Splake

About the Splake

The Splake is a fascinating hybrid fish, exhibiting characteristics from both its brook trout and lake trout parents. Anglers will notice its body shape is often more streamlined than a lake trout but sturdier than a brook trout. Its coloration can vary but typically features light spots on a darker background, often with faint worm-like markings (vermiculations) on the back and dorsal fin, a nod to its brook trout heritage. The caudal fin is usually moderately forked, intermediate between the shallow fork of a brook trout and the deeply forked tail of a lake trout.

Source: FishBase & iNaturalist

Habitat

Splake thrive in cold, clear, well-oxygenated lakes and reservoirs, often in waters that might be too warm for pure lake trout but too deep for brook trout. They are frequently stocked into these environments, seeking out areas with suitable temperatures and ample prey. Look for them in deeper sections of lakes during warmer months and shallower areas during cooler periods or under ice.

Distribution

This hybrid is predominantly found in North America, particularly throughout the Great Lakes region, Canadian provinces (like Ontario and Quebec), and various northern US states where they are actively stocked. Their distribution is almost entirely confined to the waters where they have been introduced by fisheries management programs.

Behaviour

Splake are active and opportunistic predators, readily feeding on a diverse diet that includes zooplankton, aquatic insects, and smaller baitfish like minnows. They are known for being aggressive biters, making them a popular target for anglers. Their activity levels can remain high throughout the year, making them a good species for both open water and ice fishing, adapting their depth based on water temperature and prey availability.

Edibility

★★★★★

Splake offer excellent table fare, with firm, flaky, and flavorful flesh that is often considered a delightful compromise between the richness of a brook trout and the larger size potential of a lake trout. They are highly sought after by anglers for their culinary qualities.

Lure suggestion

Successful Splake anglers often employ a variety of techniques. Trolling with small spoons, crankbaits, or stickbaits is highly effective, especially when covering broader areas. For still fishing or ice fishing, jigging with tube jigs, small bucktail jigs, or spoons tipped with bait (like a minnow head or grub) can entice strikes. Live bait such as minnows, worms, or leeches presented under a float or on a bottom rig also proves very productive.