Spring Mack Days week 8 results announced
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FLATHEAD LAKE - The one hundred fish limit was on the minds of many anglers on Friday, May 1, of the 2025 Spring Mack Days fishing event sponsored by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. Ten anglers turned in their 100 fish limits of lake trout. The bite was on for them to have a perfect day of fishing on Flathead Lake. Total fish count on Friday was 2,544, which is the second highest day ever for fish entries. Highest day of fish entries was 3,030 on March 17 of 2017. The 2017 weekend total that first weekend was 6,138 and has been the record until week eight of 2025 that came to 6,451. It was a busy weekend for anglers. On Saturday there were 2,389 lake trout entries and on Sunday there were 1,518 entries. This is a record setting year with a total of 54,550 lake trout entries so far and week nine yet to go!
2025 Mack Days ends on Saturday, May 10. All entries are to be turned in by 3 p.m. at Blue Bay. No fish pickups on that day. The lottery drawing winners will be posted and top anglers announced.
Kolton Turner of Kalispell has held onto the lead with a total of 2,220 entries and a 100.0 -18 day average - Friday -100, Saturday -100, and Sunday -91. Top ten anglers are placed by their 18-day average. Jason Mahlen of Kalispell is a close second with 2,143 and 98.5 -100, 61, & 100; Bob Turner of Kalispell is in third with 2,042 and 95.17 -100, 100, 84; in fourth is David Myers of Riverton, Wyoming with 2,082 and 95.11 -100, 100, 100; in fifth is Clint Speer of Kalispell with 1,531 and 71.72 -77, 45, 70; in sixth is Jerry Benson of Plains with 1,460 and 69.28 -68, 80, 31; in seventh is Patrick Casey of Townsend with 1,410 and 67.83 -100, 86, 48; in eighth is Larry Ashwell of Missoula with 1,253 and 67.5 -100, 89, 47; in ninth is Terry Krogstad of Kalispell with 1,347 and 65.56 -100, 77, 86; and in 10th is Steve Andrachick of Kalispell with 1,310 -65.28.-63, 80, 100.
Friday’s totals may change the averages for some placings this coming week. The competition for categories ends on Friday. Saturday is a separate day with its own prizes. Totals do count for bonus dollars. Coming in 11th is Gene Corne of Kalispell iwth 1,282; in 12th is Mike Benson of Lonepine with 1,185; in 13th is Bob Stewart of Kalispell with 1,172; in 14th is Devon Bukowski of Kalispell with 1,144; in 15th is Julie Perkins of Kalispell with 1,085; in 16th is Larry Ludahl of Kalispell with 976,; in 17th is Larry Karper of Florence with 956; in 18th is Michael Stevenson of Kalispell with 887; in 19th is Bryan Long of Columbia Falls with 860; and in 20th is Jack Kirkland of Lolo with 796. Many, many, hours of fishing are represented by all of the anglers’ totals caused by fishing rods and lines just waiting and catching.
Lady angler Julie Perkins has 1,085 for her weekend count and came in on Wednesday with the first 100 fish limit for a woman in the event. Janey Myers of Riverton, Wyomin, is in second with 480; in third is Connie Jones of Kalispell’ in fourth is Shaunda Albert of Ronan with 203; and in fifth is Laurie Bouley of Columbia Falls with 68. These ladies are tough competitors putting in the hours just like their partners and getting the job done.
The youth anglers are amazing and great sportsmen and women. Some have grown up fishing the Mack Days events and move on into the adult categories. They are the future of making a difference in Flathead Lake. Brodie Smith of Kalispell is first in the 13-17 Category with 710 and is sitting at 21st in the adult category; in second is Fjord Borgen of Columbia Falls with 14; in third is David Gerspach of Kila with 3; and Sawyer Clark of Columbia Falls is in fourth with 3.
First in the 12 & Under Category is Mason Persico of Missoula with 59; in second is Carter Lindsay of Pablo with 56; in third is Allyvia Yang of Missoula with 32; in fourth is Benjamin Deterich of Kalispell with 25; and in fifth is Leo Thao of Missoula with 12.
David Myers of Riverton, Wyoming, has fished for 53 days, every day of the event so far, turning in fish every day he has been out. His total catch is 4,050 lake trout.
Jerry Benson leads the 70 & Over Category with 1,460; in second is Terry Krogstad with 1,347; in third is Larry Ashwell with 1,253; in fourth is Mike Benson with 1,185; and in fifth is Larry Karper with 956.
Tagged lake trout are all worth $100 at this time. Turning in tagged lake trout were: Dave Myers X 2; Kalispell anglers - Carey Hauser X 2, Bill Sorg, Jim Flinchbaugh, Kolton Turner, Weston Turner, and Gene Corne. Missoula anglers with tagged trout were: Matt Brazda and Larry Ashwell. Josh Morigeau of Polson, and Shaunda Albert of Ronan also turned in tagged fish.
Jim Flinchbaugh of Kalispell turned in a 156mm small lake trout on Friday. Gene Corne holds the title for the smallest lake trout entry in this event with a 155mm laker. Weekend winners were Janet Myers-$200 and Julie Perkins, Matt Brazda, and Patrick Casey X 2 each $100.
Mack Days Fishing Events are used to reduce the numbers of non-native lake trout in Flathead Lake. This is a fish conservation effort to increase the native bull trout and cutthroat trout populations. Anglers asked for and were given the chance to be a part of this effort and they are making a difference for the future of the native fish. Anglers can join Mack Days through the last week. Entries continue to be taken until the last day of May 10. Go to: www.mackdays.com for information, entry, fishing tips, etc.
Good luck & Tight lines everyone!
