Leading the Pack: Top Twenty Category

Kolton Turner of Kalispell has taken the lead in the Top Twenty category with an impressive total of 1,468 fish entries, surpassing the previous record. His brother, Bob Turner, follows closely with 1,413 entries, while Jason Mahlen of Kalispell trails behind with 1,412 entries.

Women on the Water: Ladies Category

Julie Perkins leads the Ladies Category with an impressive 491 entries, followed by Janet Myers of Riverton, Wyo., with 319 entries. Connie Jones and Shaunda Albert of Ronan are tied for third place with 126 entries each, and Laurie Bouley of Columbia Falls rounds out the top five with 41 entries.

Tagged Lake Trout: A Window into Fish Growth

The tagged lake trout program provides valuable insights into the growth rates of these magnificent fish. By tracking the movement of tagged fish, scientists can gain a better understanding of how they migrate and grow throughout the lake. A notable example is the $1,000 tagged fish caught by Michael Stevenson of Kalispell, which traveled from Skidoo Bay to the north end of the lake in just one month.

Record-Breaking Anglers

Dave Myers of Riverton, Wyo, has fished for 32 consecutive days, setting a new record for the event. Despite the challenges, he has maintained a consistent number of entries, with the lowest being 21 and the highest being 100-fish limits on seven days.

Big Fish, Big Catch

Brodie Smith of Kalispell continues to dominate the 13-17 Category with 546 lake trout entries, while Fjord Borgen of Kalispell takes second place with 14 entries. The 12 & Under category is led by Benjamin Dieterich of Kalispell with 22 entries, followed by Carter Lindsay of Pablo with 14 entries.

Senior Anglers Shine

Jerry Benson leads the 70 & Over category with 990 lake trout entries, followed closely by Michael Benson with 802 entries. Other notable seniors include Terry Krogstad with 676 entries, Jack Kirkland with 660 entries, and Larry Ashwell with 592 entries.

Smallest but Not Least

The smallest lake trout entries were recorded by Mike Colyer of Missoula with a 164mm (6.5”) lake trout and Korey Heindahl of Kalispell with a 162mm lake trout.

Largest Fish Catch

Matt Brazda of Missoula still holds the lead in the largest fish category with a 36.25-inch, 20.5-pound lake trout. The largest fish category requires entries to be more than 36 inches and 20 pounds.

Weekend Winners

Devon Burkowski of Kalispell won $200 for the weekend, while David Kelch of Great Falls, Brodie Smith, David Myers, and Bob Stewart of Kalispell each took home $100.

Bonus Dollars and Bucket Days

The second Bucket Day is scheduled for Saturday, April 19, with the winner receiving $200. Bonus dollars begin at 11 entries and increase as the total number of entries increases. For more information, visit the website at www.mackdays.com.

Getting Ready for the Next Bucket Day

The next Bucketer Day is Saturday, April 19, with the winner receiving $200. Make sure to get out on the water and try your luck! With the $10,000 lake trout, Willy, possibly waiting for you, all it takes is one fish to win in the lottery drawings.

Stay Safe, Stay Informed

Be sure to follow all safety precautions and stay aware of weather predictions. Spring in Montana can bring anything, so it’s essential to be prepared.

• Spring in Montana can bring unexpected weather conditions
• Anglers should follow safety precautions and stay informed about weather predictions
• Get out on the water and try your luck! The $10,000 lake trout, Willy, may be waiting for you

1. Anglers should be prepared for changing weather conditions
2. The tagged lake trout program provides valuable insights into fish growth rates
3. Record-breaking anglers like Dave Myers and Brodie Smith are dominating the competition

“Spring in Montana is a time of wonder, and the Mack Days fishing event is a thrill that brings people together.