A legacy born on the banks of the White River.
Flowing nearly 700 miles through the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas and Missouri, the White River has long been a lifeline for the region.
For centuries, it sustained communities with its fertile bottomlands and abundant wildlife. In the early 20th century, the construction of a series of dams, including nearby Bull Shoals Dam in 1951, transformed the river into one of the finest cold-water trout fisheries in the world.
The stretch of water just below Bull Shoals—where White River Trout Club is located—quickly gained legendary status among anglers. Cold releases from the dam created year-round trout habitat, producing healthy populations of rainbow and brown trout that keep rods bent all day and test even the most seasoned fly fishers.
This stretch of river has produced countless record catches, and continues to draw anglers and guides from around the world in pursuit of trophy trout. By placing the lodge here, WRTC continues a tradition of welcoming guests to one of the most storied trout waters in America.
Today, the White River is celebrated not only for its world-class fishing but also for the beauty of its bluffs, forests, and valleys.
After graduating, Stephen chased fly fishing around the world—guiding in Alaska, South America, Colorado, the Northeast, and saltwater destinations across the Gulf, Caribbean, and Mexico.
David’s journey took him to some of the world’s most renowned waters, building expertise and vision that would eventually shape White River Trout Club.
After years of guiding on some of the world’s most renowned waters, Stephen and David reunited in the Rockies and decided it was time to come home. Their vision: bring everything they had learned from premier lodges worldwide back to Arkansas.
In late 2021, they purchased the historic Sportsman’s Resort on the White River and transformed it into White River Trout Club, recasting it as one of the state’s premier fishing lodges.
What began as the purchase of the old Sportsman’s Resort has grown into a complete transformation. Over the last several years, White River Trout Club has been remodeled from the ground up: new lodging, a custom bar, the riverside pavilion, and a fully covered dock.
Each improvement was made with a clear vision: to create a lodge worthy of the White River’s world-class waters. And the work continues.
Through ongoing improvements, conservation-minded practices, and a dedication to the local community, WRTC is shaping a future where the river—and those who come to enjoy it—will always come first.
