Montauk State Park is located about 21 miles from Salem, Missouri on Highway 119 and is a fly fishing paradise. Several different springs from within Montauk State Park combine together with Pigeon Creek to form the headwaters of the Current River. 53,000,000 gallons of water flow daily through the park providing a perfect enviroment for rainbow and brown trout. The park has ample activities for trout fishermen including camping, hiking, and picnicking. This beautiful park is a great place to try your hand at fly fishing, or try your luck with your favorite lure or a hook with a salmon egg. Either way, fresh trout on the stringer equals a great dinner at the end of the day.
The season is March 1 through Oct. 31. Daily permits are required to fish on the spring branch and zones are set aside for different kinds of lures. Permits are available at the park store. For more information, call 417-847-2539
There is a fish cleaning station available for anglers to clean their trout. License and daily trout tags are required and can be purchased from the state park concessionaire.
Trout Fishing Regulations
- Trout fishing is permitted in accordance with the state wildlife code and posted restrictions daily from March 1
through Oct. 31. - Each angler shall display a daily trout tag purchased on the area and bearing his or her signature.
- Each angler shall have a state fishing permit except those 15 years and younger or Missouri residents 65 years and older.
- Each angler shall keep their trout separate at all times and identified with their name and address.
- Daily limit is four, all brown trout must be equal to or greater than 15”. There is no length limit on rainbow trout. Possession limit is 8 trout.
- No person shall continue to fish for any species in these trout waters after having four trout in possession.
- The use of game fish or parts thereof for bait is prohibited; chumming is not permitted.
- Only a single pole or rod may be used. Gigging, snaring or snagging is not permitted.
- No trout may be possessed in the catch-and-release area.
Fishing Areas
Catch-and-Release Only Area
In waters designated catch-and-release, trout may not be possessed. All trout must be returned unharmed immediately. Only flies may be used.
Fly Fishing Only Area
In waters designated fly fishing only, a fly shall be constructed on a single point hook of feathers, tinsel, chenille, yarn, fur, silk, rayon or nylon thread or floss, with or without a spinner.
Artificial Lures and Natural Bait Area
In waters designated artificial lures and natural bait, any bait, including lures, natural bait or flies may be used.
These areas are marked in the park and maps are also available.
Beginning And Ending Times
As the days get longer or shorter during the year the beginning and ending times adjust according to the following schedule.
March 6:30 a.m.*/7:30 a.m.** 6 p.m.*/7 p.m.**
April 7 a.m. 7:30 p.m.
May 6:30 a.m. 8:15 p.m.
June and July 6:30 a.m. 8:30 p.m.
August 7 a.m. 8 p.m.
September 7:30 a.m. 7:15 p.m.
October 7:30 a.m. 6:30 p.m.
* Central Standard Time
** Central Daylight Time
Winter Catch-and-release Season
The catch and release season starts the 2nd Friday in November through the 2nd Monday in February. You may only fish the following days, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Start time is at 8 AM and time is at 4 PM.
Fishing is only permitted upstream from the old low-water bridge located just below the ADA fishing pier in the campground.
Only flies are permitted during the winter catch and release season. A fly is defined as an artificial lure constructed on a single point hook, using any material except soft plastic bait and natural and scented bait that is tied, glued or other-wise permanently attached.
