Mack Days anglers have two weeks left to reel in lake trout

With just two weeks left in the 2022 Fall Mack Days, 12,654 lake trout have been turned in for this year’s event. Blustery fall weather came in and the breezy winds were off and on most of the weekend with especially rough waters on Sunday.

Friday’s tally was 497 lake trout; Saturday’s total came to 376; and Sunday’s anglers brought in 256. These resilient anglers continue to add to their totals as the days go by while helping to restore native fish populations in Flathead Lake.

Up to $200,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded at the conclusion of the event, sponsored by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. The last day to enter is Nov. 13.

“Bella,” the $10,000 lake trout, is still swimming in the lake, waiting for just the right lure. There are also three $5,000 tagged trout, six $1,000 and more than 9,000 with values from $100-$500. Among those who caught $100 tagged lake trout last week week were: Scott Bombard of Missoula and Felix Gauci of Stevensville. The two fishing buddies put fish in the same cooler so they decided to split the cash. Shawn Madsen of Whitefish, Tony Incashola Jr. of St. Ignatius, Larry Ashwell of Missoula, and Mike Benson of Lonepine also reeled in $100 tagged lake trout.

Mike Benson of Lonepine took over the lead in the event with a total of 958 lake trout entries and an 18-day average of 49.94. Larry Ashwell of Missoula is second with 859 entries and a 44.44 average, followed by Felix Gauci of Stevensville with 711 entries, Terry Krogstad of Kalispell with 611 entries and Jerry Benson of Plains with 576 entries.

Julie Perkins of Kalispell is first in the women’s category with 445 lake trout entries, followed by Laurie Kreis of Huson with 278, Kim Mack of Helena with 129, Janet Myer of Riverton, Wyo., with 93 and Debby Sacchi of Thompson Falls with 35 entries.

William Grob of Missoula is first in the 12 & Under with 20 lake trout entries; next in line is Kysen Incashola of St. Ignatius with seven entries, Baylie Petersen of Columbia Falls with two and Terrace Detrich of Kalispell with one. Marcus Lucas of Polson is tied with Shelbie Petersen for first in the 13-17 age category, each with three lake trout entries.

The last of the three Bucket Days is Sunday, Nov. 6.

There is no entry fee for Mack Days and entries continue to be taken until the last day of the event (a reminder: there is no fish fry or awards ceremony on the final day).

For more information, visit www.mackdays.com or call Cindy Benson at 406-270-3386.