Wild trout retreat on the Ozarks’ wild North Fork River

Trout Lodge Guest House
We have recently opened our new guest house located on our riverfront property on the North Fork of the White River in southern MO. The North Fork, as it is locally known, is the premier freestone wild rainbow trout fishery between the Appalachians and the Rockies, rivaling many anywhere else in the country. The rainbows are a well-adapted strain descended from the McCloud River rainbow strain originally stocked in the clear cold fast spring fed waters of the river in the late 1800s. Rainbows were last stocked in 1964, and have maintained a thriving, self-sustaining population since then. Rainbows from young of the year to 20” or larger are commonly caught. The MO Dept of Conservation also stocks brown trout that while spawning too early to maintain a significant stream-bred population, grow to trophy proportions in the favorable environment of the river. Browns from 17-23” are common, and individuals up to 35” or larger are caught by experienced anglers. Both fly and spin fishing are successful techniques for both rainbows and browns. A list of local guides for the river can be provided.

But trout fishing is not the only activity visitors enjoy on the North Fork. In the spring walleye, stripers, hybrids and white bass from Lake Norfork downstream make their annual spawning run up the North Fork providing great sport fishing. The spring striper run is one of the finest river striper fly fishing opportunities in the country. The upper stretches of the river provide an outstanding fishery for native smallmouth bass. In the spring, summer and fall, the North Fork’s numerous sporty fast shoals provide outstanding canoeing, kayaking and rafting opportunities.

We provide direct river access at our landing behind the main house for wading, canoes, kayaks, inflatables, etc. We cannot handle trailered boats, but will direct you to those locations that can. Access is limited on the river as many areas are private and canoe and kayak outfitters are limiting use of their landings. We will provide contact information for the liveries operating on the river.

The guest house is well-equipped for a few days or a week or two, with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, comfortable plush furniture, full kitchen, washer and dryer, covered porch with outdoor table and chairs, Weber grill, rod or gun rack (deer and turkey hunters also welcome), wader hangers, and wader donning and doffing bench. Big screen TV, DVD/Blueray with WiFi connectivity for hot spot or Fire TV Stick, Sirius XM radio and bedside tables with device charging ports are provided.

Randy and Pat Huss