From beneath the sand and debris

By Editor | March 5, 2025 |

Photo by Shari Harris
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Christensen, of O’Fallon, and Montauk Hatchery Manager Kyle Case prepare for firing the opening shot of trout season.

By Shari Harris, Publisher

After a winter of hard work and worry, the crews from the Hatchery and Montauk State Park saw their visitors return for Opening Day of catch and keep trout season.

Robert Christensen, of O’Fallon, and his wife joined Hatchery Manager Kyle Case on the bridge to fire the opening shot as the horn sounded at Montauk State Park Saturday morning. An exhale of excitement was heard as fishermen cast simultaneously. Within the first minute, many were removing their first catch of the day from their hook.

Despite the flood of early November and the heavy snow of mid-February, the park was looking overall as good as could be expected. There are still signs of damage from the flood – the fence around the hatchery races is still down, the mill is cordoned off and still needs repairs, a pile of picnic tables are still located behind the mill, and then there is the sand.

Sand can be seen throughout the park, despite the piles and piles of sand and debris removed by crews throughout the winter. The hard working men and women who made it their goal to have the park ready by opening day should be commended – they made it – and the many people who showed up for opening day weekend owe their experience to them.