Splake

The splake is a fertile cross between two chars, the lake trout and the brook trout. This hybridization does not occur naturally.

 

HOW TO IDENTIFY A SPLAKE

The name “splake” is a combination of the words “speckled” from the speckled (or brook) trout and lake trout. The splake is difficult to identify externally because it resembles both parents in different aspects. The body shape is intermediate between the heavier lake trout and the slimmer brook trout. The shape of the tail is also a combination of the brook trout’s square tail and the lake trout’s more lunate tail. The tail of the splake is not as deeply forked as that of the lake trout, and more closely resembles the slightly indented tail of the brook trout. In coloration and makings, the splake more closely resembles the brook trout. It can be positively identified by the number of pyloric caeca, the worm-like appendages on the intestinal tract right after the stomach. The brook trout, which is the smaller parent, has only 23-55 (usually less than 50) pyloric caeca, while the intermediate-sized hybrid has 65-85, and the lake trout, the larger parent, has 93-208 caeca (most often 120-180).

 

WHERE TO CATCH SPLAKE

The splake has been “planted” in the Great Lakes and other parts of North America, particularly in Ontario, Canada where a program for selective breeding of this hybrid has been underway for some time with considerable success. The following list includes additional details on where to catch this fish:

 

OUTSIDES OF BENDS                                      RIVERS AND STREAMS

DAMS AND FALLS                                           EDDIES

SMALL POINTED WAVES                                 UNDERCUTS

OVERHANGING TREES AND BUSHES                 ROCK AND BOULDER POCKETS

DROP-OFFS                                                   MERGING CURRENTS

STANDING WAVES                                         CURRENT EDGES

 

HOW TO CATCH SPLAKE

This species is a fairly scrappy fighter and is often targeted using light spinning, baitcasting, and fly tackle. This fish feeds on small fish, insects and fish eggs and can be caught using live bait or artificial bait such as spoons and plugs. The quality of the splake as a food fish is excellent, and due to its initial fast growth rate and game nature it is highly regarded by anglers as well. The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish:

 

FLY FISHING                                         STILL FISHING

BAIT CASTING                                               SPIN CASTING

 

SPLAKE LURES, TACKLE & BAIT

The following are lures, tackle or bait that can be used to catch this fish:

 

CURED FISH ROE                                           INSECTS

SPOONS                                                       FLIES

JIGS