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Wet a line at one of the Midwest’s premier trout-fishing destinations at Montauk State Park. Located an easy ride from St. Louis, the park’s waters are stocked each night from an on-site hatchery. Want more than day of fishing? Stay overnight at the park’s motel. A campground, as well as, cabins are also available. Want to do something other than fish? Montauk State Park’s hiking trails will take you in and around the scenic Pigeon Creek basin.
The beauty of the surrounding Ozark region, as well as, the steady flow of clear water from the many springs attracted settlers to the Montauk area in the early 1800s. These same natural resources entice visitors to this secluded area today. The springs in the northern end of Montauk State Park combine with tiny Pigeon Creek to form the headwaters of the famed Current River. The park attracts anglers for the outstanding trout fishing and vacationers flock to Montauk during the summer months to enjoy the variety of outdoor activities available in the park and the surrounding region.
TROUT FISHING
Montauk State Park is one of three Missouri state parks known for fine trout fishing. The official trout season opens March 1 and runs through Oct. 31. Catch-and-release fishing is available on weekends during the winter. A fishing license and daily trout tag are required. The cold, spring-fed waters are well stocked by the park’s trout hatchery. The hatchery is managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation. For information concerning regulations and daily limits, contact the park lodge or hatchery personnel.
You don’t have to be an angler, however, to enjoy all that Montauk State Park and the surrounding region have to offer. The Current River is known as one of the finest canoeing rivers in the Midwest. Although canoes are not allowed within the state park boundaries, the northernmost canoe access to the Current River, Tan Vat, is located just below the park’s southeast border. Both the Current River and the nearby Jack’s Fork River have been designated as National Scenic Riverways by the National Park Service, which helps preserve them in their natural, free-flowing state. Additional information about area canoe rental agencies can be obtained from the park office or lodge.
HIKING
Hiking one of the park’s trails is an excellent way to view the area’s natural environment. Several species of native Missouri wildflowers can be viewed around the springs and along the Current River. Pine Ridge Trail takes hikers out of the valley, through a portion of the park’s natural area, and along the scenic hilltops. For a more leisurely walk, visitors can see Bluff Spring along the level Montauk Lake Trail.
Interpretive programs are presented by the park naturalists throughout spring, summer and fall.
Located adjacent to the Current River, Montauk’s campground features electric and basic sites with paved level pads, as well as, fire grills, picnic tables and lantern posts. Some campsites can be reserved in advance. Facilities include modern restrooms, as well as, hot showers, dump stations, coin-operated ice and laundry machines and a campfire wood lot.
Housekeeping and sleeping cabins, as well as, motel rooms are available throughout the year. Visitors can register at the park’s lodge. A modern dining lodge centrally located in the park opens daily during the trout season and on weekends during the winter catch-and-release season. A store in the lodge is stocked with grocery items, as well as, camping and fishing supplies.
PARK HOURS & FEES
Contact Park
PARK PHONE
PARK OFFICE 573-548-2201
LODGING 573-548-2434
STORE/DINING 573-548-2434
NATURE CENTER 573-548-2225
PARK ADDRESS
345 County Road 6670
Salem, MO 65560-9025
For more information click HERE.
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