Kalispell angler Jason Mahlen expanded his lead in the third weekend of the Spring Mack Days fishing competition on Flathead Lake. Mahlen turned in 528 lake trout entries.
Last weekend was the most successful stretch for anglers so far, with 3,431 caught between Friday and Sunday. A total of 8,595 lake trout entries have been turned in.
Mike Benson is in second place with a total of 327 entries. Benson is closing in on reaching a high of 10,000 lake trout entries since he began fishing Mack Days in 2006, according to event organizers.
Craig Morigeau of Polson has a total of 312 with a daily average of 45.
Top anglers are placed by their best 15-day average.
Up to $150,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded to anglers at the conclusion of the event sponsored by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and sanctioned by Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. The events are used as a tool to reduce non-native lake trout in Flathead Lake.
Among youth anglers, Danner Shima of Kalispell is leading the 13-17 category with 119. Tanner Murry of Columbia Falls is in second place with 82. Connor Kowalski is third with 80. In the 12 and under category, Garett Vaughan of Charlo is in first place with 177, followed by Matt Guckenberg Jr. of Kalispell with 20 and Cole Gilleard of St. Ignatius with 14.
Susan Martin of Polson-leads the ladies with 63, followed by Tracy Powers of Missoula with 55 and Julie Vacca of Florence, 53.
For more information visit the Mack Days website or call 406-883-2888 ex. 7294.