The Ozark Podcast
Ep. 231 - Chad Johnson - The Hatch Gap: A Guide's Playbook for "Slow Times" on the White River
You're fishing the White River, but there's no hatch...Now what? → Join other Ozarkers in our Patreon - The Holler → Get weekly updates, show notes, and stories in our NEWSLETTER Top White River guide Chad Johnson is back for part two — and this time it's all about bugs. He breaks down the three major hatches on the White River, what's actually changing about them year over year, and the simple seasonal framework that tells you exactly what to tie on from January through fall. More importantly, he reveals what to do on those in-between days when there's no obvious hatch — and why adjusting your depth six inches might be the only fix you need. If you've ever stood on the White River wondering why the fish won't eat your fly when you can literally watch them rising, this episode has your answer. Together with... Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars Poncho Outdoors - Outfitting the modern outdoorsman (claim $10 off) Ember Shoals Outdoor Resort - Just steps from World-Class Trout Waters 0:00 – The Three Major Hatches on the White River 5:00 – The Caddis Hatch 9:00 – The Sulfur Hatch 14:00 – The Dorito Rule: Why Fishing a Hatch Is a Completely Different Game 17:00 – Summer Fishing: Why You Flip from Fishing Bottom-Up to Top-Down 19:00 – What to Throw When There's No Hatch On (Browns vs. Rainbows) 26:00 – How to Read Fish Behavior When They Won't Eat Your Fly 30:00 – The Five Flies You Need to Fish the White River All Year 33:00 – Dave Whitlock's Lesson 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 Catch up with us on Instagram and Facebook @theozarkpodcast PLEASE reach out to us with any recommendations or inquiries: theozarkpodcast@gmail.com



