Week two of the 2021 Fall Mack Days Fishing Event sponsored by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes is in the books with a total of 4,803 lake trout entered by anglers. Up to $200,000 in Cash and Prizes will be awarded at the conclusion of the event on November 14th. The event is nine weeks long. Fish one day or every day!
Friday’s total was 804 lake trout entries, Saturday total was 628 entries, and Sunday the total was 594 entries. Monday through Thursday total was 836 entries and the total entries Friday to Sunday is at 3,967. There are many ways and categories to qualify for the awards. All it takes is one fish to begin. Every lake trout entry gives anglers a chance to win cash awards from $50 to $2,000 in the lottery drawings which are done by a random electronic program.
The $10,000 tagged lake trout named “Freddie Mack” by Peter Dayton of Missoula is still out there, along with 3-$5,000 tagged fish, and 5-$1,000 tagged fish, plus over 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 waiting for some lucky anglers. Bonus dollars are earned once anglers reach a total of eleven entries, dollars go up as fish totals go up. The chart is on the webpage, click on events for the drop-down boxes.
Felix Gauci, of Stevensville leads all anglers with a total of 423 lake trout entries. In 2nd is Mike Benson of Lonepine with 274, 3rd is Larry Karper of Florence with 268, 4th is Sam Cusker of Bigfork with 258. In 5th place is Richard Kreis-Huson with 245, 6th place is Scott Bombard of Missoula with 208, 7th place is Jack Kirkland of Missoula with 203, in 8th place is Laurie Kreis-Huson with 191, 9th place is Larry Ashwell of Missoula with 180, and in 10th place is Mark McMillin of Missoula with 136 lake trout entries.
Leading the Ladies anglers is Laurie Kreis with 191, 2nd place is Julie Perkins of Kalispell with 123, 3rd place is Kim Mack of Helena with 49, In 4th place is Debby Sacchi of Thompson Falls with 48, and in 5th place is Gina Schiff of Whitefish with 36 lake trout entries.
Larry Karper is leading the 70 and Over angler group with 268 entries, in 2nd place is Jack Kirkland with 203, 3rd place is Larry Ashwell with 180, 4th place is John Gauci of Florence with 127, and in 5th place is Paul Grove of Wyoming, Il with 101 lake trout entries.
Kaden Blowers of Missoula turned in one fish in the 13-17 group. Bryan Blowers has three entries in the 12 & Under and Wyatt Best of Florence has one.
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: $100-Ken Richert-Thompson Falls X 2, Geoff Curzon-Missoula, Larry Karper X 2, Jerry Luderman-Kalispell, Bob Church-Polson, and Jack Kirkland. $200 tagged fish: Jack Kirkland and Julie Perkins.
A 191mm (7.5”) small lake trout entry was turned in by Brad Ivanoff of Arlee. It joins a 220mm turned in by Felix Gauci. No large fish entry so far in the event.
The 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 PFD’s 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. Come out and join the Mack Days anglers who are making a difference for native fish, helping to restore their populations for future generations.
Entries continue to be taken until the last day of the event. Go to the website www.mackdays.com to find all the information on the event, fish ID, weather, entries, or call (406) 270-3386.
Tight lines everyone!
-cskt-
