Splake

A splake is a hybrid of two fish species: the lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) and the brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). Splake are produced through the artificial fertilization of lake trout eggs with brook trout sperm, or vice versa. The resulting offspring are usually sterile, but occasionally fertile individuals are found.

Splake were first developed in Canada in the 1970s and have since been introduced to many lakes and reservoirs in North America as a sport fish. They are prized by anglers for their rapid growth rate, aggressive feeding behavior, and ability to thrive in environments unsuitable for either parent species, such as lakes with heavy fishing pressure or those prone to stunted populations of other fish.

Splake exhibit intermediate characteristics between their parent species. They tend to be more tolerant of warmer water than lake trout but less so than brook trout. They also tend to grow faster and reach a larger size than brook trout, while maturing earlier than lake trout. Their coloration varies, often displaying a mixture of the spotted patterns characteristic of both species.

The introduction of splake can have both positive and negative impacts on native fish populations. Their rapid growth and aggressive predation can put pressure on smaller fish species. However, they can also provide a valuable sport fishery in areas where native trout populations are struggling. Careful management practices are necessary to ensure that splake are used in a way that benefits both anglers and the overall health of the aquatic ecosystem.