Our speaker’s for January are John Gouker of Gouker Fly Fishing and Matt Barthels of Hawkins Outfitters. Their presentation will be “Big Bugs of June”

Gouker Fly Fishing offers a wide range of fly fishing opportunities on the Big Manistee, Little Manistee, and Pine rivers. We are located in the middle of Michigan’s Huron-Manistee National Forests, and just minutes away from the waters we guide. Gouker Fly Fishing is a four season, full time guide service, that offers both full and half day fishing
opportunities. Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Salmon, and Steelhead are all available, and make great targets for the fly angler. We take great pride in teaching all aspects of fly fishing and helping to preserve the rivers through the practice of catch and release. Whether you are a new to the sport, or an experienced angler, nothing gives us
more satisfaction than watching a client have a fly fishing experience of a lifetime.

Owner and guide of 22 years, John Gouker is a lifetime angler, fly tyer, professional fly fishing guide, and fly fishing instructor. John lives in Irons, Michigan with his wife Chasity, his son Ajae, and Chesapeake Bay retriever, Baylor. John specializes in walk or float
trips on the Little Manistee River, and enjoys chasing all types of cold and warm water species, from trout to smallmouth. John fished extensively in his native Nevada, as well as northern California, Oregon, and Vancouver Island (British Columbia.) He has also
travelled to fish the Patagonia region in Chile; and the North Shore of Lake Superior in Ontario, Canada.

Matt was born and raised in Grand Rapids and was fortunate to have a family cabin on the banks of the Little Manistee River. He started fly fishing there at the age of 8 and later began exploring nearby rivers like the Manistee, Pine, and Pere Marquette. Matt moved to the Wellston area and began guiding in 2013, in his early 20s. Here, he was a guide for trout, steelhead, smallmouth, and salmon. In July and August, he also guides in the Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado at Frying Pan Anglers.

“I love sharing the diverse angling opportunities Michigan offers and strive to provide a fun and informative experience for anglers of all skill levels.” In his free time, you’ll find him tying flies, swinging streamers for steelhead, stripping streamers for browns, or chasing bugs and rising fish. “I’m full of enthusiasm, quick to laugh, and always excited to be on the water. I’m confident you’ll enjoy your time spent with me!”