englehard family's camp on the Cascapedia River. In 1999, Jerry founded the company, offering their exquisite smoked products locally.
Jerry's expertise perpetuates the age-old recipe for smoking salmon. All stages of cold smoking are done by hand and by eye. Two buildings are used: one to burn wood and maple sawdust, the other to smoke the salmon. A gentle diffusion of smoke cools through an underground pipe, ensuring perfection. Initially, only salmon caught by local fishermen were smoked, but with the prohibition of wild Atlantic salmon sale, they turned to fish farmed salmon while still supporting local fishermen.
The traditional recipe comprises four ingredients: salt, brown sugar, brandy, and maple syrup from the family sugar bush. Quantities vary with the seasons. The salmon is placed in a container, partially covered with the dry brine, and maple syrup and brandy are gradually added. After drying, it's smoked for several days. Two weeks later, the salmon is perfectly ready to eat. To meet demand, they now offer various smoked products, including trout, herring, halibut, mackerel, smelt, cod, scallops, and shrimp.
Jerry's passion for smoking started at 14, learning from his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. The family actively operates the smoking room, and the fifth generation, represented by Jerry and Anne's children, Jessica and Jordan, are actively involved. Jessica handles customer interactions and oversees the smoking process, while Jordan aspires to become a fishing guide.
The Legouffe family's fishing legacy spans generations, serving as fishing guides for the Englehard family. The family smokehouse, built on their land, signifies unity and dedication to preserving tradition. Le FumoirCascapédia takes immense pride in crafting excellence, sharing the taste of tradition with their devoted clientele. Join them in celebrating their heritage and the legacy of artisanal salmon smoking.