Trout season open in Koke‘e

The rainbow trout fishing season opened in the Koke‘e Public Fishing Area Wednesday and will remain so for the entire area until Sept. 30.

A limited open fishing season has been in effect for only the Pu‘u Lua reservoir since Sept. 17, 2007, due to a failure in the water distribution system that supplies the reservoir’s water.

Anglers must have a valid Hawai‘i freshwater game fishing license and may fish only during the daylight hours between sunrise and sunset. Licenses may be obtained at DLNR offices, at selected fishing supply stores, licensed agents or purchased online at www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar

The daily bag limit is seven rainbow trout per licensed angler. Anglers may fish with only one pole and line, one line with one lure or one baited hook attached to one line.

The use of treble hooks is prohibited.

The complete rules for fishing for rainbow trout at Koke‘e fishing area are in Chapter 13-64, Hawai‘i Administrative Rules and can be found on the DLNR Web site, or by calling any Division of Aquatic Resources office.

Anglers should be aware that a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended for driving to all main fishing areas, including the Pu‘u Lua reservoir, the streams and the ditch systems.

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

• Pu‘u Lua reservoir while fishing at the reservoir.

• Koke‘e Park headquarters for the Koke‘e streams and ditch systems and access through Camp Ten and Halemanu Roads.

• For more information or for a list of license agents, please visit www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar or call the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources offices on O‘ahu at 832-5009, or on Kaua‘i at 274-3344.