There’s a saying every angler knows by heart —the one that got away. It’s the story of the almost-perfect catch, the lunker that slipped the hook at the last second. Over time, that phrase has come to represent much more than fishing, namely a missed opportunity or a moment that just got away.
But at Gaston’s White River Resort in Lakeview, one of Arkansas’s true fishing meccas, the story plays out differently. Here, it’s the one that doesn’t get away. Perched on the banks of the White River, this picturesque resort has offered world-class fishing and unforgettable views for decades, serving multiple generations of Arkansas natives and visitors, creating memories as enduring as the waters that run beside it.
Under the direction of Clint Gaston, the latest in a long line of family ownership, the resort continues to evolve while preserving the classic charm that made it famous. In a world where fourth-generation family businesses are rare, Gaston’s is both a legacy and a love story. In fact, one could say Gaston’s is less the one that got away and more the one to get away to.
“We’re a family-owned business; I’m fourth generation,” Clint says. “My goal is to make it a fifth, sixth, seventh-generation business and keep it going. It’s very unique to come across a fourth-generation business; most don’t make it that long. That’s truly special to me.
“I see so many fourth-generation families that continue to come year after year. They talk about how great this place is, how it’s their favorite place to go, and that means a lot to me. Maintaining a place like this is hard work, but that makes it all worthwhile.”
Increasingly, those families are coming back not just for fishing, but for the holidays, a growing trend among travelers who’d rather make memories than messes. “It’s certainly growing, but it’s always been a trend for us,” Clint says. “We get families that have come year after year for decades, so it really becomes a generational thing. [Families] get to connect with loved ones and focus on building good memories instead of all the work that comes with it.”
Recent travel trend reports show that more Americans are skipping the traditional “no place like home for the holidays” mindset in favor of destination celebrations. For some, it’s about escaping the cold; for others, it’s a chance to experience a white Christmas. At Gaston’s, it’s about both: cozy cabins, warm fireplaces, and world-class trout fishing right outside the door.
Clint says a destination Christmas and Thanksgiving appeal to many families for the convenience factor. Thanksgiving has become especially popular, thanks to the resort’s acclaimed restaurant, which handles every detail of the feast. “More people are looking to spend Thanksgiving here versus a traditional Thanksgiving with all the cooking, preparing, and doing the dishes at home,” Clint says. “They really enjoy going somewhere where we handle everything. We put out the spread, and all they have to do is show up.”
Gaston’s appeal runs deep for families who love the outdoors. Fly-fishing lessons, guided excursions, and top-quality equipment are available year-round, because on the White River, trout season never ends.
“There are certain additional considerations to a Thanksgiving or Christmas fishing trip — namely the temperature,” Clint says. “But no matter the weather, we fish 365 days a year. That’s the great thing about trout fishing, there’s no closed season. Sure, there are cold days, but Arkansas weather has a mind of its own. In the middle of winter, we’ll get 60-degree days that are just perfect for fishing.”
As more travelers embrace the idea of destination holidays, Gaston’s has responded with expanded lodging and upgraded amenities. What began as a few small fishing cabins has grown into a collection of lodges and cottages, each with its own character but all sharing the same riverfront magic.
“We’ve had family reunions book the entire resort before,” Clint says. “Our biggest building is a 10-bedroom, 10-bath that sleeps 20. It’s got a big meeting room where everyone can gather, cook if they choose, or just hang out. And we’ve got other lodges right next to it for overflow.
“We also find that some families like to be a little more spread out. Some don’t want to be under one roof like they’re back in college. We work closely with guests to find exactly what they’re looking for.”
That personal touch is part of Gaston’s enduring charm; a mix of heritage, hospitality, and the kind of Arkansas beauty that never goes out of style. The only real challenge, Clint says, is the calendar. “That’s the tricky part, especially for people who tend to book last minute,” he says. “It’s hard to accommodate a big group unless we have plenty of time in advance. There are times of the year when we’re booked a year ahead, so being early with planning is the best way to ensure you can get the time you want.”
Four generations in, Gaston’s White River Resort remains a place where memories are made, traditions are shared, and families keep coming back for more. Whether it’s a weekend on the water, a holiday escape, or a simple need to breathe and recharge, Gaston’s is proof that some things are worth holding onto, and even better when they don’t get away.
Gaston’s White River Resort, located in Lakeview, Arkansas, is about 182 miles from Fort Smith, Arkansas. Visit them online at gastons.com, or call 870.431.5202.
