Rainbow trout better watch out

LIHU‘E — The annual fishing season for rainbow trout is back, as Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) reopens the Koke‘e Public Fishing Area on Kaua‘i on August 6.

“Koke‘e is the only place in Hawai‘i where rainbow trout can be caught by fishers,” said Peter Young, DLNR Chairperson. “It is a popular family activity at this time of year,” he said.

“We are seeing about 1,500 anglers turn out each year for the chance to catch more than 7,000 stocked trout in the Pu‘u Lua Reservoir,” Young said.

The largest trout caught last year during the opening weekend was 17 inches in length and weighed in at 2 lb. 10 oz.

“Although fishing will again be good in the reservoir, with many of the trout over one pound in size, water levels are high this summer, so anglers may have poor access to the fishing banks,” said Dennis Shinno, DLNR aquatic biologist.

Anglers must have a valid State of Hawai’i freshwater game fishing license, which can be obtained at DLNR, at fishing supply stores or licensed agents, or purchased online at https://www.ehawaiigov.org/dlnr/fish/exe/fresh_main_page.cgi

Anglers may fish daily (between 5:30 a.m. and 6:45 p.m.) from August 6 to 21, 2005. Thereafter, until September 25, 2005, anglers may fish only on Saturdays, Sundays and State holidays.

The daily bag limit is seven (7) rainbow trout per licensed angler.

Fishers should be aware that a 4-wheel drive vehicle is recommended for driving to the main fishing areas, particularly Pu‘u Lua Reservoir and the ditch systems.

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

(1) Pu‘u Lua Reservoir while fishing at the reservoir;

(2) Koke’e Park headquarters for the Koke’e ditch system and access through Camp Ten and Halemanu roads.

For further information or a current list of license agents, call DLNR on O’ahu at 832-5009 or 587-0101 or the Lihu‘e office at (808) 274-3344.