The Ozarks are known for their smallmouth bass — feisty, strong, and wild. But catching them year-round? That’s a whole different game.
In Episode 157 of The Ozark Podcast, longtime guide Ben Levin of Fly South Adventures broke down what it takes to consistently find and catch smallmouth through all four seasons in the creeks, rivers, and tailwaters of Arkansas and Missouri.
Ben’s not just a guide — he’s a student of these fish. And his approach to smallmouth is less about flashy gear and more about understanding fish behavior, habitat, and subtle seasonal changes.
Enjoy.
— Kyle V.
The Interview
In this episode:
What makes Ozark smallmouth so unique
Fly presentation tips for clear vs. stained water
Why current and structure matter more than anything else
How to approach new water like a guide
🎧 If you like platforms other than YouTube, find The Ozark Podcast on Apple, Spotify, and all the rest.
Why Ozark Smallmouth Are Special
“These are not your average bass,” Ben said. “They’re stream-born, aggressive, and they live in some of the prettiest places in the country.”
Unlike reservoir bass, Ozark smallmouth are shaped by the flows, structure, and temperatures of moving water. And that means they move a lot.
Seasonal Patterns: Where to Find Them
Ben walked us through a year in the life of a smallmouth:
Winter: Deep holes, slow water, low metabolism — “you’ve gotta be patient.”
Spring: Pre-spawn and spawn — “biggest fish of the year show up in predictable places.”
Summer: Spread out, active — “get up early or fish late.”
Fall: Feeding heavy — “this is when they’re eating everything before winter sets in.”
Fly Selection and Tactics
Ben doesn’t get too hung up on fly patterns — it’s more about size, profile, and movement.
Some of his go-to approaches:
Clouser minnows
Crawfish patterns
Surface bugs during warm months
Weighted streamers when flows are up
He emphasizes stealth and accuracy: “You need to land it close, but soft. A bad first cast can ruin the spot.”
We’re proud to partner with Ben to offer something special for our Holler community:
🎣 Members of The Same Holler get 10% off guided trips or workshops with Ben Levin.
This is a great way to invest in your skills and experience the rivers of the Ozarks alongside a true master of the craft.
Habitat and Movement
“Current breaks are everything,” Ben said. He looks for:
Boulders
Downed trees
Undercut banks
Shade lines during summer
He also shared that during high water, fish push tight to the banks. In low water, they concentrate in deeper pools and oxygen-rich riffles.
Conservation and Ethics
Ben’s passionate about protecting smallmouth. He encourages:
Catch and release (especially during spawn)
Minimal handling
Wet hands before touching fish
“These fish don’t get the attention trout do,” he said. “But they deserve just as much respect.”
PROVISIONS
Ozark Camo Hat
Neosho Bass Hat
Camp Mug
Thanks for reading! We’ve got more episodes coming your way.
Till then, get outside.
— Kyle Veit