Jerry Benson wins 2024 Fall Mack Days fishing event at Flathead Lake
More than 18,400 lake trout were caught during the 2024 Fall Mack Days fishing event at Flathead Lake, which concluded on Nov. 3.
The total count was the second-highest ever recorded, the top year being 2015's 19,500 fish caught.
Jerry Benson, of Plains, was the top angler. He caught 1,301 fish for an 18-day average of 60.28. Mike Benson, of Lonepine, came in second at 1,295 fish.
The top female angler was Laurie Kreis, of Huson, with 490 lake trout, followed by Debby Sacchi, of Thompson Falls, with 149.
The youth 13-17 winner was James Kurchera, of Missoula, with 16 fish. The 12 and under winner was Blaine Helvey, of Thompson Falls, with 20. The 70 and over winner was Felix Gauci with 274.
The 2025 Spring Mack Days will begin March 13 and end on May 10.
Mack Days are sponsored by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and are used as a management tool to decrease numbers of invasive lake trout numbers in Flathead Lake. This fall's event awarded up to $200,000 in cash and prizes to participating anglers.
