Splake

Salvelinus namaycush × Salvelinus fontinalis

Natural-history illustration of a splake with pale spots, white-edged fins, and a forked tail
Reviewed species illustration. Confirm your catch with current state identification resources before keeping fish.

Splake are a fertile hybrid between lake trout and brook trout, produced by hatcheries and stocked in cold northern lakes. They grow faster than either parent species and can reproduce, though natural reproduction is uncommon. Splake combine the hardiness and bold patterning of brook trout with the deep-water preferences of lake trout. They're an important management tool in Great Lakes tributaries and deep inland lakes where managers want coldwater sport fishing.

Catching Tips

Fish splake with techniques similar to lake trout — troll with small spoons and minnow lures in cold, deep water. Ice fishing is especially productive, with small Swedish Pimple jigs tipped with minnows producing well. In fall, splake may move to shallower water near stream mouths, where casting small spinners is effective.

No stocking events recorded yet for Splake.