Koke‘e Rainbow Trout Season Starts June 18

Rainbow trout fishing in the Koke‘e Public Fishing Area. Photo courtesy DLNR

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources just announced this year’s open fishing season for rainbow trout in the Koke‘e Public Fishing Area begins June 18.

Anglers may fish daily from Saturday, June 18, to Friday, Sept. 30. Fishing hours will be from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., according to a DLNR press release.

“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 Chairperson Suzanne Case said in the release.

Last year, 3,837 anglers caught 28,831 trout. The largest trout caught on last season’s opening day, June 20, measured 13.25 inches long and weighed 1 pound, 5 ounces. Last season’s largest trout was caught Sept. 15, and measured 18.5 inches in length and weighed 2 pounds, 3 ounces.

Fishing was very good last year because over 32,000 juvenile trout were stocked in the Pu‘u Lua Reservoir in 2014, according to DLNR. Trout fishing is expected to also be good this year as more than 30,000 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 online at http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/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. The use of treble hooks with bait and 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. No dogs are permitted around the reservoir bank for the safety and courtesy of other anglers.

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 4×4 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:

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

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

* 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, please call the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources on O‘ahu at 832-5009 or on Kaua‘i at 274-3344.