Our Fishing Guides
From steelhead to salmon, trout to smallmouth and carp to musky, we have you covered. Our guides have the skill set to target the fish you want to check off your bucket list.
In order to fish successfully, we use different techniques to catch multiple species of fish. These techniques include, fly fishing and traditional light spin gear.
While there’s no guarantee that every trip will result in landing “the big one”, we can guarantee a great experience. As guides and owners, we’ll make sure of it.
Max Werkman
Max is an owner at Werkman Outfitters. As a fishing guide, he’s the alter-ego of “The Old Man.” He specializes in the coldwater species of Michigan; salmon, trout and steelhead. He grew up in West Michigan and has basically been fishing since he could walk. During the summer months he guides in Alaska for Naknek River Camp.
His home waters are the Grand River, the White River and from time to time the Muskegon River. He uses multiple techniques including fly fishing, center pin, and spinning gear to catch the migratory fish. When he can’t fish he is either thinking about fishing or tying flies.
No matter your skill level Max is very patient and a great teacher, particularly with fly fishing techniques. He’s a member of the Michigan Charter Boat Association and you can follow him on Facebook or Instagram
Tom Werkman
Tom is also an owner at Werkman Outfitters and uses both fly and spin techniques for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and northern pike. His home waters are primarily the Grand River and its tributaries.
He lives in Grand Haven, Michigan and service on the board of the Michigan River Guides Association as its Vice President. He is a past Ottawa County Parks Commissioner, past board member and founder of The Ottawa County Parks Foundation and The Grand River Greenway. In addtion, he is also a member of the Michigan Charter Boat Association. You can follow Tom on Instagram or Facebook
So if you are looking for something different to put a bend in your rod other than a trout during the summer months, let it be known that these native fish will not disappoint.
Tanner Hylek
Born and raised in Michigan, Tanner has always had a passion for fishing. From guiding on the rivers of Alaska to the rivers of West Michigan he has built solid relationships with many of his clients over the years. Tanner uses both fly and spin techniques for salmon, steelhead, trout, smallmouth bass and northern pike.
He’s a well rounded angler but his passion lies in the cold water species. If he’s not guiding, he’s fishing. If he can’t fish, he’s at the vice tying his own flies.
Ted Kushion
Ted Kushion has been an avid fisherman his whole life, but only recently began guiding in 2020 when he started Flat River Outfitters. In January 2023, he joined the Werkman Outfitters team to be able to focus more on guiding and less on “back of the house” work.
“It’s been exciting to see what Tom and Max have built and the vision they have for their business. I’ve known known Tom a long time and we share the same values when it comes to being great stewards of the outdoors, and elevating the professionalism of our industry…without taking ourselves too seriously. I’m thrilled to play a small part in their long-term growth strategy.”
Ted’s specialty is guiding for Smallmouth Bass and Pike on the smaller tributaries east of Grand Rapids.
Matt Kettner
Like most fishermen, Matt began fishing at a young age. Through the years, he has honed in his skills on the rivers and lakes of southwest Michigan, learning how to catch just about any species of fish that the state has to offer.
Matt is a well-rounded angler, but specializes in Smallmouth, Carp, Salmon/Steelhead, Esox, and Catfish.
His preferred method of fishing is with a fly rod, but also uses spinning gear. Matt is a very patient guide and enjoys teaching people how to fish.
Licensed & Permitted
Our fishing guides are fully permitted by United States Forest Service to guide on the White River. In addition, we have permits from the State of Michigan to guide on the Grand River and Muskegon River. Our guides have their Merchant Mariner Credentials with the designation of Captain, as issued by the United States Coast Guard or their inland pilots license, as issued by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. These credentials allow us access on all navigable waters of the Great Lakes and its tributaries, which include the Grand River.