March 10, 2025
Tying in Paradise
Written by Connor Olsen
For fly fishermen, the sport is more than just catching fish—it’s an escape. Whether alone, with a buddy, or a loved one, a day on the river offers a sense of peace unmatched by any other experience. At the award-winning White River Inn, Steve and Elisabeth Sonmaker have perfected this escape, blending expert hospitality with world-class fly fishing. Their dedication to providing an unforgettable experience has earned them one of the highest honors in the industry.
That dedication was recognized in 2024 when the White River Inn was named Orvis Lodge of the Year—an achievement reserved for only the finest lodges in the nation. Earning this prestigious title is no small feat. The competition includes 68 grand lodges, spanning from the biodiverse Florida Keys to the untamed streams of Montana. To win, lodge owners must constantly innovate while providing guest after guest with life-changing moments—all centered around the beautiful art of fly fishing. After finishing as a runner-up in 2023, Steve was determined to claim the top spot in 2024, and his hard work paid off.
Located in Cotter, Arkansas—known as the “Trout Capital” of the USA—the 8,500-square-foot White River Inn is a decadent lodge nestled in the hills, overlooking the legendary White River. Winding through the Ozark Mountains, the White River has a reputation for producing massive brown trout, including the former world record 40-lb fish, while consistently delivering trophy-sized brown trout over 30 pounds.
For Steve and Elisabeth, this wasn’t just a job—it was the perfect fusion of their passions. With 20 years of hospitality experience and a deep love for fly fishing, they took over as hosts of the White River Inn in 2021. “We both love fly fishing and meeting new people, but it’s even better when you get to meet new people that also love fly fishing,” Steve says. “After you have gone on a great adventure, the memories of that experience stay with you for a lifetime. Elisabeth and I love to be able to facilitate these experiences for other people.” Their commitment to excellence, from renovations to service, turned the lodge into an unparalleled destination, culminating in its recognition as Orvis Lodge of the Year.
A world-class lodge deserves world-class craftsmanship, and no fly-fishing retreat is complete without the perfect fly-tying setup. Just as the Orvis Lodge of the Year award represents the pinnacle of hospitality in fly fishing, TieCraft desks have become a symbol of excellence for anglers who take their craft seriously. So, as the lodge’s interior was being fine-tuned, it became apparent that a TieCraft desk would be the perfect addition. Drew Allman, owner of TieCraft was called to enhance the lodge with a state-of-the-art fly tying desk where the wood, style, and custom features were personally selected to match the lodge’s aesthetic. The result? A stunning Walnut Gunnison desk that Steve describes as “the perfect fit for our lodge. It really ‘ties’ the room together. The drawers operate so smoothly and have the perfect amount of organization dividers and space.” Big Lebowski reference aside, the desk is now an integral part of the White River Inn experience, ensuring that every angler has a workspace as refined as their surroundings.
Just as Steve and Elisabeth have a passion for hospitality, Drew has a passion for craftsmanship. An expert woodworker, he branched off from his custom woodworking company, Board and Bolt, to create fly-tying desks that elevate the art of fly fishing. When passion and craftsmanship intersect, excellence follows. The White River Inn, now Orvis’s #1-ranked fishing lodge, wouldn’t be complete without a TieCraft desk—designed for anglers who demand the best.
