Spring Mack Days Fishing Event Begins March 12

Annual lake trout fishing competition aims to boost native fish populations in Flathead Lake

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The 2026 Spring Mack Days Fishing Event on Flathead Lake will run from March 12 to May 9, sponsored by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. The event is used as a fish conservation tool to reduce non-native lake trout and increase native bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout populations in the lake.

Why it matters

The introduction of lake trout in Flathead Lake in 1905 has led to a decline in the native bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout populations, which are an important part of the lake's ecosystem. The Mack Days event is a key effort to manage the lake trout population and protect the native fish species.

The details

During Mack Days, lake trout anglers can fish Monday through Sunday, with every lake trout entry giving them a chance in lottery drawings with prizes ranging from $600 to $2,000. The top 20 lake trout anglers will receive cash prizes based on their placement. There are also tagged lake trout in the lake worth $10,000, $5,000, and $1,000, as well as over 9,000 tagged fish with values from $100 to $500. Anglers can also earn bonus amounts once they reach certain catch thresholds.

  • The 2026 Spring Mack Days Fishing Event will begin on March 12 and end on May 9.
  • The event is held annually, with the next one scheduled for March 12 to May 9, 2026.

The players

Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes

The Native American tribes that sponsor the Mack Days Fishing Event as a fish conservation tool.

Flathead Lake

The large freshwater lake in Montana where the Mack Days Fishing Event takes place.

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What’s next

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes will continue to host the Mack Days Fishing Event annually to help manage the lake trout population and protect the native bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in Flathead Lake.

The takeaway

The Mack Days Fishing Event is an important conservation effort to maintain the ecological balance of Flathead Lake by reducing the invasive lake trout population and supporting the recovery of native fish species. The event's lottery-style prizes and cash awards for anglers help engage the community in this important environmental initiative.