How it came to be

Cold Water Trout Resort was never just a business idea—it’s something that’s been part of our lives long before it ever had a name.

We didn’t just grow up near the river—we grew up in it. Some of our earliest memories are of early mornings, drifting fog, and the quiet anticipation of a line hitting the water. The river wasn’t a destination—it was a way of life.

What makes our story even more meaningful is that both of our fathers were guides on these same waters. Guiding wasn’t just a job—it was a lifestyle built on patience, knowledge, and taking care of people. We watched firsthand what it meant to teach someone, to respect the river, and to make every guest feel like they mattered. Without realizing it at the time, those lessons were being passed down to us.

As life moved forward, those same values shaped our paths. Amy became a teacher, dedicating her life to helping kids learn and grow. I built a career in law enforcement, serving my community with discipline and purpose. Different careers—but grounded in the same foundation: hard work, service, and putting others first.

Through it all, the river remained constant. It was always the place to slow down, reset, and reconnect. Over time, that connection turned into something more—a vision of creating a place where others could experience the same peace, tradition, and passion we’ve known our entire lives.

That vision became Cold Water Trout Resort.

Today, one of the most meaningful parts of this journey is watching our own children grow up on the same river that shaped us. Early mornings, time on the water, learning patience, and building memories as a family—it’s all coming full circle.

The same lessons once passed down to us are now being passed on again.

Cold Water Trout Resort is more than a place to stay. It’s a reflection of where we come from, what we value, and the life we love. It’s an invitation to slow down, enjoy the river, and become part of something that’s been passed down for generations.