Bennett or Montauk?

[romans1014]

I have spring break coming up in two weeks and I am planning to go trout fishing with my dad and a good friend of mine for a few days. We are trying to decide whether to go to Bennett or Montauk. Any suggestions? I know Montauk usually isn't too good when the water levels are low, and from what I gather they are. Where do you think we would most likely have the best success? Thanks!

[CaptainT16]

Never have fished Montauk, but you can't go wrong with Bennett. Might just take a look at fishing reports and weather before you make your journey. Also, whatever is closer to you might be the best bet. More then likely you will do just fine at either one. Let us know what you decide and how you do!

[Kansas Fly Fisher]

I agree with the Capt. You can't go wrong with Bennett.

[shawncat]

It depends what your looking for I guess.I can try to help with some spin fishing.Bennett you can usually do good with white rooster tails around the waterfall down to the bridge[zone two].Down above Whistle Bridge small micro jigs under a float[green,black/yellow]zone two.Anything white later in A.M. due to fish feeding on guts from people cleaning fish in river [zone one].Montauk you may have more room.Black/yellow micros no float and orange/white plastic worms.Hope this helps good luck.

[Greg]

I fish both several times a year. They are just different. I've always done fairly well at both. Bennett is probably more of a "sure thing" if there is such a thing in terms of numbers of fish. But I seem to catch bigger fish at Montauk and I like the more "natural" surroundings there and the variety of water. Montauk is my favorite of the trout parks. It is also generally the least crowded. I'm not an expert but I fished Montauk a couple of times last year when the water was really low and had really good days.

Greg

[mcp633]

Just my opinion, but if you are going to fish any of the trout parks, go with Montauk. Less crowding, more room to fish, and I think just a better overall experience. Usually if you wait out the whistle fishermen, you can pretty much have your run of the park for the rest of the day. The fly only area is never to congested even on busy weekends at the whistle. I go at least twice a year with a big group for "guys" weekends and we always enjoy it. The campgrounds are really nice and right on the stream. I really have only been to Bennett a couple of times, but there is no competition in my mind between the two. The added benefit, the beautiful Current river below the park, also great fishing and where I spend the mornings. I'll fish the park for my four stockers in the afternoon for the fryer. Rooster tails usually work well all over the park if you're spin fishing. If you've got the long rod in hand, you've got to try the glo balls. I know it kills alot of fly fisherman to use them, but they produce. They have quite an assortment at the lodge, I prefer tri-color (orange, pink, yellow), yellow, or pink. Never hurts to have a white one on hand with a red dot for obvious reasons. As for the water being low, it has never been a problem for me.

[Gavin]

It depends on how you define success. Bennett has more amenities than any of the other trout parks but IMO the park & the river below dont offer much in the way of scenic beauty, and wade access below the park is poor. The main attraction is fising for trout in an urban park type setting and easy access to hotel rooms and restaurants.

Montauk has fewer amenities and a rustic feel. The fishing is a little tougher, but it also offers some incredible scenery, and miles of wadeable trout water below the park. Fishing below the park is often better than the fishing in the park due to its status as a Blue Ribbon Trout area (Flies and artificials only, 1 fish>18" limit in the 8-9 miles of water from the Park Boundary to Cedar Grove Bridge). Cheers.

[mizzouflyfisher]

My vote goes for Montauk. Seems like Montauk clears out faster in the afternoons. Plus, I would rather fish the trophy area below the park. It's much tougher down there because there are many many fewer fish per mile than in the park, but I find it more rewarding, and you can find solitude. I fished yesterday and caught a lot of fish 60+, but I fished a lot of the park. Key is to keep moving and find open water that holds fish. There is a lot of water that doesn't hold fish, particularly the stretch by the campground. I would recommend driving up to the spring and fishing your way down. Whatever you decide, easiest way to catch fish is with a white sparkly mini jig, size 1/180. I'll try to post a picture today. Fish it under a float and drift it about 2 inches off the bottom. If you want more specific information about either park, PM me and I will give you what I can.

Mizzouflyfisher

[10pointer]

My favorite by far is montauk. Ive been to bennett and maramec and they are just too crowded and commercialized throughout the whole place. Ive caught a TON of lunkers at montauk and know all the good holes throughout the place to find a lunker, but i just dont know where they put lunkers in at bennett.

I also have a question about bennett...do they give out lunker patches like montauk does, or do they even have a lunker board? Im saying this because ive only been to bennett a few times and never really paid attention.

Im going down to bennett for the "MTFA 60th state derby" since im a member of MISSOURI TROUT FISHERMANS ASOCIATION. I never been to a tourny at bennett, so wheres the best spot to look for lunkers. Ive heard there is more of a concentration in zone two. I know a buddy of mine kevin "rudy" is probably the best fisherman to grace the waters at bennett from what i know.

Whats the wading restrictions at bennett? Ive never really fished much there, so i hear there are restrictions on which bank you can be on? Is this true?

[shawncat]

Lunkers are caught all over Bennett.Alot are caught above the waterfall [zone one].You have to be bold to stand facing upriver.One step forward DEEP WATER!!! One step back DOWN THE SLIDE!!!Under the bridge,bluff hole [zone two].Some BIG browns are caught all along zone three coming up out of the river.All three zones have certain areas that can be only fished from one side and are clearly marked.They do give out lunker patches.Bring a rod you can cast a good long ways may help.Good luck.