If you’ve never fished, floated or just wasted some time on the Current River, then your missing out on one of Missouri’s absolute jewels.
Starting out at the confluence of Pigeon Creek and Montauk Spring, the river flows some 184 miles to pour into the Black River near Pocahontas, AR.
In 1964, approximately 134 miles of the upper Current River and its tributaries were federally protected; becoming the, “Ozark National Scenic Riverways”. The first National Park to protect a river. The Park includes and protects sections of both the Current and Jacks Fork River.
At the head of the river, lies Montauk State Park and Hatchery, located 30 miles or so south and a little west of Salem Missouri. It is one of four, (Bennett Spring, Montauk, Roaring River and Meramec) state trout parks. Of course there is fishing, camping, with both tent and RV sites. Cabins and a few motel rooms are also available.
All Parks are designated White Ribbon areas unless a particular section is noted otherwise. Fishing requires a Missouri fishing license, trout stamp and a daily tag (3.00) to catch and keep a daily limit of 4 Rainbow, (possession limit is 8). All Brown trout under 15 inches must be released. The catch and keep season is March 1st to October 31st. Catch and release only the rest of the year when anglers do not need a daily tag.
The park is well maintained. The stream is gin clear and the Rainbows are stocked nightly. The numbers dependent on the day of the week or current holiday. An abundance of wildlife can be seen, including the skunks, possums and raccoons that are guaranteed to raid the camp of the careless camper who leaves food out or anything resembling such.
Just the Current facts
by James Smith