The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has re-opened the Koke’e Public Fishing Area to the public for the annual rainbow trout fishing season. Anglers who wish to fish for rainbow trout can do so with a valid state
The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has re-opened the Koke’e Public Fishing Area to the public for the annual rainbow trout fishing season.
Anglers who wish to fish for rainbow trout can do so with a valid state of Hawai’i freshwater gamefishing license. They may fish between 5:30 a.m. and 6:45 p.m. for a period of 16 consecutive days from today to Thursday, August 18. Thereafter, for the remainder of August and to September 29, anglers may fish only on Saturdays, Sundays and State holidays.
Freshwater game fishing licenses may be purchased at the state Division of Aquatic Resources office in Lihu’e Monday – Friday. The office is located on the third floor of the state building at 3060 E’iwa St., in room 306 , and is open from 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Costs of licenses are as follows:
All minors (9 – 15 years of age, inclusive) $3; Hawai’i residents (includes armed forces) $5; non-residents $25; 7-day tourist license (adults) $10; 30-day tourist (adults) $20; senior citizen (65 years of age or older) no charge.
The daily bag limit is seven rainbow trout per licensed angler.
The Division of Aquatic Resources is reporting that fishing conditions at the Pu’ulua Reservoir and the ditches where trout are found at Koke’e are less than ideal. This is due to current high water levels in the Pu’ulua Reservoir, and fishing banks will be submerged by these high water levels.
The Division of Aquatic Resources further advises that because it has not stocked the Koke’e streams for many years, trout fishing in those streams may be poor.
Newcomers to the Koke’e Public Fishing Area should be aware that a four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended for driving to the main fishing areas during wet conditions, particularly to the Pu’ulua Reservoir. All anglers are required to check in and out at these stations:
– Pu’ulua Reservoir (for fishing at the reservoir)
– Koke’e Park Headquarters for the Koke’e Ditch system and access through Camp Ten and Halemanu Roads.
For additional information, please call DLNR’s Division of Aquatic Resources at 274-3344.
