2020 Spring Mack Days extended
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FLATHEAD LAKE – The 2020 Spring Mack Days fishing event on Flathead Lake resumed on June 2nd with an extended schedule and strict safety measures.
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Council approved the extension, provided the event can be conducted safely and without any social gathering. The extended event will end on June 28.
The contest began on March 20 and was suspended on March 27 out of concern for risks from COVID-19.
“We will require all anglers follow social distancing guidelines and other specific safety measures,” organizers said. “We hope for sunny skies and calm water for anglers during June so everyone can enjoy being out on the lake, catching a lot of lake trout.”
Mack Days are a management tool used to reduce the numbers of non-native lake trout in Flathead Lake to increase native bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout. The tribal council recognized the importance of these events and chose to proceed cautiously with the understanding that anglers will follow strict safety protocols.
There are up to $225,000 in cash and prizes that will be awarded at the conclusion of the event. Tagged lake trout are still out there, including one $10,000 tag; three at $5,000; five at $1,000; and more than 6,000 additional tagged fish with values from $500-$100. All anglers who turn in 11 or more fish qualify for bonus amounts for their totals. Every fish angler’s entry gives them a chance to win in the lottery-style drawing that begins at $1,000 to $450.
“We will have a few changes to the event and anglers can count on more changes as it progresses,” organizers said. “Stay tuned and watch the Mack Days website. We are trying to make the event fair and safe for everyone.”
Fish will be taken every day until June 28. Fish pickup sites are located at Yellow Bay from 6:30 to 7 p.m.; Big Arm at 6 to 6:30 p.m.; Wayfarers from 6 to 6:30 p.m.; West Shore from 5 to 5:30 p.m.; Somers from 5:30 to 6 p.m.; Salish Point from 7 to 7:15 p.m.; and Blue Bay is open for reservation residents only.
Fish can be turned in from noon to 8 p.m. by participants at Blue Bay if delivered to the Blue Bay dock. Anglers wishing to deliver to the dock should call 406-270-3386 to reach Cindy.
“Safety is our most important concern for everyone,” organizers said. “Please practice all social distancing guidelines.”
Protocol for turning in fish at designated locations: 1) Only one person at a time will turn in fish. 2) Anglers need to bring their cooler to the vehicle and count their catch out loud into provided container. 3) Staff will confirm the count and record the catch. 4) When done, angler will step back and the next angler moves in place. 5) There will be no contact between anglers and staff and no tickets exchanged. The drawing will be done electronically at the end of the contest
The contest count so far: leading the anglers in the event with four perfect 100 fish days is Jason Mahlen of Kalispell. Top ten anglers will be placed by their best 12-day average.
Kolton Turner, of Kalispell, is second with 337. Mike Benson, of Lonepine, is third with 335. Scott Bombard, of Missoula, is fourth with 272. Fifth place goes to Bob Turner, of Kalispell, with 354. Sam Cusker, of Bigfork, is sixth with 233.
Seventh goes to Ken Varga, of Kalispell, and John Gauci, of Florence, is eighth place with 228. Ninth went to Tyler Varga, of Kalispell, with 224. Larry Karper, of Florence, is in 10th place with 219.
Julie Perkins, of Kalispell, leads the women’s division with 135, and Debbie Paine, of Polson, is second with 49. Connie Jones, of Kalispell, has 43.
Matt Guckenberg Jr., of Kalispell, is leading the 13 to 17 year olds with 118, and Brodie Smith, of Kalispell, leads the 12-and-under group with 29.
There will be no fish fry on the last day of the event to avoid social gathering. Cash awards will be drawn electronically and mailed out after the conclusion of the event.
“Thank you everyone for your patience during this time,” organizers said. “We hope everyone can join in and compete in this event to help make it as successful as it can be.”
Tight lines everyone.
