Smallmouth Fishing in the Ozarks

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So, we talk a lot about Trout here at White Buffalo. How easy they are to catch on the White River, how big they are, how to cook them in the summertime without using an oven....

You CAN come to WBR and fish for nothing but trout all day long, week in and week out, any time of the year and we (quite honestly) hope you do. But it's not really the Trout Fishing that makes our location so unique in the heart of the Ozarks.

Two of the best Smallmouth Bass Streams in AMERICA are located in the Arkansas Ozarks- Crooked Creek and The Buffalo National River. Just go ahead and guess- Which resort on the White River could possibly be sandwiched between two such prime locations?

(No fair looking at the map...)

Whether you've fished Trout with us for years and want to try something different, or like the idea of fishing multiple locations during your stay, here's a little information on both streams and what they have to offer.

Crooked Creek:

There are plenty of "crooked" creeks, streams, sloughs, bayous and branches in Arkansas but only ONE can be called the "blue ribbon smallmouth bass stream of the state". The landscape surrounding Crooked Creek is typical of the Ozarks, but the stream itself is characterized by deep pools, fast chutes and clear water. While there are several day-long floats accessible on the upper portions of Crooked Creek, the lower portion is described as "more rugged" and recommended for experienced fishermen. If you'd like to try your hand at the lower portion, we'd suggest going with a guide, (several of the guides we book with will take you there.)

The upper portion runs along the 62/412 highway, which makes it highly accessible to our guests. Our Sisters on the Fly group has been known to do some phenomenal fly fishing on Crooked Creek between Pyatt & Kelly's Slab.

The Buffalo National River:

The Buffalo River is nationally famous for several reasons. Its jawdropping features include caves, natural springs, waterfalls and other geographic marvels. It originates in the Boston Mountains and flows East 150 miles til it ultimately joins the White River at Buffalo City, (it waves hi to us as it passes.) The country's first National River, the Buffalo has been enjoyed by canoers, campers and fishermen for years.

The Buffalo is considered the model smallmouth stream. According to Arkansas.com: "...the Buffalo has fast, clear, oxygen rich water with the kind of gravel bottom and boulder beds smallmouth bass love." You can do great fishing from a canoe, or a jonboat, as you prefer. Anglers recommend casting into swift moving water, and the locals confirm. Several of our longtime guests have been known to anchor their boats right at the confluence of the White & Buffalo Rivers and proceed to scoop up all kinds fat smallmouth in the process of feeding.

For more information about either of these waterways, or smallmouth fishing elsewhere in Arkansas, visit
the Natural State's Official Tourism Website.

Ten Arkansas Adventures to Take

"Mining" for diamonds in Murfreesboro- check it out treasure hunters!

Here's a link to a great article that details ten "can't miss" adventures in the Natural State.
They run the gamut from quirky to awe-inspiring, (a little bit like the state of Arkansas itself!) Haven't tried out a lot of these personally, (I have a resort to run...) BUT its good to have a list of "the best" for the few days we get to take off from resort life.

Check it out!

The T-Buckets visit White Buffalo.

Every year, Mountain Home, Arkansas plays host to a unique gathering that combines both history and hot-rods...



The 2011 Buckethead Bash has been going on all week, drawing "T-Bucket" enthusiasts from all over the country to the beauty of the Ozarks. Events include group cookouts, a car show, and plenty of cruisin'.

A "T-Bucket" is a specific style of Hot Rod, based on the look of a Ford Model T. The majority of T-Buckets on the road are generally replicas, since usable & authentic Model T parts are extremely hard to come by. T-Buckets typically feature a light, 2 seater body, an exposed Model T style radiator, and an oversized V-8 engine. Some owners choose to add oversized back wheels as a nod to the Model T's drag racing past.

Whenever the T-Buckets are in town, they take a sunset drive down the White River, which is where we caught them on Wednesday night.

For more information, check out the Buckethead Bash website.

Fourth of July on the River

Thanks to all our guests who stayed with us this weekend- we had such a fun time with all of you! Here's a few pics.

Making Trout Ceviche

So, in our recent Summer Newsletter, we included our recipe for Trout Ceviche: a "no-cook" meal that makes for some tangy & refreshing Summer Eats. I made some the other day and have been enjoying it for lunch when its too hot to turn on the oven.

Here's our step by step look at making it:

These were trout we pulled out of the freezer. Fileting fish after they've been frozen is much harder than doing it when they're fresh. We recommend fileting them right out of the river and freezing the filets.

We just wanted to make a half portion of Ceviche, so we only chopped up a few limes and lemons.

If you own a microplane, you can add zest from your limes and lemons to the mixture. No microplane? You can use a fine grater or even a fork.

Raw trout soaking in the lemon juice- it almost looks like chicken broth.

Ta Da! Cooked with no heat! Ain't chemistry cool?

Tomatoes, avocado, and peppers. Since this was a quick batch of ceviche, we opted out on the onions and jalepenos- too many hazards involved in the chopping.

Stir in some olive oil, honey, and a few of your favorite spices and voila! Your cold, tangy and nutritious fish dish is ready!!

Want the full recipe for Ceviche? Subscribe to our Summer Newsletter and receive all kinds of fun information and updates.

How to Plan a Multi-Family Vacation

When I first read this article about "multi-family vacations", I thought...."Wait a minute, isn't that just called a vacation?"

Looking back on my childhood, I realized that my family almost NEVER took a trip alone.

There was Swimming in the pool with my cousins in Palm Desert, Camping with a huge group of friends in Yosemite Valley, and Skiing with my mom's side of the family in Lake Tahoe.

The few times my parents tried to take us places "alone", my siblings and I were horrified.

"What are we supposed to do...hang out with EACH OTHER?!?"

Actual photograph of my siblings "hanging out with each other" on vacation.

That never sounded like much of a vacation to me.

Whether the travel industry is finally picking up on something families have been doing for a long time, or whether the trend is actually on the rise with the precarious economy, Multi-family traveling might just be the answer for your next vacation.

We've seen it all at White Buffalo Resort, so Here's our take on the perfect multi-family vacation:

1) The Lone Flag-Bearer:

Now, you might be thinking "More people? Great! We can split all the responsibility!" Sorry to burst your bubble. When it comes to planning a multi-family vacation, it always seems to boil down to one staunch soul calling to arrange dates, lodging, arrivals and departures.

Find the most organized, datebook-loving person in your group and appoint them. Make sure they have good phone skills- I've never seen a group planning endeavor that didn't require multiple rounds of phone calls between parties.

2) Splitting the Bill:

Don't hand over that credit card for just anybody.

Most places are going to require a non-refundable deposit to reserve lodging. In the heat of the moment, it may seem easiest to put out the money yourself and collect every one's "shares" later.

We would recommend proceeding with caution, unless you really know and trust the people you're traveling with. Will you have to sic a collection agency on Great Aunt Angie?

We certainly hope not, but we've seen it happen.

Smaller, privately owned businesses may be willing to work with you here. We at White Buffalo know how painful it can be to go all "Ebeneezer Scrooge" on your friends and family, and have therefore been known to split bills twelve different ways down to the last percentage of tax.

Check whether your vacation location will let each person call to individually put down "their share" of the divided deposit, (we do). This way, all members of your party are equally committed, and less likely to cancel at the last minute, leaving you responsible for their part of the bill.

Friends bringing pets? Make sure they're aware of and responsible for any nightly fees for pets or additional guests. It may seem a little miserly to demand that your travel buddies pay up front, but its ultimately much better than tainting the end of your vacation with resentment, confusion and quarreling.

3) First one in gets the best bedroom.
Obviously.

4) Dividing Cooking:

From a mom's perspective, this makes any vacation, (especially camping) easier. Know your group's expectations up front. Will you want to eat every meal together? Dinners only? Eat completely separate, but come together to have s'mores over a campfire at night? If you do decide to eat meals together, it can simplify everyone's vacation to split things up beforehand. Designate a different party to cook for the group each night. Or decide on different side dishes each of you can contribute.

5) Togetherness.

Just cause you're on vacation TOGETHER, it doesn't mean you're inseparable. Don't remain dutifully glued to your group if it means missing out of something you're genuinely interested in. And if you're the planner- don't make group activities mandatory. Remember that people view "vacations" differently- and that while some need to see and explore and do everything offered, others just need a pool chair to lounge in. Be understanding- your goal should always be to avoid hurt feelings or resentment.

If your vacation desires diverge, plan a few days where you'll head in different directions. Make sure to come back together at night to share stories about your different adventures.

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All in all- multi family vacations can mean savings, new traditions and fun. Our Deluxe Lodges are big enough to accommodate togetherness AND privacy, and there's always room in the campground for one more tent. Plan your next vacation together and see what memories you end up making.

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