Size matters. Not. It could a smaller sized youngster or a big old lunker.

And if you don't think it can possibly happen, recent results will tell you otherwise. Two  of the last four tournaments have yield the ten-grand prize fish.

The Fall Mack Days lake trout fishing tournament returns to Flathead Lake starting next Thursday,   September 15. The event runs through November 13th. Whether you can fish a lot of the tourney, just now and then, or only once there are plenty of ways to come out a winner.

Spring and Fall Mack Days are sponsored by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. Reducing lake trout populations is part of the tribes' efforts to restore native bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout populations in Flathead Lake. It's probably the most unique tourney format of any events held in Montana.

Spread out over nearly two months and with no entry fees, Mack Days provides opportunities galore for anglers to land numerous money fish, as well as other prizes and incentives. Fish one day or fish every day. Fish entries will be accepted Mondays through Sundays, at Blue Bay or at different sites listed on the website.

In addition to the $10,000 fish, three fish will have tags in them worth $5,000, five with tags worth $1,000, and there are also over 9,000 tagged fish with values from $100 to $500. So, while many competitors are out there almost daily to try to be the big overall tournament winner, like Mack Days organizers say, "All it takes is one fish to win."

Cindy Benson, Mack Days tournament director, explained that select lake trout have their adipose fin clipped and a tag that can be scanned is also inserted in the jaw. If anglers know what they're looking for, they can easily detect a clipped fin, and turn them in for instant cash prizes. But anglers don't know the exact amount until they turn the fish in.

A fun and fascinating tournament! You can get lots more details, photos and entry forms on the Fall Mack Days website.

LOOK: Historic 2022 Flooding in Southern Montana Not Soon to Be Forgotten

Widespread flooding wiped out roads, bridges, buildings, and powerlines throughout riverside communities from Yellowstone National Park and Paradise Valley to Red Lodge. The Yellowstone River winding through Billings crested Tuesday, June 14, 2022. At 11:30 a.m. the National Weather Service in Billings reported the river rose above flood stage and was forecasted to hit 14.7 feet, nearly hitting the 15-foot record set in 1997.

Adorable Dogs of Missoula

Missoulians submitted pictures of their dogs for National Dog Day. Enjoy!

 

More From 96.9 Zoo FM