CJ’s Reel Southern Podcast #4 | Sulfur Hatch, Hopper Fishing, and the Legacy of Dave Whitlock with Ben Levin

         

Episode Show Notes

In episode #4 of CJ’s Reel Southern Podcast, Chad Johnson kicks things off with a July fishing report from the White and Norfolk Rivers, highlighting the sulfur hatch and prime hopper season. The transition from sulfur in the evening to hoppers during the day opens up a ton of topwater opportunities, while nymphing with girdle bugs and pheasant tails remains productive. Chad shares fly suggestions like the Fat Albert, Psycho Ant, PMX, and two-bit hookers—solid patterns for the Ozark summer bite. The brief segment wraps with Diamond State Fly Shop’s usual shoutout, plugging tying nights and their new podcast, Guide Talk.

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(The full episode transcript is at the bottom of this blogpost) 👇🏻

Sponsors and Podcast Updates

The rest of the episode shifts into an intimate, storytelling-driven conversation with longtime friend and fellow guide Ben Levin. Together, they reflect on youth fly fishing competitions, the influence of legends like Dave Whitlock, and their early guiding experiences across the Ozarks, Idaho, Chile, and beyond. Chad and Ben trade heartfelt stories and fishing lessons from Whitlock himself—ranging from barefoot stream canoeing to master-level finesse casting. Packed with insight, nostalgia, and a touch of humor, this episode honors mentorship, deep friendships, and the never-ending journey of learning in fly fishing.

🔗 Resources Noted in the Show

Diamond State Fly Shop

• Instagram: @diamondstateflyco

• Facebook: Diamond State Fly Co

• YouTube: Diamond State Fly Co

• Podcast: Guide Talk Podcast

🐟 Flies & Patterns Mentioned:

You may want to link to your own store or recommended shops, but here are the flies referenced:

• Hopper Patterns:

  • Fat Albert

  • Psycho Ant

  • Swisher PMX

  • Gould’s Western Lady Hopper

• Nymphs:

           

  • Pheasant Tail (soft hackle version preferred)

  • Frenchie

  • Two-Bit Hooker (brown)

  • Newbury’s Rocker PMD

  • The Possum (soft hackle with CDC collar from Fulling Mill)

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CJ’s Reel Southern Podcast #3 | Trophy Fishing, Summer Hatches, and the Dying Minnow Technique

Full Podcast Transcript