Maine Splake! That's right, and maybe record setting Maine Splake! If you're not sure what Maine Splake are, you are not alone.

Maine Splake is a hybrid species; Splake are a cross between Brook Trout and Lake Trout. And, Splake do not reproduce in the wild. They are cross bred at the hatchery and stocked in various waters. They are more aggressive than Brook Trout which makes them easier to catch; they also grow much larger.

Splake assume the characteristics of either Lake or Brook Trout. In Maine, the former is usually true. At times it is hard to tell the difference between a true Maine Brook Trout and a Splake. But, the size will usually give it away. Splake have a slight v-notch in the tail inherited from the Lake Trout. Brook Trout, also known as Square Tails, do not have this notch. Stocked Maine Splake will also have a fin clipped. This helps the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife track the year the Splake was stocked.

If you're looking for large Splake, Snow Pond has an abundance of them. When I stopped into Charlie's Log Cabin Bait Shop in Oakland, we began discussing the size of the Splake in Snow Pond, and the possibility of the next state record for Splake coming out of Snow Pond. With all the pictures of large Splake hanging on his walls, it was easy to see why Charlie feels Snow Pond has a State record in it.

According to the Maine State Governments Species Identification Page on July 27th, 2006, "The Maine State Record Splake was caught in Basin Pond by Dan Paquette. It weighed 10 lbs. 3 oz.". And according to Charlie, there are fish close to that size being caught out of Snow Pond now (Snow Pond is also known as Messalonskee Lake).

Charlie says most of the larger Splake are being caught around outcroppings and islands adjacent to deep water. Smelt and DG Minnows seem to be the preferred bait. Charlie will steer you in the right direction

While I was there, I couldn't resist asking him about the Pike fishing. He admitted that summer Pike fishing can be a little slow. But, he did know of one guide that was catching them on large bait by slow drifting over shelves in the twenty foot range. You'll have to ask him for the particulars. I believe the Pond was north of his shop.

Spring and Fall are historically the best times to target Pike in the Belgrade Chain. While the biggest Pike are taken during the winter months, there is nothing quite like fighting a large Pike with a medium spin casting outfit. The Pike hit hard then come to the boat with steady resistance. When they surface and see the boat, the Pike make three or four tantalizing dives searching for weeds, cover or anything they can tangle your line into.

The Belgrade chain of lakes has always had great fishing opportunities and Charlie's is the place to stock up on knowledge, supplies and bait.

Be sure to also stop by the Early Bird Restaurant while in town. Ask for one or two of their blueberry pancakes. You'll be pleasantly surprised!

Have fun fishing and be safe!

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