Make sure the skillet is very hot, preheat for at least 3-4 minutes. And use enough butter to cook the fish. It is also important not to move the fish or flip the over for the first 2-3 minutes while they pan sear. If you slide a metal spatula under the blackened trout and the fillets are loose and lift easily, they are ready to flip over. If not, cook another minute and then flip them.