LIHUE — The fishing season for rainbow trout opens Saturday at Kokee public fishing area. “Trout fishing at Puu Lua Reservoir in Kokee has always been a popular family activity, and anglers will have a chance to catch trout from
LIHUE — The fishing season for rainbow trout opens Saturday at Kokee public fishing area.
“Trout fishing at Puu Lua Reservoir in Kokee has always been a popular family activity, and anglers will have a chance to catch trout from last year’s stocking,” said William Aila, Jr., chairman of Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Fishing will be allowed daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Sept. 29.
Last year, 2,570 anglers caught 13,349 trout with the largest trout caught measuring 15 inches in length and weighing 2 pounds, according to DLNR.
Fishing was good because the trout hatchery was restarted in 2011 and juvenile trout were restocked in the Puu Lua Reservoir later that year. Trout fishing is expected to be better than last year as more trout were stocked in the reservoir in 2012.
A four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended for driving to all fishing areas, including Puu Lua Reservoir, the streams and ditch systems.
Fishing in the streams will be very poor because trout stocking in the streams has been discontinued, a release said.
All anglers are required to check in and out at established check-in stations as follows:
• Puu Lua Reservoir’s two stations at the parking area and at the reservoir intake.
• Kokee Park headquarters for streams and ditch systems with access through Camp 10 and Halemanu Roads.
• Trail 2 for the lower ditch systems.
From Saturday to July 7, the gates will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays, and from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays. From July 8 to Sept. 29, the gates will be open from 6 am. to 6 p.m. only on weekends and holidays.
Anglers must have a valid state of Hawaii freshwater game fishing license. Licenses may be obtained at DLNR offices, at selected fishing supply stores, license agents, or purchased at www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar.
