Creating the perfect Traeger Smoked Salmon involves a few simple steps that are easy to follow. Here’s the breakdown:

1. Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, combine brown sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix until blended.
2. Marinate the Salmon: Place the salmon fillet in a large dish. Cover the top and sides of the fish with the marinade mixture.
3. Cover and Refrigerate: Tightly cover the dish and let the salmon marinate in the refrigerator for 4 hours or, for more intense flavor, overnight.
4. Rinse and Dry: After marinating, remove the salmon from the fridge. Rinse the marinade off under cold water and pat the fish dry with paper towels.
5. Preheat the Traeger Grill: Set your Traeger grill to 225°F (107°C) and allow it to preheat for at least 15 minutes.
6. Prepare the Grill: If desired, you can add wood pellets such as cherry or hickory for a more robust flavor while smoking.
7. Smoke the Salmon: Place the salmon skin-side down directly on the grill grates. Close the lid and smoke for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
8. Check for Doneness: The salmon should appear flaky and slightly translucent.
9. Remove from Grill: Gently lift the smoked salmon off the grill; use a spatula to help avoid breaking the fillet.
10. Rest Before Slicing: Allow the smoked salmon to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.

Following these steps will guide you in preparing Traeger Smoked Salmon that is flavorful and beautifully executed.