Stevensville angler is early Mack Days leader

Felix Gauci of Stevensville had an awesome day Friday and turned in the first 100-fish day of the 2021 Fall Mack Days fishing event to take the early overall lead after the first week.

Anglers turned in 995 fish Friday. Saturday the wicked winds began to blow and anglers were looking for protection. Many reported huge rollers out on the water. The total for Saturday was 370 entries. Sunday the winds and rain came and continued all day long. It was a brutal day on the water for the anglers but many toughed it out turning in a total of 616 entries.

Felix Gauci is in first place with 185 entries, followed by Mike Benson (171), Sam Cusker of Bigfork (154), Richard Kreis of Huson (150), Larry Karper (135), and Laurie Kreis of Huson (109).

The un-named $10,000 lake trout is waiting for a lucky angler to drop down their lure. There are an additional three worth $5,000, five worth $1,000 and more than 9,000 with values from $100 to $500. Also added to the event this year is a $1,000 tagged fish sponsored by Bretz RV and Marine of Missoula.

Richard Kreis of Huson turned in the first tagged lake trout on Thursday with a $100 value. Gauci also turned in a $100 tagged lake trout. Saturday Jim Schriber of Bigfork caught a $100 tagged lake trout, and Mike Benson of Lonepine turned in a $500 tagged entry.

Laurie Kreis leads the ladies with 109 entries, followed by Kim Mack of Helena (49), Julie Perkins of Kalispell (34) and Debby Sacchi of Thompson Falls with 23.

The 70 & Over leader is Larry Karper of Florence with 135 entries. He is followed by Jack Kirkland of Kalispell with 106 entries.

The event, sponsored by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, is nine weeks long and ends Nov. 14. Participants may fish any day of the week, and there are different prizes for Monday to Thursday and Friday to Sunday. Bonus amounts begin for anglers when they reach their 11th fish. Bonus totals go up as the fish total goes up. Entries continue to be taken until the last day of the event.

Organizers encourage anglers to stay safe: have your personal floatation devices on board, keep cell phones dry, let someone know your plans, follow all fishing regulations, know your fish ID and be weather wise on the water.

For more information visit www.mackdays.com and click on the events tab at the top of the page or call (406) 270-3386.