Troutdale was a local fixture for decades, located next to Kanan Road in the Santa Monica Mountains. Many Malibu parents took their kids there for their first fishing experiences at two big cement ponds stocked with rainbow trout from a fish hatchery.
For an entry fee, each person got a bamboo fishing pole, a bucket, corn for bait, ice and a fishing license. “Catch and release” was not allowed, so attendees had to agree to pay for any fish they caught, based on size. For an additional fee, Troutdale employees would clean and fillet the trout.
One Yelp reviewer explained why he liked taking his family there.
“We went with our eight-year-old, seven-year-old, and two-year-old. The two year-old had fun just holding a pole with nothing on it. The other two boys each caught a fish with the bamboo pole (a ‘la Tom Sawyer style) and a little power-bait provided by dad. We spent under $100 total for the entry and fish. I know there have been days where I spent more than that on a boat rental/gear/bait/etc., and returned empty handed.”
Beginning in December 2016, online users began posting that Troutdale was closed. Just recently, someone wrote: “Closed?! WTH?! Anyone out there know if there’s any plans to reopen Troutdale? I’m heartbroken! So many fun memories!! Sad to know kids aren’t even going to be able to experience the place anymore! PLEASE tell me it’s gonna open again at some point at least!!”
According to an LA Times article written in 1996, the Clago family took over the site in 1971, when “the ponds were just two dirt holes in the ground dug to a depth of 19 feet in the middle. In 1986, fire swept through and leveled the tackle shop, which was rebuilt.”
The ponds are now dry, the gates are locked and no one answers the phone, but the website and Facebook page are still up. The Malibu Times is looking into what happened.
In the meantime, if anyone would care to share photos of family trips to Troutdale over the years, as well as any memories, please email editorial@malibutimes.com.