Through six weeks, more lake trout than ever before have been harvested at the Spring Mack Days fishing tournament on Flathead Lake. So far, anglers have caught 17,292 fish. And the total number of anglers – 1,075 – is also a record. Yet the top angler is, once again, 17-year-old Stephen Naethe of Pablo.
Naethe has caught the most fish (765), the largest fish (41 3/4 inches and 30.4 pounds) and the two smallest fish (240 mm and 206 mm). He qualifies for cash prizes in all of those categories. He has also caught tagged fish that are worth money.
Rounding out the top five for most fish behind Naethe are Steven Benson of Columbia Falls (653), Mike Benson of Hot Springs (545), Charles Fogey of Arlee (526) and David McDaniels (507). The top female anglers are Nicole Peters with 209, Debbie O’Hara of St. Ignaitus (90), Charlotte Benson of Plains (72), Deana Knipe of Polson (54) and Terry Biere of Butte (52).
The tournament is held on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. It began on March 12 and runs until May 23. For more information go to www.mackdays.com.