- Introduction to Trout Fishing on the Current River
- History and Dynamics of Trout Fishing on the Current River
- Headwaters Area - Montauk Park and Springs and Downstream to Cedar Grove Bridge (Blue Ribbon Trout Area)
- Cedar Grove to Akers Ferry (White Ribbon Section)
- Trout Fishing Techniques and Tips on Current River
The Current River in southern Missouri is one of the most beautiful and pristine in the country. Winding through some of
the most beautiful hills and valleys the Ozarks have to offer, its pastoral
attraction is obvious. The river flows entirely through Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park, which results in limited streamside development, and excellent public access. It is one of the
most popular float and fish streams in the country.
And no wonder. The river's cold, clear water
is perfect habitat for rainbow and brown trout. Indeed, the river seems tailor-made for
trout fishing. Settlers in the area soon realized this, and regular stocking
began in the early 1900s. Although habitat seems perfect, trout have never been
able to reproduce well. Lately, with new regulations, a fairly significant wild
rainbow trout population has come into existence, although they still must be
stocked to meet angler demand. Brown trout cannot reproduce at all in the
river, although they are stocked heavily. The constant water temperatures from
spring-water allow the fish to stay healthy and active throughout the
year, even in the dog days of summer.
The river rises from several strong springs
in Montauk State Park. Where the river leaves
Montauk, and enters Ozark National Scenic Riverways, it comes under
Blue Ribbon trout regulations for the next nine miles to Cedat Grove
Bridge. Regulations here allow the harvest of only one trout, and there is an 18"
minimum. Artificial lures and flies only are allowed. Nearly 10,000
Brown trout are stocked throughout Blue Ribbon area annually, and many rainbows migrate
from other areas of the river. Trout number about 400 per mile.
The first mile of the Blue Ribbon trout water, from Montauk State
Park to the Tan Vat access may be the river's best water for wade fisherman. This water is too shallow
to float, so acts as a sanctuary for wade fisherman. Many rainbows, and
some large browns are found here. Thousands of rainbows move down from Montauk State Park into this
area each year, and it usually proves relatively easy to catch a few fish.
Another popular river section is from Tan
Vat to Baptist Camp Access. This is also mostly a wade fishing situation, although a
few canoes may be encountered. There are
almost equal numbers of rainbow and brown trout in this part of the
river. This run is classic trout water, with some awesome riffles and deep pools.
The fish tend to be a bit more selective here than further upstream. Small flies
and delicate tippet are often required.
The Blue Ribbon area stretches for 6.5 miles
below Baptist Camp. There is good wading access at Baptist Camp, Parker Hollow, and
Bridge, but float fishing is more popular. A good one day float is from Baptist
Camp to Cedar Grove. Brown trout predominate, and they tend to grow quite
large. There are also some rainbows, which tend to reside in the faster moving
water. Browns are found in the deep pools as well as the riffles.
The White Ribbon area begins at Cedar Grove, and stretches
downstream for 8 miles. The Missouri Department of Conservation stocks
the White Ribbon area every few weeks from March through October. Statewide
trout regulations are in effect, and there are no bait restrictions. Browns
are not stocked this far downstream, but many migrate from upriver. As a
result, many of the river's largest browns have come from this area.
The White Ribbon area can be divided into
two distinct sections. The first iss the 5 mile section from Cedar Grove to Welch
Spring. The river here is relatively slow and shallow, and it can get warm in
the summer. Temperatures occasionally rise into the mid-70s. Generally,
trout are only stocked in the spring and fall. Some trout hold over from year to
year, but most fish will be fresh from the hatchery.
The situation changes dramatically below the
mouth of Welch Spring, 3 miles to Akers Ferry. Welch Spring is a major cold water
source, and it keeps this part of the river from ever reaching the 70 degree mark.
For this reason, fish are stocked through the summer. Many trout hold over, and
some real trophies are found here. Below Akers Ferry, smallmouth bass begin
to predominate, and the river becomes on of the country’s best smallmouth
streams below Round Spring.
Fishing techniques on the Current are many
and varied. It is a surprisingly good dry fly fishery. Tricos are the river's "big name"
hatch. Every morning from mid-June through mid-September, massive hatches of
tiny tricos come off. These are seriously small bugs, ranging from #22-#30,
and it takes some skill to fish them properly. Caddis also come off during the
warm months, and #14-#18 Elk Hair Caddis will do well. Nymphing may be an even more popular method.
All the standard nymphs work well, including Prince, Hare's Ear, Pheasant Tail,
and Copper Johns. The best year-round bet, however, is a #16 Scud
imitation. Scuds (tiny freshwater shrimp) are a top food source throughout the river,
365 days a year. They are best fished near weeds.
Many other techniques also take fish on the
Current. Egg imitating flies have probably taken more fish than all other patterns
combined. Orange, pink, peach, and white are all good. San
Juan worms, and various streamers also work well. The river also works well for spin
fisherman. 1/16-1/32 ounce spinners and spoons of just about any make or color
will always take fish. Marabou jigs from 1/32-1/128 ounce work extremely well
in white, brown, green, and olive.
No matter what technique you choose to use,
the Current River is a great trout stream. With
many miles of great trout water, you'll be hard pressed to find a better stream
in southern Missouri.
With its beauty and excellent trout fishing, this is a stream that holds
interests for all fishermen.
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