Spring Mack Days Top 10 race heating up
A total of 19,763 lake trout entries have been turned in during the first six weeks of the 2021 Spring Mack Days event, but “Jaws,” the $10,000 tagged lake trout, is still hanging about somewhere in Flathead Lake.
Three weeks remain in the fishing event sponsored by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes
Kolton Turner of Kalispell is hanging on to a narrow lead in the Top 10 category with 1,258 entries. Right behind him is Jason Mahlen with 1,252. Top 10 anglers will be placed on their best 18-day average at the end of the last day on May 16. Bob Turner of Kalispell is third with 1,034, followed by Steve Benson of Spokane Valley, Wash. (646), Mike Benson of Lonepine (644), Sam Cusker of Bigfork (628), Ken Varga (590), Tyler Varga (556), Travis Banyai (531) and Scott Bombard of Missoula with 517.
Aside from “Jaws,” anglers are also trying their best to lure the three trout worth $5,000 and five worth $1,000. More than 9,000 lake trout have values from $100 to $500. Kalispell angler Travis Banyai hooked a $500 tagged fish last week, and Tristin Persico of Missoula came in with a $200 tagged lake trout. Catching $100 tagged fish were Jason Mahlen and Ken Varga of Kalispell, and Missoula anglers Mark McMillin and Jack Kirkland.
Larry Karper of Florence leads the 70 & Over category with 486, followed by Jack Kirkland of Missoula (401), Larry Ashwell of Missoula (305), Marty Herak of Polson (134), Don Peters of Missoula (42) and Lloyd Kelch of Great Falls (32).
Julie Perkins of Kalispell is first in the Lady Angler category with 227, followed by Connie Jones of Kalispell with 52, Nicole Peters of Missoula (35), Lisa Cloo of Clinton (30) and Debbie Paine of Polson with 29.
Matt Guckenberg Jr. of Kalispell is first in the 13-17 category with 241, followed by Josey McIlhargey of Kalispell (31), Abby Hodgson of Kalispell (26), Colton Spacht of Culbertson (13) and Bryce Harvey of Kalispell (10).
Brodie Smith of Kalispell leads the 12 & Under category with 203, followed by Tripp Bick of Arlee (5) and Henry Phan of Kalispell (5).
Last week’s Friday-to-Sunday total was 18,084 entries, and the Monday-to-Thursday total was 1,679. Friday’s total was 938, with 779 Saturday and 625 Sunday.
Sunday, May 2 is the final one-day Bucket Competition. Anglers weigh in their heaviest four lake trout in a bucket.
Entries continue to be taken until the last day of the event. Visit www.mackdays.com for information or call 406-270-3386.