CJ's Reel Southern Podcast #1 | Chad Johnson and Alex Lafkas - Streamers from Michigan to Arkansas

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Welcome to the very first episode of CJ’s Reel Southern Podcast! This podcast is all about one thing—trophy fishing. Whether it’s brown trout, smallmouth, stripers, or even musky, we’re diving deep into the tactics, flies, and mindset it takes to target big fish.

To kick things off, Chad Johnson is joined by Alex Lafkas from Michigan—a longtime streamer junkie and one of the fishiest guys I know. They swap stories about their early days figuring out the White River, compare notes on streamer retrieves, fly patterns, and how to read fish behavior. Plus, you’ll hear a quick monthly update from Morgan Guss of Diamond State Fly Shop on what to look for in the Ozarks this time of year.

If you love chasing big fish and geeking out on gear and techniques, you’re in the right place. Let’s get into it.

Episode Chapters with Chad Johnson and Alex Lafkas on Streamers from Michigan to Arkansas

Fishing the Ozarks: March Update with Morgan Guss

March is a big transition month for fishing in the Ozarks. Water levels fluctuate, bringing both challenges and opportunities. Streamer fishing can be hot, especially near the dam during shad kills. Minnow patterns remain a solid bet throughout the river. On the lakes, stripers, largemouth, and crappie start moving as the water warms. Whether you’re fishing the rivers or the reservoirs, now’s the time to get out and find some big fish.

Streamer fishing for big browns has deep roots in Michigan, but it has evolved in places like Arkansas' White River. Alex Lafkas shares how adapting to different water conditions is key. In Michigan, extreme seasonal shifts change fish behavior, while Arkansas’ tailwaters stay within a smaller temperature range. This means retrieves, fly selection, and feeding patterns vary between the two regions. Timing also plays a huge role—understanding when and where the biggest fish move makes all the difference. Whether you’re chasing trophy trout up north or in the Ozarks, learning how to read the water is the secret to success.

Feeding vs. Aggression: Understanding the Brown Trout Bite

When streamer fishing for big browns, knowing the difference between a feeding bite and an aggression bite is key. Smaller flies, like sculpins and minnow patterns, work best when fish are actively feeding. But when targeting trophy fish, upsizing to seven or eight-inch streamers can trigger an aggressive reaction. These big fish aren’t always hungry, but they will strike to defend their territory.

In Michigan and Arkansas, seasonal changes and water conditions affect how trout react. During winter and early spring, minnows and sculpins are prime food sources. As water warms, trout shift to eating crayfish and hoppers. Understanding these seasonal patterns helps anglers choose the right fly and increase their chances of hooking a trophy brown.

The Power of Water Temperature in Fly Fishing

Water temperature affects more than just whether fish are active—it helps determine what they eat. Instead of just thinking about if it's too hot or too cold to fish, anglers should use temperature to decide on fly selection and approach.

• Cold Water (Winter & Early Spring): Minnow and sculpin patterns work best.
• Warming Water (Late Spring & Summer): Trout key in on crayfish and larger prey.
• 50-Degree Sweet Spot: Brown trout tend to jump more when water hits 50°F.

The Power of the Pause in Streamer Fishing

When fishing streamers for big brown trout, knowing when to pause can make all the difference. Brown trout naturally feed in the drift, meaning they often strike when the fly stops moving. If you don’t give them