Stevensville's Gauci builds on Mack Days lead
Felix Gauci of Stevensville extended his overall lead with a total of 423 lake trout entries through the second week of the 2021 Fall Mack Days event at Flathead Lake.
Anglers turned in 804 entries Friday, 628 Saturday and 594 Sunday. The total entries for Mondays through Thursdays is 836, and the total for Fridays to Sundays is at 3,967.
The $10,000 tagged lake trout named “Freddie Mack” by Peter Dayton of Missoula is still out there, along with three $5,000 tagged fish, and five $1,000 tagged fish, plus more than 9,000 tagged fish with values from $100 to $500. There is also a $1,000 tagged lake trout sponsored by Bretz RV and Marine.
Up to $200,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded at the conclusion of the event, which runs through Nov. 14. Every lake trout entry gives anglers a chance to win cash awards from $50 to $2,000 in the lottery drawings that are done by a random electronic program.
A 191-millimeter (7.5”) small lake trout entry was turned in by Brad Ivanoff of Arlee. It joins a 220-millimeter fish turned in by Gauci. No large fish entry has been submitted so far.
Overall leaders
Felix Gauci, Stevensville (423); Mike Benson, Lonepine (274); Larry Karper, Florence (268); Sam Cusker, Bigfork (258); Richard Kreis, Huson (245); Scott Bombard, Missoula (208); Jack Kirkland, Missoula (203); Laurie Kreis, Huson (191); Larry Ashwell, Missoula (180); and Mark McMillin, Missoula (136).
Ladies
Laurie Kreis, Huson (191); Julie Perkins, Kalispell (123); Kim Mack, Helena (49); Debby Sacchi, Thompson Falls (48); and Gina Schiff, Whitefish (36).
70 and Over
Larry Karper, Florence (268); Jack Kirkland, Missoula (203); Larry Ashwell, Missoula (180); John Gauci, Florence (127); and Paul Grove of Wyoming (101).
Weekend drawing winners were: Felix Gauci, $200; Larry Ashwell, $100; Scott Bombard, $100; Paul Grove, $100; and Felix Gauci, $100.
Tagged fish turned in the second week: $200 and $100 by Jack Kirkland; $200 by Julie Perkins; $100 (2) by Ken Richert, Thompson Falls; $100 by Geoff Curzon, Missoula; $100 (2) by Larry Karper; $100 by Jerry Luderman, Kalispell; $100 by Bob Church, Polson.
Mack Days events are a management tool used to benefit native bull trout and cutthroat populations in Flathead Lake. The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes encourage anglers to stay safe — have your personal flotation devices on board, keep cellphones dry, let someone know your plans, follow all fishing regulations, know your fish ID, and be weather wise on the water.
Visit www.mackdays.com or call 406-270-3386 to learn more.