KOKE‘E — The state’s Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) announced there will be no lottery for the annual Rainbow Trout Season, which started on June 15 and continues through Sept. 30.
Fishers may fish daily at the Koke‘e Public Fishing Area from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. through the season.
Trout are found in streams and ditch systems within the Public Fishing Area (PFA), the DAR said. But fishing success has been poor in the PFA due to the discontinuation of stream stocking several years ago.
Of the recorded catches, more than 95 percent now occur at Pu‘u Lua Reservoir where the stocking program continues.
The DAR said in 2023, there were 2,808 recorded visits by fishers, and 16,871 fish were caught at the Pu‘u Lua Reservoir. DAR officials expect this year to be successful because 25,700 young trout were stocked in the reservoir.
Anglers must have a valid state of Hawai‘i freshwater game fishing license.
The daily bag limit for this year will be seven rainbow trout per licensed angler. Catch and release fishing is prohibited. All trout caught must be retained by the fisher and count toward their bag limit.
Each angler may fish with only one line, with one single barbed hook — lure or baited. The use of treble hooks is prohibited.
The launch or use of any vessel or floatable object, motorized, nonmotorized or wind-powered in the Pu‘u Reservoir is prohibited. No camping is permitted in the vicinity of the reservoir, and open fires are strictly prohibited due to the risk of fire hazard.
Because the Pu‘u Lua Reservoir is located within Hunting Unit J, dogs are strictly prohibited, even if on leash. This is for the courtesy and safety of fishers at the reservoir.
Anglers are advised that four-wheel drive vehicles are highly recommended for driving to all PFA areas, including the Pu‘u Lua Reservoir, the streams and ditch systems. Road conditions may quickly degrade with increased vehicle traffic during the trout season. A DAR tip suggests that generally coming out is more difficult than going in.
The Pu‘u Lua Reservoir is located on Ha‘ele‘ele Ridge about less than a mile from the turnoff at Mile Marker 12. All anglers are required to check in and out at established check-in stations located at Pu‘u Lua Reservoir’s parking area,and at the reservoir intake.
Additional check-in stations include the Koke‘e Park headquarters for streams and the upper ditch systems with access through Camp 10 and Halemanu Roads.
A check-in station is located at Trail 2 for the lower ditch systems. Due to road hazards and conditions, vehicle access to the lower ditch systems is prohibited. Access is walk-in only.
