Scientific Name
Salvelinus fontinalis × S. namaycush
Splake
Length
25-46 centimetres (10-18 inches)
Weight
0.45-1.35 kilograms (1-3 pounds)
Similar Species
Lake Trout
Brook Trout
Location

Stocked in much of Ontario

Description
  • slightly deep-bodied fish
  • hatchery hybrid of brook trout and lake trout, between them in size
  • tricoloured fins
  • light spots on dark background, some red spots but without the brook trout’s blue halo
  • slightly forked tail
  • counting the pyloric caeca (finger-like projections of the intestine) is the only positive identification: splake (65-85); brook trout (23-55); lake trout (93+)
Habitat
  • need a year-round supply of cold, clear water
  • typical trout habitat
  • can tolerate marginal trout habitat (e.g., low pH waters)
Angling Tips
  • catch them in shallow water just after ice-out using light tackle or flies
  • rising water temperatures send splake into deeper water to feed on minnows and other fish
  • shy and easily-spooked
  • will take a range of small minnow-imitating plugs and small, flashy spoons and spinners
  • good ice fishing catch
Common Bait
  • small minnows, earthworms
  • jigs, spoons, spinners
  • small plugs