Wes, evening.... Since this thread is old, I will give you my best answer.... Forming a pellicle takes several hours... I suggest in front of a fan on high speed... that dries out the proteins and forms a skin (pellicle)..... Be sure the salmon is rinsed very well and dried with paper toweling or cotton first.... Be sure your therms are calibrated for correct temps in the smoker.... too warm or cold is not the way to go on this recipe....
Dave
Dave