The Ozark Podcast Ep. 169 - Chad Johnson - Choosing the Right Fly Even When the Hatch isn't Obvious
Fly fishing the White River is part science, part sorcery and no one unpacks that mystery better than Chad Johnson. In this episode, he breaks down the bug calendar, why hatches behave strangely, and what to throw when there’s no hatch at all.
Whether you’re dialed in or just getting started, this episode is packed with seasonal tips, fly strategy, and river wisdom from one of the best in the business.
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00:00 – The three major White River hatches: midges, caddis, and sulfurs
06:00 – Caddis hatch chaos
14:00 – Caddis, Sulfurs, and Hopper season
22:00 – Why girdle bugs work—even without stoneflies
29:00 – Reading trout behavior: depth, lead flies, and water clarity
What is The Ozark Podcast?
In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker.
Our hosts are Kyle Veit and Kyle Plunkett - and our producer is Daniel Matthews
Theme music: 'American Millionaire' by JD Clayton
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PLEASE reach out to us with any recommendations or inquiries: theozarkpodcast@gmail.com