Although the hybrid is genetically stable and is, theoretically, capable of reproducing, splake reproduction is extremely rare, for behavioural reasons, outside the hatchery environment.

The only known natural reproduction has occurred in five lakes in Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada and, in each case, only a handful of progeny were produced.

Fishery managers are able to control populations numbers due to the extremely poor spawning success rate.

[3] Splake are considered "easier to catch" than other salmonids and often live longer and fare better in certain situations.

The theory was that splake would grow more quickly and mature sooner than lake trout with the hope that they would be able to reproduce before being attacked by the invasive sea lamprey.