On Saturday and Sunday, hundreds of anglers will descend on McGregor Lake for The Lodge at McGregor Lake’s annual fishing derby.

The derby has been held for years, but this time, the lodge is working with Flathead Beverage to donate thousands of dollars to local health charities.

Clell Hoffman, founder of the local Prostate Cancer Awareness organization, is a survivor of the disease. He said his group and the local breast cancer group Save a Sister will benefit from charitable donations this weekend.

Last year each groups got close to $1,000 from the lodge. This year Flathead Beverage has decided to match donation dollars for each group.

Carolyn Feldmann, who owns the Lodge at McGregor Lake with her husband, Mike, said the generosity would go a long way.

“All donation dollars stay in Flathead and Lincoln counties,” she said. “Both organizations are local and keep the money there.”

With six inches of ice on the lake, Feldmann said her derby usually ends up being an ice fishing event. Last year 489 people competed.

Tickets are $15 and can be bought in person at the lodge on U.S. 2. Of that, $10 goes toward prizes and event costs, $1 to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and $4 goes toward Save a Sister and Prostate Cancer Awareness. Flathead Beverage matching each donation dollar will help pay for both mammograms and prostate exams for at-risk populations.

Jeff Carter, with Flathead Beverage, said his company was happy to help with the event at the lodge.

“They are such great customers of ours and they do so much for our community,” he said of the Feldmanns. “There are such great benefits from the organizations. Also there’s a lot in it for the fishermen this year.”

The derby will run from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call The Lodge at McGregor Lake at 858-2253.

Reporter Ryan Murray may be reached at 758-4436 or by email at [email protected].