This is what I do, and have done for 25+ yrs....

I use alder.....Have an extra lot where I have alder trees from 5- 20 yrs old.

1. I select 1 tree about 6" in diameter, fall the tree.

2. Then use a old chain saw, no bar oil, and cut as many "rounds" as can be, about 1" - 1 1/2" thick.

3. Take the bark off

4. Drill a hole in the center.

5. I leave mine to dry in the sun for a week or two.

6. Take a rope, run thur the holes, and hang until ready to use.

7. I use 2 -3 of these for smoking steelhead or salmon. IT WILL START BURNING FROM THAT "CENTER DRILLED HOLE" AND WILL LAST A GOOD HOUR OR 2.

Any river will have alder in a log jam or just washed up on a gravel bar.......3' cut in to 1" pieces will give you lot's of "cheap smoking wood".

"Worse day sport fishing, still better than the best day working"....