How to Catch Ozark Smallmouth Year-Round with Ben Levin

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 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.

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.”

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.”

Learn From the Full Episode

Ben’s full interview covers:

• 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

🎧 Listen to the full episode:

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✅ The Same Holler Member Perk

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.

Book a Trip with Ben Levin

Ben operates out of the Cotter/Mountain Home area and can be reached via his website Fly South Adventures.

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