Fly-Outs: Best of both worlds

Photography by Dan Rockafellow

Whether you're a fisherman who flies, a pilot who loves to fish, or simply someone who enjoys a restful retreat, Gaston's White River Resort may be your perfect destination. World-class trout fishing is a few hundred yards' walk from the resort’s 3,200-foot turf runway (3M0) in Lake-view, Arkansas.

Gaston's White River Resort (3M0)

• Runway: 6/24, turf, 3,200 feet
• Field elevation: 479 feet msl
• Unicom frequency: 122.8 MHz 870-431-5202
• www.gastons.com

Call for runway report before landing. Land to the west and take off to the east to avoid power lines. If you prefer a hard-surfaced runway, land at Ozark Regional Airport (BPK) and call the resort for a shuttle pickup.

Over a hearty breakfast in a dining room that has a magnificent view of the river, you'll watch boatloads of guests and their fishing guides debarking from the resort's enormous floating dock. Whether you need to rent a boat, hire a guide to take you to the best spot, or purchase any type of gear, Gaston's has it. You can catch and release—or, if you prefer, bring your trout to the kitchen and the staff will prepare it for your dinner.

Jim Gaston; his wife, Jill; and their grandson, Clint, operate the resort, which features two miles of river frontage, two nature trails, a tennis court, a swimming pool, a duck pond, and a good-naturedly raucous flock of peacocks. In season, rates range from $89 per night for a cottage without a kitchen to $235 for an "ultra-deluxe" cottage with two baths, kitchen, and fireplace. Also available are several larger cottages that sleep as many as eight guests, and a villa that sleeps 20.

Gaston's White River Resort, 1777 River Road, Lakeview, Arkansas 76242; 870-431-5202; www.gastons.com.