LIHU‘E — The Department of Land and Natural Resources announced last week an open fishing season for rainbow trout in the Koke‘e Public Fishing Area beginning June 1. Anglers may fish daily during the daylight hours between sunrise and sunset
LIHU‘E — The Department of Land and Natural Resources announced last week an open fishing season for rainbow trout in the Koke‘e Public Fishing Area beginning June 1.
Anglers may fish daily during the daylight hours between sunrise and sunset from June 1 to Sept. 30, according to a press release.
“We are announcing the season opening early to allow fishers to make travel plans in advance,” said Laura H. Thielen, DLNR chairperson, in the release. “The opening in June will coincide with Hawai‘i’s year-round public school schedule.”
“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 more than 20,000 stocked trout, which should weigh one pound by opening day,” Thielen said.
“Trout just love the rain and cold we’ve been having at Koke‘e. Fishing should be good this year,” she said.
Last year, about 2,500 anglers caught over 6,000 trout which averaged 11 inches in length and 11 ounces. The largest trout caught was reportedly about 20 inches in length and weighed 5 pounds.
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, licensed agents, or purchased online at www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar
The daily bag limit is 10 rainbow trout per licensed angler. Anglers shall fish with only one pole and line, or with 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 PFA are in Chapter 13-64, Hawai‘i Administrative Rules, and can be found on the DLNR Web site listed above, 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 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’s two stations at the parking area and at the reservoir intake 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; and
• Trail 2 for the lower ditch systems.
For further information or the current list of license agents, please call the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources offices on O‘ahu at 832-5009, or on Kaua‘i at 274-3344.
