Inns/Lodges/Resorts

Featured Photo by Polly Dean.

By Polly Dean

November 2020

Located in the beautiful Ozark Mountains, Lilley’s Landing Resort and Marina is situated on the banks of Upper Lake Taneycomo on the renowned White River in Branson, Missouri. Browse the Lilly’s Landing website and you will see that this is the place for catching big trout – notably big brown trout! In fact, records for brown trout are made and broken here repeatedly.

Nicknamed Frank the Tank, this brown trout is a previous Missouri state record fish that was caught and released by Paul Crews at Lilly’s. The fish weighed 34 pounds, 10 ounces. Photo courtesy of Lilley’s Landing.

Owners Phil and Marcia Lilley purchased the property in 1983. They had their eyes on it for a while and initially had the desire to open a Bible camp, but without being able to derive an income from that dream, they had to change their plans to open a fishing camp instead. And as Phil says, “It’s a tough job helping people to vacation, but someone has to do it!” Truth is, the couple delights in watching folks enjoy God’s creation.

Photo by Polly Dean.

Besides the 27 units of accommodations, in various sizes, Lilley’s Landing features a tackle shop and full-service marina where bass boats, jon boats and pontoons are available for rent. Large padded boat stalls with electrical outlets, can accommodate just about any size boat. Customers have access to three fish cleaning stations, including one that is heated and indoors – a favorite in the wintertime! The large dock is covered and well-lit at night. There are fishing piers at each end of the dock, as well as chairs for fishing at the end of each stall pier.

Photo by Polly Dean.

Like the city of Branson, Lilley’s is geared toward families, young and old, with a swimming pool, playground and fire pits. All of the units include linens, cookware, utensils, dishes, silverware, microwave, cable television, air conditioning and heat. Barbecue grills are outside for each unit.

Many of the guest units overlook the water. Photo by Polly Dean.

Lilley’s Landing offers guided fishing trips for fly fishermen or those that prefer spinning gear. Guides are knowledgeable and know Lake Taneycomo well. Chances are if they aren’t booked with a customer, that they are out on the water fishing anyway.

 Phil Lilley is an accomplished fly tier and is out on the water every day whether guiding or filming his daily Lilley’s One Cast podcast that he shoots each and every day. The podcast provides a wealth of information about lures, baits and other tips for fishermen. The premise of One Cast is whether he or another of the guides catches a fish on the first cast.

            Whether you are a part-time or full-time fish head, book a stay at Lilley’s Landing and see where the anglers go for a chance to land the brown trout of their lifetime!