Where is ‘Leto’? $10,000 Montana Lake Trout Lurks in Flathead

Impossible! No way! Not a chance! Don't tell that to a few anglers who have cashed in big over the years.

While it's been five tournaments ago, the odds have been defied. And the next golden opportunity to land a big-money laker looms large.

The 2024 Spring Mack Days lake trout fishing tournament is now underway through May  11 on Flathead Lake There are no entry fees and there are many ways to win including one tagged lake trout that's worth $10,000 if it is caught. Don't think it can happen? Let's take you back to 2021 and revisit the celebration with Terry Krogstad and Julie Perkins during the Fall Mack Days event.

THE HIDDEN ONE

During every Mack Days tournament, one tagged lake trout is worth $10,000 if caught. The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes give it a different name each tournament. This spring, anglers are looking for "Leto," The Hidden One. Leto was the mythical goddess mother of Artemis and Apollo.

IT ONLY TAKES ONE FISH TO WIN

This is truly one of Montana's more unique fishing tournaments, in part because it is spread out over approximately 8 weeks. And anglers can enter right up to the last day and fish as few or as many days as they want. Up to $225,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded. The event is sanctioned by Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes have a special tribal fishing permit available for anyone for the south half of Flathead Lake. Check with fishing license vendors for the permit.

NO ONLINE REGISTRATION FOR THIS TOURNEY

Unfortunately, the Mack Days website is not functioning at this time. Send your entries with name, address, telephone number, and age if 70 or over to the tournament director, cindy.benson@cskt.org, or call Cindy at (406) 270-3386.

HOW SPRING MACK DAYS FISHING HAS BEEN SO FAR

With extremely favorable weather a few weeks ago, the tourney got off to a phenomenal start. And while Mother Nature got a bit finicky at times for the second and third weeks, it has still been one of the more productive tournaments in recent years. Check out the 3-week tournament results here.

Good luck and be on the lookout for Leto.