Grand Rapids Location

Our Grand Rapids fly shop is located at 1600 East Beltline Ave NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525 just North of I-96, look for the Orvis sign above the door.

Phone: 616-805-4393.

We are located near the Rogue River, Grand River, and Flat River. We have a large selection of fly fishing gear and fly tying materials.

Want to join our team? CLICK HERE!

Grand Rapids Fly Shop Staff

Justin Wegner - Manager
justin@nomadanglers.com

I grew up in Michigan and have been enthralled with fishing for as long as I can remember. Summers spent at our family cabin on the Little Manistee River fostered my love for flowing water, trout, and anadromous fish. My Grandpa first introduced me to fly fishing in my early teens, and I never looked back.

Swinging flies for steelhead is by far my favorite type of fishing, but I am also an avid trout fisherman and I love chasing hatches in the summer and streamer fishing in the spring and fall.

My passion for fly fishing and the outdoors inspired my field of study at GVSU. I got my bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Management, and went on to get my master’s degree in Biology. My master's research focused on Brook Trout movement and habitat use.

I fish all over West and Northern Michigan, there are so many incredible opportunities in this state, and so many rivers to fish I could never choose one.

Scott Vogrig - Class Instructor, Shop Staff
scott@nomadanglers.com

I grew up in Northern Michigan and from a young age I was riding my bike to the local lake to fish. I caught onto fly fishing when I found an old fiberglass rod and automatic real in the attic and quickly learned that throwing spiders and small poppers for bluegill was a great way to spend my spare time. From there I began pursuing many species of fish with a fly rod. From Indi fishing and swinging for steelhead, dry flies, nymphs, and streamers for trout to streamers and top water for smallmouth and pike, I enjoy them all. If I had to pick one thing that ranks in front of all else it would have to be chasing steelhead in the winter.

To me fly fishing is a multi faceted hobby that provides a never ending pursuit. When you figure one aspect out you can start down another path and discover a whole new challenge. One of my greatest enjoyments in the sport is assisting others in learning. From fly fishing to fly tying I thoroughly enjoy assisting others getting started in the sport and passing along the knowledge I have learned over the years.

Captain Matt Kettner - Head Guide

I've been a fishing guide here in Michigan for 10 years and hold a US Coast guard captain's license. I was born and raised in the Grand Rapids area and learned how to fish at a very young age. I collected bugs for a 4H youth program when I was young and later on became a certified entomologist. Entomology was what first sparked my interest in fly fishing. About the age of 14 I took to fly fishing and have been a fly fisherman ever since. I am a very detail oriented angler that enjoys studying fish habits and body language. I believe fishing is a sport that you can never truly hit a cap on, there is always something to learn or improve on. I've been a customer at Nomad Anglers since 2011 when the shop first opened and I'm excited to be able to be a full-time Nomad guide and share my knowledge on the river with others. I fish out of two different Stealthcraft boats, an 18' Jet boat and a 15' skiff. Both boats are very comfortable and allow me to fish a very wide range of water types with clients. I am a very patient guide that enjoys having clients in the boat. I look forward to having you aboard.

Kevin Gilbert - Shop Staff

About 20 years ago my wife and I bought a cabin five miles from the Pere Marquette river. My brother was an avid fly angler and he took me to the PM and introduced me to this incredible sport of fly fishing. I was a die hard bow hunter at the time. Once I found the river my bow hunting dwindled and I was on the river every chance I had available. I've had the opportunity to fish Tennessee, Montana, and Canada. However I absolutely love what we have available to us here in Michigan. I enjoy chasing both cold and warm water species. My favorite way to fish is with a streamer, but enjoy all forms of fly fishing. I really enjoy the time I spend at the fly shop. I learn something new everyday. It's great meeting all the customers and having conversations about their fishing adventures. Helping anyone who walks in the shop is a joy.

Rich Youngberg - Shop Staff

Rich has 20 years experience Planning and guiding various wilderness trips around the world. He has led and planned extensive fly fishing adventures, backpacking trips, wilderness canoe trips, and whitewater rafting trips for people of all ages and ability levels. When not fishing, Rich is usually spending time planning his next adventure, tying flies, and dreaming of his next big catch.

Drew Peklo - Shop Staff

I started out fly fishing at the age of 13. I grew up learning how to fish on the East Side of Michigan on Paint Creek and the Clinton River for steelhead, trout and anything else that would bite a fly. I was fortunate to have some great mentors who brought me into this wild addiction of fly fishing. I was lucky enough to move to West Michigan after completing my BSN in Nursing at Michigan State University. If I am not working at the hospital you can find me in the shop or on a river.

I have fished all over the country primarily for trout and steelhead. I thoroughly enjoy fishing for all species of fish on a fly rod. If I had to pick my favorite way to fish it would have to be swinging flies for steelhead. There is nothing like a grab on a swung fly! It is by far the most rewarding and exciting way to fish, and there are endless opportunities to accomplish this in our great state.

My favorite river to fish is the Muskegon in my Stealthcraft ATB. I also love to spend time on the Grand, Rogue, Pere Marquette, Manistee or AuSable.