If you’ve spent any time fly fishing in Arkansas, chances are you’ve heard the name Ben Levin. With more than two decades of guiding experience, Ben has quietly become one of the most respected names in Ozark fly fishing.
If you’ve spent any time fly fishing in Arkansas, chances are you’ve heard the name Ben Levin. With more than two decades of guiding experience, Ben has quietly become one of the most respected names in Ozark fly fishing — known for his deep knowledge of the White River, his relentless pursuit of native smallmouth bass, and his passion for teaching others.
In our two-part interview, Ben breaks down everything from Caddis hatches and custom fly patterns to why Ozark rivers offer some of the most diverse fishing in the country. He’s fished and guided everywhere — Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Patagonia as well as Cuba and the Gulf Coast just to name a few— and still says the Ozarks are home to some of the best freshwater fishing on Earth.
🎧 Hear Ben’s episodes on The Ozark Podcast:
Ben grew up just a stone’s throw from the Little Mulberry River, and his roots in the Ozarks run deep. His first fly rod came at age 10. By the time he was a teenager, he was learning directly from pros like Duane Hada and guiding trips on his own. Though he’s fished all over the planet he still calls the Ozarks the most exciting and diverse fishery in his life.
“There’s something going on every month of the year here — something worth learning, chasing, figuring out.”
Ben’s story reminds us that you don’t need to go halfway across the world to find world-class fly fishing. The White River system, the Buffalo, and dozens of smallmouth creeks throughout Arkansas and Missouri offer enough mystery and beauty to last a lifetime.
What sets Ben apart isn’t just his experience — it’s the way he teaches anglers to think like the river.
He has a rare ability to break down complex variables like generation schedules, water temperature, and seasonal fish behavior in a way that makes sense, whether you’re a first-timer or a lifelong angler. His calm, thoughtful approach focuses on helping others read the water, adapt to the moment, and understand why the fish are doing what they’re doing.
Ben’s philosophy isn’t about ego or one method — it’s about mastery through observation. One day might call for casting dries to sipping trout on a slick seam, while the next might require dredging deep for sluggish smallmouth in a remote Ozark creek. And no matter the conditions, Ben’s goal is to teach you how to think, not just how to cast.
We’re proud to partner with Ben to offer something special for our Same 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.
Ben operates out of the Cotter/Mountain Home area and can be reached via his website Fly South Adventures.
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