Using a Dutch Oven add olive oil and bacon, cook bacon over moderate heat until crisp and transfer with a slotted spoon to a paper towel to drain. Pour off fat and sauté onion, carrots, and celery over medium heat until soft.
4 slices smoked bacon, 1 medium carrot, 1 medium onion, 1 rib celery, 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Cook the chowder
Add 5 tablespoons of flour and cook for about 3 minutes. Add paprika powder and continue stirring for 30 seconds. Add clam juice, chicken stock, cream, bay leaf, milk, and thyme, bring to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer.
While chowder is cooking, peel potatoes and cut into 1/4 inch dice. Add potatoes to chowder and simmer uncovered for 8 minutes. Add halibut and simmer until just cooked through about 5 minutes. Season with sea salt and pepper