My husband and I have stayed at Gaston's every year over Christmas for the last 10 years. My husband fly fishes, while I spend time in Mountain Home. The restaurant at Gaston's is a little expensive, so we sometimes drive into Lakeview or Bull Shoals for a meal, however, I generally cook breakfast in the cabin. We always get the Delux Cabin with two bedrooms which gives plently of room to store fishing gear. The cabins are exceptionally clean, however, this year, think I'll take my own comforter. They have had the same brown blankets for years. Staff comes by everyday to replenish towels, etc. Staff provides wood for the fireplace, so a roaring fire at night is nice especially after a long day of fishing.. These cabins are the best in the area, and we have stayed in several other resorts.. The scenery is beautiful, with wildlife all around. There are two very nice antique malls in Mtn. Home and a wonderful vintage jewelry store which I always frequent. There is also an interesting retro shop teens would love. There is plently to do in the area if you explore. Great place to go for quite book reading. Gaston's will always be our traditional Christmas getaway. Also, they decorate the outside beautifully for Christmas..

My husband found this place online and I was a little nervous about driving the 9 hours with my kids without seeing it first. Most reviews seemed to be good, so we took a chance. I was nervous as we opened up our cabin (because I have stayed in some nasty places other family members have booked). It was imaculate inside. Looks dated in the pictures because of the paneling, but realy it was clean. Seems like ew carpet and new eiling tiles. The view to the river was gorgeous. All the cabins are lined up along the river and there is plenty of lush grass leading down to the water. The river flows very very fast and is about 50 degrees. So at least when we were there we needed to keep our kids wiht us when we headed down there. There are a lot of amenities for the kids/family. They ahve a nature trail, a peacock sanctuary and a prvate large fishing pond (catch and release ) that the kids loved . Pool was imaculate and not too many people there. Restaurant was very expensive, but good for a night out. View there was great.
Fishing guides were amazing. One we had was featured in Southern living in June 2008 he said, we need to take a look at that.
Other things to do in the area:
dam tour. Go to the state park visitors center to book that at the beginning of your stay. Also there are boat cruiseys, but they were booked up.
You get a boat with your cabin, but you need to rent the motor. We felt better about letting the guide drive us since we have a two year old.
Rented a pontoon boat on the bull shoals marina for about $130 for half a day.
Service was great. Their towels were thick, cushy big and abundant. They came by each day to change them out if we wanted. Grill outside the door, picnic tables down by the river. Game room for the kids with pinball machines and grocery and laundry were about 10 minutes away by car.

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.