Molalla river?

minidrifter · 02-14-2005, 02:30 PM

Been thinking fishing the Molalla and was just looking for some info before I try it out. Is there a summer and winter steelhead and if so how many fish? ALso how about trout and smallmouth bass. Any info would be appreciated.

Siwash · 02-14-2005, 02:45 PM

Winter steelhead, yes. Summer steelhead used to be stocked but not anymore (ODFW discontinued it after the native winters were ESA listed as threatened). There's probably a few Clack/Santiam strays, though. Lots of good access upriver in the BLM rec area.

I dunno about the warmwater species...

Steelie28 · 02-14-2005, 02:48 PM

As far as I know, the only fish in Molalla are wild winters and springers. I've heard there used to be a hatchery on the river somewhere or maybe is was stocked with fish from another river, but those fish are long gone now (someone else can probably clear this up). I have seen and heard of people fishing for cutts, but have never done it myself. I've fished it for winters with no luck. Too bad there aren't more fish, there's some great looking water.

Steelie28

AndyK · 02-14-2005, 02:57 PM

Most of the lower Molalla has limited bank access, but it can be floated in a raft or pontoon raft.

I have caught several winter run fish in the past on the Molalla. My understanding is that it is now basically a catch and release fishery because it is not planted and the runs are primarily natives.

I also drifted the Molalla for trout. There are trout in the river, usually concentrated below the ripples. As with the Steelhead, they are native fish.

I don't have any experience or information on warm water species.

CZ · 02-14-2005, 04:19 PM

The summer hatchery run was stopped in the mid to late 90's to help the native winter run. This used to be a top notch river for winters, but the upper spawning areas have been heavily impacted by logging, and haven't recovered yet.

I haven't fished it for cutts in a long time, but they used to get a strong run in the spring.

chromeseeker · 02-15-2005, 07:49 AM

I've heard the river used to be great for winter fish, but, as has been discussed, the runs have been severely impacted by logging and there just aren't enough fish around to warrant time on the river. Don't know about warm water species.

There is apparently a decent Summer run, but I haven't heard much about it.

BFR

Abalone · 02-15-2005, 08:02 AM

Winter Steel: March..

Small mouths when the water warms up. Caught Smallies all the way up to Wagon Wheel but the best section is the lower two miles.

OFC has a Two mile stretch below wagon wheel I plan to try in March.......but I don't think the Mollolla is at it's full potential.

Otolith · 02-15-2005, 08:23 AM

I know somebody that fishes the Molalla hard every winter/spring because it is so close to his house. He rarely touches a fish there

I don't think its worth the effort.

Troutinator · 02-15-2005, 11:29 AM

Bingo.

What otolith said. I fish it regularly because it's close. I have caught exactly 2 winters in 4 years. Part of that is the fisherman, part is the fishery.

Beautiful place to fish. Just don't plan to catch. Enjoy the hike! Sometimes that's all one needs!

moman · 02-16-2005, 02:59 PM

A search of previous posts on the Molalla would yield alot about the fishery and getting down the river. At 500 cfs most of January and February, you can walk down the center from 213 to Canby.