I stayed at Gatson's with my family (all adults) the first part of June.

I am not a huge fisherman but did spend some time fishing from the bank and was successful. Other's in the group did book float trips and had a great time!

The cottages were clean and spacious (we had a couple of the 2 bedroom units). Could use a little updating though. Each cottage has a view of the river and it was quite nice, even the day it rained. The grounds are very well manicured including the river bank right down to the water. It made it very nice to walk or sit on the bank and fish.

Swam in the pool one day, not huge but nice and clean.

The restaurant is good. They have a big variety, most hits, some misses. They do have resort prices though.

The best part was the people. Everyone was very nice and accommodating, couldn't do enough for you.

The resort is remote, with not much else to do but fish, hike and enjoy the scenery, so keep that in mind.

There is not a better place to trout fish in America. I have been there well over 20 times in my life and we have had a wonderful time each trip. The staff will certainly help you in any way they can. When you are there they treat you like family. The food is great and the river is second to none. Whether you like to fly fish, or you like to fish from a boat, you will not be disappointed. On a recent trip we watched as bald eagles caught fish, and deer crashed through the shoals heading for the opposite bank. We could hardly fish for watching all the wild life. I have been all over the world traveling as well as fishing and this resort is a very special place. My only regret is that I can't get there more often.

America's greatest fishing resort. Several drawbacks. I ordered the biggest steak on the menu and had to send it back because it was 50% fat. The rooms had no reading light above the bed and the TV was kitchen size with no cable. One morning wade fishing I had the worse case of diarrhea of my life due to the previous supper. Regretablly I did not go to the emergency room and report it to the authorities. One year later I was attending an outdoor supper in Cotter catered by Gaston's and the food was unedible. I had a martini at supper and inquired as to the brand of gin used. It was Heaven Hill which sold at a liquor store down the street for $10 [per 1.75liter]. Anyone who endorses the restaurant is a moron. Gaston's will never see me again. If you care for food even worse, try the Baxter Inn in downtown Mountain Home. It hosts the Rotary Club once a week and those guys must be oblivious to dreadful lunches. Fishing the White River is first class, but you're on your own for dining. John Townsend

Our family stayed at Gaston's at Christmas time while visiting retired family in the area. This was the perfect get away at a very reasonable price! During the off season their prices are 40%off! We were in the deluxe 2 bedroom cabin which was perfect for our family of 5. So often we don't really fit into a hotel room with 2 teenagers and a smaller child. Here each bedroom had it's own bathroom and 2 double beds-perfect for us. We especially enjoyed the fireplace with fresh wood right outside our door. Each night we had a fire going, watched tv or played games at the kitchen table, my teenagers checked email (great internet connection) and when the kids went to bed, we could stay at the fire! Very clean rooms, fully equipped kitchen and an amazing view of the river (lit at night so you can enjoy it even then!) right outside our window. The only drawback we saw was that the restaurant was not open during our stay the week after Christmas. It would have been nice to have a dinner there or even a lunch. We were informed of this when we made reservations however, so were prepared for this. My young child also enjoys the small "zoo" located on the property. We could take a walk on their trail and enjoy the peacocks and other small animals. If you need a private airstrip, they have that too! I've heard this is THE SPOT for trout fishing, but even if you don't fish, if you need a place during the holidays, I highly recommend Gaston's!