A Bucket of Praise for an 85-year-old Montana Lake Trout Angler

Flathead Lake is a treasure revered by so many, and for so many different reasons.

When it comes to fishing, this Montana octogenarian is still a kid at heart. And the lake is so much of what keeps his heart beating.

$225,000 IN CASH AND PRIZES LURES THE ANGLERS IN

The 2025 Fall Mack Days Fishing Event on Flathead Lake sponsored by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes came to an end on Sunday, November 2, after nearly 8 weeks of competition. This year saw a total of 19,144 lake trout entries. A total of 335 anglers entered the event with 116 turning in 1 or more lake trout. The overall total surpassed the 2024 total of 18,414.

A "BUCKET" OF WAYS TO WIN

Even though the largest cash prizes are reserved for the top anglers turning in the most fish, even one fish can make someone a winner. But first, our congratulations to top angler Terry Krogstad of Kalispell, with a total of 1,206 entries!

Perhaps the most charming side dish served up at Fall Mack Days was the results of the three days of Bucket competition. On three select days of the tourney, anglers submit a bucket with their biggest lake trout caught on those days. The third and last day of the Buckets ended with 85-year old Jens Gran of Polson becoming a three-time winner with a bucket of 4 lake trout that weighed in at 31.8 pounds. The three buckets Jens entered totaled 93.65 pounds!

Among other hobbies, Jens still spends plenty of time on Lake Mary Ronan in search of salmon.

READ MORE: Meet the University of Montana Graduate Who Invented Bear Spray!

The Spring and Fall Mack Days Events are sponsored by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and sanctioned by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.