The Splake is an artificially created hybrid char, resulting from a cross between the Lake Trout and the Brook Trout. Its name is a portmanteau derived from the common names of its two parent species: “speckled” trout and “lake” trout. Scientifically designated as Salvelinus namaycush × Salvelinus fontinalis, this cold-water fish possesses a desirable mix of characteristics from both parents. The Splake is widely valued by anglers across North America and is primarily stocked as a popular game fish in managed lakes and ponds.
Hybrid Origin and Parent Species
The Splake is a direct cross between the female Lake Trout (Salvelinus namaycush) and the male Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). This specific pairing is favored by hatcheries for successful fertilization and robust offspring development. Although both parents belong to the genus Salvelinus, spontaneous hybridization in the wild is extremely rare.
The parent species typically spawn in different environments: Lake Trout in deep water over rocky substrate, and Brook Trout in shallow water or tributary streams. This ecological separation necessitates the Splake’s creation in controlled hatchery settings. The hybrid offspring are genetically stable and capable of reproduction, but successful spawning in the wild is practically nonexistent. This functional sterility allows for predictable population management.
Identifying the Splake
Distinguishing a Splake from its two parent species requires attention to intermediate physical traits. The hybrid’s body shape is generally elongated, falling between the heavier profile of the Lake Trout and the stocky build of the Brook Trout. A key external feature is the caudal, or tail, fin, which exhibits a moderate fork. This fork is less deeply indented than the Lake Trout’s lunate tail but more so than the Brook Trout’s nearly square tail.
The Splake’s coloration and spotting patterns are a blend of both parents, often leading to confusion with the Brook Trout. It typically displays dark, worm-like markings (vermiculations) on its back, though these are often less defined than those found on a pure Brook Trout. The spots on the sides may have the pale “halos” characteristic of the Brook Trout, but they are frequently lighter or less pronounced. For definitive scientific identification, internal morphology can be examined, as the Splake possesses an intermediate number of pyloric caeca (finger-like projections in the stomach cavity), ranging from 65 to 85.
Purpose in Stocking Programs
The primary reason for stocking the Splake is to create a controlled, high-quality angling experience where native trout populations may struggle. Fisheries managers utilize the Splake for its fast growth rate, which often surpasses that of both parent species. This rapid growth means the fish can reach a catchable size of 18 inches in as little as two years after stocking.
The hybrid is also successfully introduced into smaller, shallower cold-water lakes and ponds where Lake Trout might not thrive due to limited deep-water habitat. Its adaptability allows it to establish a fishery in environments that might not support either parent species. Furthermore, the hybrid’s extremely low rate of wild reproduction makes it ideal for “put-and-take” fisheries, ensuring the stocked fish will not establish self-sustaining populations that could compete with native fish.