Peel and small dice the onion. Dice the celery and mince the celery leaves. Trim and mince the peppers, if using. Peel and mince the garlic. Scrub the potatoes and dice into 1” pieces. Remove the skin from the smoked trout fillets and discard. Flake the fillets into bite-size pieces.

Heat the oil in a pot over medium heat until hot. Add the onions and celery (with leaves) and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring regularly, until softened and beginning to turn deep golden brown, about 10 minutes. Add the pepper and garlic and cook an additional 45 seconds until fragrant.

Pour the stock into the pot and scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Add the potatoes, whole thyme sprigs, and a few shakes of paprika, if desired. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender. If  the potatoes absorb too much liquid or it seems like there’s not enough broth, add a bit more water in half cup increments.

Add the flaked trout and heavy cream and cook for 5-6 minutes or until warmed through. Taste and season to your preferences, adding salt, pepper, crushed red pepper, or paprika as desired. Remove and discard the thyme sprigs.

Ladle the trout chowder into bowls and garnish with chives and a shake of paprika on each dish, if desired. Serve with warm bread.