The Heat Is On

June 17, 2024

The heat is on and summer temps are in full swing.  The Grand continues to be in great shape for smallmouth fishing and should continue to be so for the near future.  Here’s the latest from the frontlines.

The Report:

Streamer fishing continues to consistently produce the most fish. The old saying “if it’s not chartreuse, then it’s no use” is partially true. We’ve been using streamers with a mix of white and chartreuse in them and on the smaller side, 3 to 5 inches depending on the day.  

Top water continues to be the challenge, which is odd for this time of year, but that should turn on with the coming heat wave.  

Guide Tip:

If you really want to key in on what smallmouth are feeding on, pay close attention to when you land them.  Generally, smallmouth with “throw-up” what they have been feeding on during the fight. When they do this pay close attention, was it a crayfish, baitfish, dragon fly, etc.  Once you know this, then change your fly or lure to closely match that, which should help you in landing more fish.  

Max Got Married:

For those of you that have fished with Max over the years, we want to let you know he got married.  He and Courtney, whose he’s dated for the past couple of years, got married in Alaska on the Knick Glacier on the northern end of the Chugach Mountains near Palmer Alaska.  It was just the two of them and we couldn’t be more a happy.  

Between all of our guides, we have plenty of dates open this summer for smallmouth.  If you’re thinking of this fall and salmon fishing, remember to book sooner rather than later as we fill up fast.  To book your trip you can email us at guides@werkmanoutfitters.com or through our website, Contact Us, or call or text to 616-502-4899.  

- Tom Werkman

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Tom was the perfect guide for my son’s first guided trip. Tom’s personality puts you at ease before you even get in the boat. Not only did we have a great time, he was a great instructor and helped us improve our casting technique. My son landed his first ever pike...and it was a monster. What a memory! Tom is a top notch guide outfitted with top notch gear. Can’t wait to do it again!
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