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Splake

Splake

Splake are a hybrid cross between brook trout and lake trout found in Idaho waters. They are nonindigenous to Idaho, with documented occurrences from 1990 to 2007 across 16 watersheds.

Splake exhibit characteristics from both parent species - they grow more quickly than brook trout, become piscivorous sooner, and are more tolerant of competitors.

They are highly predatory fish that actively hunt smaller fish, making them exciting targets for anglers.

Scientific Name: Salvelinus fontinalis × namaycush

Physical Characteristics:
  • Can reach impressive sizes, combining traits from both parent species.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found primarily in the northern regions of Idaho including the Panhandle, Clearwater, and Upper Snake regions, thriving in the state's colder mountain lakes and deeper reservoir systems.
  • They prefer cold, deep lake environments.

Key Locations

  • American Falls, Boise-Mores, Clearwater, Little Salmon, Lower Bear-Malad, Lower Kootenai, North Fork Payette, Pend Oreille Lake, Spokane, Teton, Upper Henrys, Upper Snake, Upper Snake-Rock, Upper Spokane, Weiser, and Willow drainages.
  • Lake Pend Oreille system, Spokane drainage, and various mountain lakes in the Panhandle region.

Specific Spots

  • Look for areas with structure, deeper basins, and cooler water temperatures.
  • Focus on drop-offs.

Splake FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Splake in Idaho?

Live minnows, small spoon lures, Kastmaster spoons in 1/8 to 1/4 ounce sizes, roostertail spinners, mepps aglia spinners, wedding ring lures, needlefish spoons, and dick nite spoons.

What flies work for Splake in Idaho?

Streamer patterns that mimic small fish - woolly buggers in olive, brown, or black. Spring: blue-winged olive soft-hackles, griffith's gnats, and prince nymphs in sizes 14-18.

When is the best time to fish for Splake in Idaho?

Late fall through ice fishing season when they're most active. Spring fishing can be productive.

How do you catch Splake in Idaho?

Use live minnows or small spoon lures as primary baits. Use techniques like trolling small spoons or casting streamers along drop-offs.

What do Splake eat?

They feed on various species including other fish and their e.g.gs, with their diet being restrictive to season and location but typically consisting of terrestrial and aquatic insects, fry, crustaceans, zooplankton, and worms.

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Whether you're en route and conditions shift or you're looking for the best spot based on current flows, we enable you to make informed decisions on the fly.

See it in the app

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onWater shows you Splake.

  1. 01 · Species map filter

    Map every Splake water

    Pick Splake and the map zeroes in on the waters they call home. No more guessing which lake holds them.

  2. 02 · Waterbody species

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    Species, behavior and seasonal patterns for every lake, river and pond, before you leave the driveway.

  3. 03 · Angler Intelligence

    Ask how to catch Splake

    Tactics, gear and timing from onWater's AI fishing guide, tuned to the species and the water you're on.

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Explore other species

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Idaho licenses and regulations

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