We have now reached the middle of winter and the rivers are cold. Ice conditions have made it tough to be able to get out on the river. With that said, every now and then Mother Nature opens windows where the ice jams break free and we can.
Water temps are anywhere from 29-31 degrees. With how cold the temps are, winter water has been our targeted area.
When talking about winter water, look for smaller deeper holes anywhere from 5ft-10ft and “walking pace” speed of water. Generally speaking float fishing is the best way to fish, depending on how much ice is coming down the river. 8gr – 20gr floats with according sized split shot to weight them down. Eggs and spawn have been taking most fish due to the scent of the eggs and fishing in slower/colder water. Around a quarter sized bag is what has been working in either chartreuse, pink, and white.
Beads and eggs flies have also produced some fish in more peachy/pearly colors such as glow roe, peach roe, and peachy punch. 8mm to 10mm sized eggs have been working best.
Fly Fishing Film Tour
We have partnered with Orvis-Grand Rapids to raffle off a full day guide trip when you go to the store and purchase your tickets. F3T will be at the Wealth Street Theater on March 4. Here’s a link to this years stoke reel. While you’re at Orvis, remember pick up some quality gear.
Alaska & Other Destinations
Just a quick update on our trip to NakNek River Camp. Do to high demand, we need to close out this years trip. Stay tune though as we will start to take reservations for 2023 in the next couple of months. If you have any interest in 2023 let us know and we’ll get you on our email list. The thing to remember is, you should book early as spots fill up fast
Over the next year, we’ll begin to roll out other destination spots as we are partnering with Orvis Travel and Orvis Grand Rapids to offer adventure travel. Stay tuned.
Just a note, our Naknek River Camp destination is not affiliated with Orvis.
Winter at Werkman Outfitters
When the rivers are frozen, we’ve been busy tying flies. Dolly Lama’s, Dedeaux Snakes, Fat Baby, Kreelexes and a few other Grand River Flies. At some point, we plan to start a YouTube series on “Flies of the Grand River”. in the meantime check out our YouTube Channel as we will start to push more content out.
Book Your Trip
The spring steelhead run will be here before you know it. We have some March and April dates open so give us call to get on our calendar. Summer will be here soon as well and our summer months are slowly filling up. Whether you prefer spin gear, fly gear, both or just want to learn we have you covered. Book with us.