2021 Fall Mack Days underway
Summer Goddard
Fishermen try their luck at the dock at wayfarers state park.
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News from CSKT Natural Resources
FLATHEAD LAKE — Up to $200,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded at the conclusion of the nine-week long 2021 Fall Mack Days Event. There are many ways to win during this fishing event on Flathead Lake, all it takes is one fish to qualify for lottery drawings that begin at $50 and go up to $2,000. Bonus dollars are paid when an angler reaches 11 lake trout entries, and increase as fish entries increase. Different prizes for Monday to Thursday and Friday to Sunday. Check out the different categories and ways to win at www.mackdays.com.
To enter click on the events tab at the top of the page and select from the drop-down boxes on the entry page. Entry forms are also located at vendors that sell fishing permits/licenses or call Cindy at 406-270-3386 for information. Entries will continue to be taken until the last day of the event, Nov. 14. Learn as you go, and be part of the CS&KT Mack Days Fishing Events.
There will be fish pickups Friday through Sunday at Big Arm from 4:30-5 p.m. and at Salish Point in Polson from 5:30-5:45 p.m. Blue Bay is open from 9 a.m. to one-half hour after sunset or 9 p.m., whichever comes first. Somers boat access will have fish pick-up between 3:30-4 p.m. and Big Arm boat access will have fish pick-up from 4:30-5 p.m. Please respect the schedules of work crews and do not submit fish after dark or after 9 p.m., whichever comes first.
There are tagged lake trout with values from $100 to $10,000. There is one $10,000 tagged lake trout, three $5,000 tagged lake trout, and five $1,000 tagged lake trout, plus over 9,000 tagged lake trout with values from $100-$500. There is also an extra $1,000 tagged lake trout sponsored by Bretz RV and Marine for merchandise at their business. Bretz is also sponsoring the $500 largest lake trout over 36 inches and 20 pounds. Thank you Bretz RV and Marine.
Mack Days fishing events are sponsored by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and sanctioned by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Mack Days events are used as a management tool to reduce the numbers of non-native lake trout in Flathead Lake. We can do this everyone. Be part of making a difference for the native bull trout and west slope cutthroat trout in the lake for future generations. Native fish populations are a fraction of what they used to be. They were once the dominant fish of the lake until lake trout were introduced and eventually took over. The future of the native fish in Flathead Lake is important to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and the State of Montana. They are a part of our Flathead Lake fishing heritage.
We are looking forward to another successful Mack Days event and the first week began with anglers having good luck landing fish. The weather cooperated after a morning breeze and many had some good numbers of lake trout to turn in at the end of the day.
Felix Gauci of Stevensville had an awesome day and turned in the first 100 perfect fish day of the event. Fish total on Friday was 955. Saturday the wicked winds began to blow and anglers were looking for protection, many reported huge rollers out on the water. The total for Saturday, Sept. 18, was 370 lake trout entries. Sunday the winds and rain came and continued all day long. It was a brutal day on the water for the anglers but many toughed it out turning in a total of 616 lake trout entries. Anglers agree that they can handle the rain but the wind is something they have more difficulty dealing with.
The un-named $10,000 lake trout is waiting for a lucky angler to drop down their lure. During the second week we will have a him/her named by drawing from a list of names anglers have submitted.
Protocol for turning in fish at designated locations:
(COVID protocols will again be in place. Safety is our most important concern for everyone. Please practice all social distancing guidelines.)
1) Only one person at a time will turn in fish.
2) Anglers must bring their cooler to the vehicle and count their catch out loud to the Tribal staff as they are placed into the container.
3) Staff will confirm the count with the angler and record the catch.
4) When the angler is done, the angler will step back and next angler can approach the vehicle.
5) There will be no contact between anglers and staff and no tickets will be exchanged. The drawing will be done electronically at the end of the contest.
Be weather wise, check weather predictions before going out and be prepared with the proper safety equipment, PFD’s (life jackets), fire extinguisher, keep your cell phone dry (plastic bag), extra clothing, flashlight, water and food. Have a plan and tell someone your plan. Wind is the enemy on Flathead Lake for anglers, there are apps for your phone that will show weather and wind predictions. Stay safe and tight lines everyone.
For more information about the Mack Days event, visit: www.mackdays.com or call 406- 675-2700 ext. 7294 or 406-270-3386. The website has rules, fishing tips with videos, along with fish ID, map, weather and safety information.
