Pour enough oil to cover a frying pan and heat on medium high.

Combine flour, salt, and paprika in a bowl.

Dredge smelts in the flour/spice mixture.

When the oil is hot add the dredged smelts and cook until golden brown.

Set cooked smelts onto a paper towel to absorb some of the oil.

Serve right away. Squeeze lemon onto cooked fish. The heads can be cut off before frying.