Anglers fishing in Spring Mack Days turned in a total of 1,801 lake trout over the fifth weekend, raising the event’s total to 13,832.
Jason Mahlen of Kalispell continues to lead the event with a total of 846 lake trout entries. Steven Benson of Four Lakes, Wash., moved into second with 502 total entries. Michael Benson of Lonepine is third with 499 and Craig Morigeau of Polson is fourth with 497.
The Mack Days fishing competitions are sponsored by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and sanctioned by Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. Up to $150,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded at the conclusion of the event on May 19.
Leading the ladies is Susan Martin of Polson with 111, followed by Nicole Peters of Missoula with 105, and Julie Vacca of Florence with 82.
Garett Vaughan of Charlo is first in the 12 & under group with 234, followed by Matt Guckenberg of Kalispell with 46, Cole Gilleard of St. Ignatius with 31 and Abby Hodgson of Kalispell with nine. The 13-17 category has Danner Shima of Kalispell leading with 182, second is Connor Kowalski of Florence with 131 and Kobe Cox of Charlo in third with 106.
There are 760 anglers entered in the event. Entries are taken up until the last day of the event. Go to the Mack Days website for rules, entry forms, information and check out the new movie clips about lake trout fishing.