HOAFF Fall Outing visits the Current River

September 24 - 26, 2004

by Tom James

Montauk State Park and the Current River will be the destination for the HOAFF Fall Outing, September 24th through the 26th.

Cabin and campground lodging is available inside Montauk State Park. Rooms are reserved quickly and the park can fill up fast so call the park now to reserve your lodging. Call the Missouri Campground Reservation System at 1-877-422-6766 or for online reservations try www.mostateparks.com. Call Montauk State Park lodging at (573) 548-2434. Reference the HOAFF Outing, September 24-26, 2004.

There are lodging opportunities outside the park at Marlin’s Montauk Cabin Rental. For reservations call (573) 548-2562. Motels are also available at the town of Licking, on US 63, about 12 miles from the park.

The Current River

Just East of Licking, Missouri, Pigeon Creek flows Southeast where the seven springs that makeup Montauk Springs combine to form the Current River.  

The river flows 2.5 miles through Montauk State Park where rainbow trout are stocked daily  and trout park regulations apply. The park offers fly fishing only waters in the upper stretches and Catch & Release opportunities to chase larger trout. Stream improvements at the lower end of the park near the camp-ground areas have provided greater holding areas for trout.

After leaving the State Park the Current enters the Ozark National Scenic Riverway where it is classified as a Special Trout Management Area. Nice populations of Rainbows and Browns call this section home that extends eight miles to Cedargrove. 

At Cedargrove, the Current is classified as a Trout Management area where rainbow trout are periodically stocked in the eight miles of water down to Akers.

The Current is an excellent floating river. With nearly 16 miles outside the park that offers an excellent opportunity for catch trophy sized trout, floating can give a greater chance to access more water and put distance between other anglers.

The internet lists a host of outfits that can provide crafts for your floating pleasure.