Koke‘e Rainbow Trout Season Starts June 20

In 2014, 3,720 anglers caught 28,374 trout in Koke‘e. Photo by DLNR Department of Aquatic Resources

The open fishing season for rainbow trout in the Koke‘e Public Fishing Area starts June 20, according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Anglers may fish daily from June 20 to Sept. 27. Fishing hours will be from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“Trout fishing at Pu‘u Lua Reservoir in Koke‘e has always been a popular family activity, and anglers will have a chance to catch trout from last year’s stocking,” DLNR Interim Chairperson Carty Chang said in press release.

Last year, 3,720 anglers caught 28,374 trout. The largest fish caught on opening day, June 15, measured 18 inches in length and weighed 3 pounds, 2 ounce.

The largest trout of last season was caught on August 11, and measured 20.5 inches in length and weighed 4 pounds 10 ounces.

A happy father and son during last year’s trout fishing season in Koke‘e. Photo by DLNR DAR

DLNR officials said last year’s fishing was very good because more than 42,000 juvenile trout were stocked in the Pu‘u Lua Reservoir in 2013. Trout fishing is also expected to be good this year, as more than 39,000 young trout were stocked in the reservoir.

Anglers must have a valid State of Hawai‘i freshwater game fishing license. Licenses may be obtained at DLNR offices, at selected fishing supply stores, license agents, or purchased at http://www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar.

The daily bag limit for this year will be 12 rainbow trout per licensed angler. Anglers shall fish with only one pole and line, or one line using one lure with a single barbed hook or one baited single barbed hook attached to the single line. Treble hooks with bait and on lures are strictly prohibited.

The launch or use of any vessel or floatable object, motorized, non-motorized, or wind-powered in the Pu‘u Lua Reservoir is prohibited. No camping and open fires are allowed in the vicinity of Pu‘u Lua Reservoir due to risk of fire hazard.

Trout fishing is expected to be good this year as more than 39,000 young trout were stocked in the Koke‘e reservoir. Photo by DLNR DAR

The complete rules on fishing for rainbow trout at Koke‘e PFA can be found on the Division of Aquatic Resources website listed above, or by calling your local DAR office.

Anglers should be aware that a four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended for driving to all fishing areas, including Pu‘u Lua Reservoir, the streams and ditch systems. Anglers should also note that fishing in the streams will be very poor because trout stocking in the streams has been discontinued.

All anglers are required to check in and out at established check-in stations as follows:

1 — Pu‘u Lua Reservoir’s two stations at the parking area and at the reservoir intake

2 — Koke‘e Park headquarters for streams and the upper ditch systems with access through Camp 10 and Halemanu Roads

3 — Trail 2 for the lower ditch systems. Due to road hazards and conditions, vehicle access to the lower ditch systems is prohibited. Access by walk-in only.

For further information or the current list of license agents, call the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources on Kaua‘i at 274-3344.