Spring Mack Days begin March 13
file photo
file photo Kalispell Youth Angler Brodie Smith brings in a “big one” during the spring 2024 Mack Days competition.
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FLATHEAD LAKE - 2025 Spring Mack Days on Flathead Lake will begin Thursday, March 13, and end on Saturday, May 10, following nine weeks of lake trout fishing on one of the northwest’s most beautiful freshwater lake. Mack Days fishing events, sponsored by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and sanctioned by Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, are part of fisheries management tools used to decrease the non-native lake trout and increase the native bull trout and westslope cutthroat populations in the lake. Up to $225,000 in cash and prizes sponsored by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes will be awarded at the conclusion of the event to the anglers who participate in this important fish conservation effort.
Lake trout were introduced into Flathead Lake in 1905. They stayed in low abundance until the Mysis shrimp introduction in upper Flathead watershed lakes for the benefit of the popular non-native kokanee fish. Kokanee were introduced in 1916 and by 1940 were the most sought-after fish in most areas. The Mysis reached Flathead Lake in 1981 and provided a banquet for juvenile lake trout hiding at the bottom of the lake. The lake trout population exploded and native fish populations declined due to juvenile native fish being preyed on by the lake trout.
The kokanee population in the lake disappeared in two years during the 1980s. Lake trout live longer (30-40 yrs.) compared to bull trout (8-12 yrs.) and westslope trout (6-8 yrs.). Anglers can and do make a difference in fish conservation by participating in Mack Days fishing events. These events help protect the future of native fish for generations of anglers yet to come and preserve the history of tribal people who depended on the native fish for a food source.
There are several ways to win in the competition. You can fish from a boat or from shore. Fish one day or every day of the event - all it takes is one fish to win and that has happened before with tagged fish and with drawings done at the conclusion of the event. Come out and try your skills catching lake trout on Flathead Lake. Go to: www.mackdays.com for fishing tips, fish ID, rules, entry page, etc.
There is one $10,000, three-$5,000, and five-$1,000 tagged fish, plus over 9,000 tagged lake trout with values from $100-$500. Lottery drawing amounts range from $200 to $2000. Prizes are awarded in several categories: top twenty anglers, ladies, youth, over 70 - (golden oldies), largest lake trout, smallest lake trout, weekend prizes, weekday prizes, and bonus amounts that go up as your total catches go up. Check out the awards and bonus chart on the website. Fish pickups are done Friday-Sunday at Big Arm State Park from 6-6:30 p.m., Salish Point in Polson from 7-7:15 p.m., Somers State Boat Ramp from 5-6 p.m., and Wayfarers State Boat Ramp in Bigfork from 6:30-7 p.m. The Blue Bay office opens at 10 a.m. and closes 1/2 hour before dark or 9 p.m., whichever comes first. Then Monday-Thursday all fish are to be turned in at Blue Bay headquarters from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Anglers can keep their catch or they may donate the lake trout to be processed.
We encourage everyone to know the identification of fish from the lake. All bull trout and westslope cutthroat are to be returned to the lake. If you are in doubt about the ID of a fish, put it back in the water. Don’t risk turning in an illegal fish. Go to the website for tips on identifying your fish or go to your nearest FWP office or Tribal Fisheries office for information.
All boats coming into the area from outside of the Flathead Basin are required to get an AIS boat inspection before launching into Flathead waters. Please contact Montana Kalispell FWP at 406-752-5501 or CSKT at 406-675-2700 or 406-883-2888, to find information on the AIS Inspections.
Remember to use all safety precautions while fishing on the lake. Keep cell phones dry, have good PFD’s and use them, let someone know your plans for your day, keep vigilant on weather changes and predictions, and check all fuel and batteries before launching. Stay safe out there.
Entries will continue to be taken until the last day of the event. Enter online on the website at: www.mackdays.com or telephone 406-270-3386. Tight lines everyone!
