Welcome

Spring 2012 Mack Days Countdown

2012 SPRING MACK DAYS

sponsored by the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes and

sanctioned by Montana Fish , Wildlife, and Parks

Up to $150,000 in Cash & Prizes

LAKE TROUT FISHING EVENT/DERBY

on Flathead Lake

March 16th through May 20th

March 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31 April 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29

May 4, 5, 6, & 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20

Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
except May 11th-20th-ten consecutive fishing days

Watch for Updates about the Spring 2012 Event

Welcome and Climb on Board!

We held the first Mack Days in the fall of 2002 to help correct an imbalance in the Flathead Lake trout fishery caused by the continually increasing population of lake trout. Mack Days represents a new approach to fisheries management, one that that strives to directly involve the angling public in shaping the fish community. The success of the events continues to grow, and we commend the angler's for their part in this success. So far, the levels of lake trout being harvested are not sufficient to significantly reduce the lake trout population in the lake. So it is important to continue to build these events and maintain them in the future. Thank you for your help and participation in Mack Days and have fun exploring our website to learn more about the contest and the lake.

— Barry Hansen, CSKT Fisheries Biologist

Safety First: Man Overboard: A Pro Angler's Near Death Experience. Read the story. It just might keep you safe.

Alert: Anglers have mistakenly turned in small bull trout to the contest thinking they were lake trout. Please carefully

identify each fish you catch. Review the differences between lake trout and bull trout and check for the red / orange spots on the side that signify a bull trout. We cannot continue the contests if they negatively affect bull trout. It is illegal to keep bull trout, and we may have to disqualify anglers that turn in bull trout if this problem is not quickly resolved. Thank you for your help in this matter.

Alert: Please stay at least 300 feet from the Biological Station's two new instrumented buoys in Flathead Lake to prevent entanglement of your fishing lines with the cable that goes from the surface of the buoy to the lake bottom and to avoid damaging this expensive equipment. Click here for more information.

Check Out this article on Hook Sharpening, which is key to proper maintenance of your tackle.

During the Mack Days event, listen to Cindy's live updates on Montana Outdoor Radio Show each Saturday morning between 7:00 and 7:30 (exact time will vary somewhat). Check out the Mangler at http://www.themangler.com

MACK DAYS ANNOUNCEMENTS

As the event continues to grow and more people get involved it is important that everyone understand and

appreciates the rules before the event begins. If you have questions please don't hesitate to ask.

If you use the entry page-under Events- and send your entry to us be sure and check for a reply with your entry #.

If you do not receive a reply-within a few days-please resend your entry.

CINDY'S RECOMMENDED LINKS

Learn: How to Identify a Bull Trout • About Invasive Aquatic Species • About the Biology of Lake Trout

Flathead Lake Fishing Tips • Keep Your Hooks Sharp

And be sure to visit these pages: Entry Form • Lake Trout Recipes • Fishing Tips • Fishing Quotes

Take a kid fishing, you'll have more fun!

Good Luck!