Tribe Cites Conflict

Sun., Dec. 21, 1997

Associated Press

Fishing derbies

The proposed return of a fishing derby on Montana’s Flathead Lake may face problems winning approval of the Salish and Kootenai tribes.

The Great Montana Mack Attack was held for several years until 1993, when all gambling on the Flathead Reservation was suspended because the state and tribal governments could not agree on its scope or regulation. The tribes and the state signed a three-year agreement in July, so the fishing derby can resume - if all governmental entities involved approve.

The state Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks has asked for public comment.

Tribal vice chairman Mickey Pablo, who opposes the derby, says it must be approved not only by the tribal gaming commission, but also by the 10-member tribal council.

“To me, it’s wrong that you have professional fishermen coming in from all over the country” (to compete to catch the largest lake trout), he said.

Chip Kurzenbaum, a Polson businessman who is Mack Attack committeeman for the chamber, said participants would have a fun family weekend; the fishing derby proceeds would go to help protect or improve lake access or the fishery; and taking smaller mackinaw out of the lake would thin the population, which is overcrowded with smaller lake trout.

A $2,000 cash prize would be offered for the largest mackinaw taken from Flathead Lake during the June 27-28 weekend.

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