What are Splake?

Splake are a hybrid trout resulting from the cross of male brook trout and female lake trout. Splake are stocked in large lakes throughout the Northeast and Great Lakes region.

Brook Trout vs. Lake Trout  vs. Splake

Brook Trout
Credit: USFWS

Brook trout can be identified by their square tail and colorful red spots with light blue halos. Brook trout have a clearly defined vermiculation pattern along the back, especially near the dorsal fin. They lake spots on their gill plates.

Lake Trout
Credit: USFWS

Lake trout have a pattern of creamy white spots on a bronze, dark brown, or green background. They lack the red spots and blue halos that identify brook trout. Their forked tail is an identifying feature.

Splake
Credit: USFWS

Splake have spotted gill plates. They may have some vermiculation (wormlike pattern) along the back but typically less defined and more spot-like than brook trout. Splake have slightly-forked tails.  

Splake Facts

Splake are voracious feeders that grow quickly. The Maine State Record splake weighed 10 lbs. 3 oz. The Michigan state record splake weighed 17 lbs 8 oz. with a length of 34. 5 inches. The world record splake, caught in Ontario, weighed 20 lbs. 11oz.

Maryland Anglers Urged to Prevent the Spread of Didymo and Whirling Disease

In order to protect fish populations and keep their habitat healthy, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has issued a reminder for anglers to clean and dry their gear between streams and outings.

MD DNR recommends scrubbing with dish soap or a 5 percent salt solution as an easy way to prevent the spread of invaders such as didymo and whirling disease.

Wader wash stations are available at several key wild trout areas including the Gunpowder River, Savage River, the North Branch of the Potomac (Barnum area), and Big Hunting Creek.

Anglers need to be aware that a proposed Maryland regulation to prohibit felt soles in all waters is scheduled to become effective in March 2011.

MD DNR is seeking public comment on the proposal through February 28 via email to fisheriespubliccomment@dnr.state.md.us or by mail to: Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Service, ATTN: Felt-Soled Wader Ban Regulation, 580 Taylor Ave., B-2, Annapolis, MD 21401.

source: MD DNR

Maryland to Stock Rainbow and Brown Trout

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will stock approximately 20,000 trout into freshwaters across the State in October. This total includes 19,400 rainbow trout weighing an average of one pound each and 600 brown trout averaging two pounds each.

Potential waterways for receiving fish include the North Branch Potomac, Bear Creek, Town Creek, Blairs Valley Lake, Antietam Creek, Beaver Creek, Cunningham Falls Lake, Rainbow Lake, Greenbrier Lake, Morgan Run, Patapsco River, Big Gunpowder Falls, Great Seneca Creek, Wheatley Lake, Lake Artemesia, Greenbelt Lake, Big Elk Creek, Deer Creek and Tuckahoe.

DNR’s trout stocking information telephone line, 1-800-688-3467, will be updated weekly beginning October 1 so that anglers may find out if their favorite area has been stocked. Stocked areas will also be posted online at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries once stocking is complete.

Freshwater Trout Photography

Cutthroat Trout

These tips will help anglers to photograph a trophy trout or char without harming the fish:

* Make sure that equipment is working and ready before handling fish.

* Keep fish in the water until the photo is taken. Every second that the fish spends out of the water can affect its chance for survival after release.

* When ready for the picture, barely lift the fish out of the water.

* Have the angler support the fish by cradling it in their hands. Place one hand under the fish's belly and one at the fish's tail.

* When lifting the fish, keep it horizontal and support it's full body weight. Avoid holding fish in a vertical position by the jaw.

* Avoid taking fish out of the water for more than 20 seconds. A good habit is to have the angler hold their breath until the picture is taken.

* After the photo has been taken, lower the fish into the water and gently move the fish back and forth in the water to revive it. When the fish tries to swim away, release it.