ice out splake

[Rook]

I did ok this past winter using minnows and some jigging for splake on the ice. This will be my first spring to target them after ice out north of Dorset. Just wondering if anyone can impart some knowledge as to how to fish them ?? troll or cast shorelines ??? live bait or lures ?? any help would be greatly appreciated !!!! Thanks ROOK

[Mike33]

I can’t comment on splake specifically however I’ve had success for brook and lake trout in Algonquin Park early spring using small EGB spoons, Mepps Aglia, Little Cleo etc. Any spoon with a bit of flutter and shine and I always tip it with a piece of worm. Troll your spoon between locations, vary your speed. Cast in areas with structure nearby deep water. I’ve always heard that splake can act like a brook trout one day and more like a lake trout on another, so mix up your depths until you find them.

[Drew]

Yeah splake are a feast or famine thing in my experience, either catch zero, or try and keep up throwing them out of the canoe as they jump in. Everything mentioned above plus I’d add jig head and gulp minnow on bottom once you locate them with the trolling

[Mike33]

Gord Pyzer has an article on spring trout tactics in Outdoor Canada’s latest newsletter: https://www.outdoorcanada.ca/bassluresfortrout/

[Rook]

thanks very much to all for your intel. I had been wondering whether splake needs anything diff than brookies and lakers. Hopefully spring stays around after this weekend !!! Best to all on the soft water. ROOK

[mykola]

Troll a blue J7 or J5 when you find a consistent spot try casting. Small spoons, spinners, jig heads, etc… Also a simple worm and slip float by steep drops at shore. Great fish to target.

After ice out, I find they school up and circle the lake along the shoreline. When it’s dead calm mid morning take a minute to scan the shoreline and look for fins and the odd sploosh.