What Are Splake? Hybrid Trout With Unique Fishing Appeal

Splake are ingenious fish hybrids created in the 1880s by crossing male brook trout with female lake trout. You’ll recognize them by their moderately forked tail, grayish body with yellowish spots, and distinctive tri-colored pelvic fins. These cold-water specialists grow faster than their parent species, typically reaching 10-18 inches and 1-3 pounds, though monsters exceeding 20 pounds exist. They’re perfect targets during spring and fall when they inhabit shallow waters, before retreating to deep thermoclines in summer. Discover what makes these unique hybrids both a conservation tool and an angler’s prize.

Surf Fishing Highlights

• Splake are hybrid fish created by crossing male brook trout with female lake trout, developed in the 1880s in Wisconsin.
• They feature a moderately forked tail, tri-colored pelvic fins, and grow faster than their parent species.
• Splake thrive in cold, clear waters at depths of 40-80 feet, moving to shallower areas during spring and fall.
• They rarely establish self-sustaining populations, making them ideal for controlled stocking programs in degraded habitats.
• Anglers prize splake for their aggressive strikes, fighting ability, and delicious meat that many consider superior to both parent species.

The Birth of a Hybrid: How Splake Came to Be

When you first encounter a splake swimming in North American waters, you’re witnessing a fascinating chapter of fisheries science that began in the late 1800s.

This clever creation first appeared in Wisconsin hatcheries around 1884, when biologists crossed male brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) with female lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush).

The name itself tells the story—”sp” from speckled trout (a nickname for brook trout) combined with “lake” from lake trout. Voilà! Splake was born.

Scientists weren’t just experimenting for fun; they’d practical goals in mind. They wanted to develop a fish that grew faster than lake trout while being resistant to sea lamprey predation.

Though early efforts didn’t immediately catch on with fisheries managers, this hybrid eventually found its purpose in the mid-20th century when stocking programs expanded to address declining lake trout populations. This included major initiatives in Georgian Bay, Ontario in the 1960s where splake were introduced to revive lake trout fishery.

Michigan has been rearing splake in state fish hatcheries since 1971 as part of their conservation efforts.

Significant stocking initiatives began in the 1970s as part of efforts to counteract the damage caused by invasive sea lamprey.

Identifying Splake: Physical Traits and Characteristics

Distinguishing a splake from its parent species might seem tricky at first glance, but you’ll soon discover that this hybrid trout carries telltale markers of its mixed heritage.

Look first at the tail—splake sport a moderately forked caudal fin that’s not as dramatic as a lake trout’s deep fork but more defined than a brook trout’s square edge.

You’ll notice their coloration blends both parents: a grayish body (thanks to lake trout genes) adorned with yellowish spots and those distinctive reddish-orange ventral fins that brook trout are known for.

Size-wise, expect 2-4 pounds and 10-18 inches for average catches. With proper habitat and conditions, these hybrids can reach impressive dimensions, with record fish exceeding 20 pounds. One of their most recognizable features is their tri-colored pelvic fins, which are inherited directly from their brook trout parentage.

The name “splake” itself reveals its hybrid nature, as it’s derived from speckled trout (another name for brook trout) and lake trout.

For the truly scientific angler (or if you’re feeling particularly investigative), the definitive identifier lies inside—splake have 65-85 pyloric caeca, neatly splitting the difference between brook trout’s modest count and lake trout’s abundant digestive projections.

Talk about internal identity crisis!

Record Breakers: Growth Rates and Size Potential

Unlike their parent species, splake grow at astonishingly rapid rates that’ll leave most anglers doing double-takes at their fishing scales.

These hybrids can reach an impressive 18 inches by age 2½ when stocked as fingerlings, while wild brook trout of similar age typically max out at just 10 inches. This remarkable growth advantage means splake become piscivorous earlier than brook trout, quickly transitioning to hunting other fish. The slightly forked tail is one distinctive feature that helps anglers identify these impressive hybrids.

You’ll commonly catch splake in the 10-18 inch range, weighing between 1-3 pounds in most stocked waters.

The real monsters, though? They’re out there but rare—trophy specimens over 9 pounds will test both your tackle and your fish tales’ credibility. Ontario holds the current record with a whopping 20.71-pounder!

Age milestones tell the story: 12.5 inches at age II, 16 inches by III, and 18 inches at IV in well-managed fisheries.

Cold, clear waters boost their already accelerated growth, allowing these efficient predators to start chasing other fish far earlier than their brook trout parents.

Prime Habitats: Where Splake Thrive

Splake have carved out their ecological niche in cold, clear waters where temperatures hover between 10-16°C—think of them as the Goldilocks of hybrid trout, seeking conditions that are “just right.”

You’ll find these adaptable fish thriving in medium-sized lakes (50-200 acres) with depths reaching 40-80 feet, where they’ve mastered the art of utilizing water layers that neither brook nor lake trout fully exploit.

In summer, they’ll retreat to the thermocline at 20-35 feet deep, avoiding waters above 60°F.

Come spring and fall, they’ll venture into shallower zones near shorelines. These seasons offer prime fishing opportunities, as splake become most active during these transitional months. For spawning, they prefer late October to early November, selecting clean gravel beds with groundwater upwelling—a perfect compromise between their parental preferences. Their tendency to form strong schooling patterns often creates periods of exceptional angling success when a school is located.

Geographically, splake have found homes across North America, particularly in Ontario, Maine, Michigan, and Colorado, including high mountain lakes where they help manage stunted brook trout populations.

Seasonal Patterns: When and Where to Find Splake

Throughout the year, splake follow predictable movement patterns that make them both challenging and rewarding quarry for anglers who understand their seasonal rhythms.

In early spring, you’ll find these hybrids cruising shallow waters immediately after ice-out. They’re hungry and aggressive, making this prime time to toss spinners or minnow-imitating baits along coastal areas and reef edges. Using small spinners can be particularly effective during these active feeding periods as they mimic the prey items splake are targeting.

Come summer, splake beat the heat by suspending over deep water near thermoclines. You’ll need electronics to pinpoint their 68°F comfort zone, where they’re playing it cool while surface temperatures soar.

Fall brings spawning activity as these fish migrate to shallow, rocky reefs near tributaries. Though technically sterile, they’ll still perform the spawning dance of their parents throughout October and November.

Winter finds splake in surprisingly shallow areas rather than deep water—a quirky cold-water adaptation that sets them apart from their parental species. Talk about hybrid vigor!

Tackle and Techniques: Best Methods for Catching Splake

Four essential components make up the splake angler’s arsenal: properly matched tackle, effective baits, time-tested techniques, and knowledge of key habitat features.

Success with splake requires the right tools, tempting baits, proven methods, and understanding where they live.

You’ll want a medium to medium-light action rod (6-7 foot for jigging, 12’6″ for float fishing) paired with a 2500-3000 sized reel spooled with 6-8 lb test line.

When it comes to enticing these hybrid fighters, you’ve got options! Salmon roe or mesh spawn sacs drifted under a slip float mimic natural eggs perfectly, while live minnows or worms on bottom rigs can be deadly effective.

Don’t overlook artificial presentations—small spoons, tubes, and nano spinners worked near structure can trigger explosive strikes. Consider using flashy spoons like Williams Wabler to dress your minnows for added attraction when targeting these hybrid trout.

Your technique should match the season and conditions. Try float fishing along shallow shorelines, bottom fishing near rocky points, or trolling at varying depths to stay in the strike zone. Focus on areas with rocky substrates and fallen trees where male splake often build their nests. The late fall season offers prime fishing opportunities as splake become more active in cooling waters.

During winter? Ice fishing with tip-ups keeps the action hot when temperatures drop!

Conservation Status: The Role of Splake in Fisheries Management

While native trout populations struggle in many North American waters, fisheries managers have found a valuable tool in the splake hybrid. These lake trout-brook trout crosses provide angling opportunities in waters where natural reproduction is limited, helping to meet recreational demands without further stressing wild populations.

You’ll often find splake stocked in high mountain lakes or rehabilitated waters where they serve as a stopgap measure while native populations recover. They’re particularly valuable because they rarely establish self-sustaining populations, allowing fisheries departments to maintain precise control over their presence. This careful balancing act helps create fishing opportunities today while protecting tomorrow’s native trout legacy.

Culinary Qualities: Preparing and Enjoying Splake

Despite being a relative newcomer to dinner plates, splake has quickly earned a reputation as a culinary delight among fishing enthusiasts and seafood lovers alike.

You’ll find this hybrid offers the best of both worlds—tender, juicy flesh with a delicate texture that’s less mushy than brook trout but maintains a mild, approachable flavor profile.

When cooking splake, you’ve got options! Pan-frying in butter with just shallots and salt lets the natural taste shine, while baking at 350°F wrapped in lemon and foil delivers moist, perfectly cooked fillets. Many anglers find that splake fillets can be easily butterflied and then broiled to ensure thorough cooking. Many fishing enthusiasts agree that splake tastes better than both lake trout and brook trout from which it was bred. Baking for approximately 30 minutes creates a soft, tender result that highlights its unique flavor characteristics.

Don’t worry about overcooking—unlike some finicky fish, splake holds up well to high heat on the grill.

For serving, keep it simple. A squeeze of lemon, perhaps some tzatziki or pickled mustard seeds on the side, and you’re good to go.

This lean protein source cooks quickly, so keep a watchful eye to enjoy splake at its flaky, delicious best.

Trophy Hunting: Tips for Landing Monster Splake

Trophy splake, the impressive hybrid beasts of freshwater lakes, demand a specialized approach if you’re serious about landing a wall-hanger. Your gear selection matters immensely—pair a fast-action rod with 10-pound ice braid and 8-pound fluorocarbon leader for that perfect balance of strength and sensitivity.

Location is everything with these roaming predators. Target shallow, wind-protected bays with rocky bottoms during fall, then shift to deeper 30-foot holes when ice forms. Look for those telltale “polished spots” where males clean their redds—they’re splake hotspots! Once you’ve established a pattern, consider transitioning to deeper contours where trophy-size splake typically congregate.

Bait selection should match the season. In open water, drift salmon roe under floats or troll minnow-style lures like Rapalas. For the best results, try using specialized lures including Mann’s 30+ and Thundersticks that have proven effective for catching these elusive hybrids.

When ice fishing (a trophy splake sweet spot), size 50 Williams Wobblers above single bead rigs will tempt the giants lurking below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Splake Reproduce With Brook Trout or Lake Trout?

Yes, splake can reproduce with both brook trout and lake trout.

You’ll find that these fertile hybrids are capable of backcrossing with either parent species, creating viable offspring. While this reproductive ability has been well-documented in hatchery settings, it’s actually quite rare in the wild.

When splake share spawning grounds with native trout, there’s potential for genetic introgression—something that concerns conservationists.

This reproductive flexibility, oddly enough, becomes both their biological superpower and a management challenge!

Do Splake Have Any Natural Predators in Stocked Lakes?

In stocked lakes, your splake face several hungry hunters – fins, feathers, and furry foes lie in wait.

They’re vulnerable to larger fish predators like northern pike, muskellunge, and bass that’ll happily make a meal of them.

Don’t forget the wildlife brigade! Herons swoop down from above, river otters plunge in from the banks, and snapping turtles lurk below.

These cold-water hybrids find some protection in deeper, chillier zones where warm-water predators can’t follow, creating a natural “safe zone” beneath the thermocline.

How Do Environmental Factors Affect Splake Coloration?

You’ll notice splake coloration varies widely based on their environment.

Water temperature drives seasonal habitat shifts, affecting their pigmentation as they adapt to different light conditions.

Their hybrid nature shows through with intermediate traits that respond to water clarity and depth—deeper-dwelling splake appear paler, while those in shallow, rocky areas display more vibrant spots and patterns.

Spawning substrates also influence how their distinctive markings appear, with clearer waters enhancing those eye-catching yellow spots and reddish-orange ventral fins you’re looking for.

Are There Any Diseases That Uniquely Affect Splake?

No, splake don’t have any diseases that uniquely affect them.

You’ll find they’re susceptible to the same ailments that trouble their parent species—brook and lake trout. While they can catch whirling disease (caused by *Myxobolus cerebralis*), black spot disease, and various viral and protozoan infections common to salmonids, they actually show improved resistance to some conditions.

Their hybrid vigor gives them an edge! Splake are generally hardier than brook trout, making them a disease-resistant option for your fishing adventures.

What Percentage of Stocked Splake Survive to Maturity?

You’ll find that splake survival rates to maturity are quite impressive, with approximately 90% surviving under ideal thermal conditions.

When properly stocked, they show similar survival patterns to both spring yearlings and fall fingerlings.

While specific percentages vary by location, most splake reach sexual maturity between ages 2-4, with all fish mature by age 4.

Temperature and dissolved oxygen levels greatly impact these rates, so a well-stratified pond gives your stocked splake the best shot at reaching adulthood.

Conclusion

You’ve now got the full scoop on splake, nature’s fascinating brook trout and lake trout hybrid. Next time you’re on the ice or casting in cool waters, you’ll recognize these unique fish and know exactly how to target them. Did you know splake can grow up to 30% faster than either parent species in their first years of life? That’s why they’re becoming a favorite for both conservation efforts and anglers looking for an exciting fight and delicious meal.