The Kōkeʻe Public Fishing Area on Kaua‘i will open for the annual rainbow trout season from June 14 to September 30. Fishing is allowed daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., with Puʻu Lua Reservoir as the main fishing location, according to the Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Fishing in the area has shifted mostly to the Puʻu Lua Reservoir, which now accounts for over 95% of trout catches after the stream stocking program ended. In the past year, there were 2,994 angler visits and 15,401 fish caught. This year, 22,000 young trout were added to the reservoir in early January. Due to late stocking and drought conditions, the trout may be smaller than usual. Regulations include a daily limit of seven rainbow trout, all trout caught must be kept, only one line with a single barbed hook is allowed, and treble hooks are not permitted, as reported by the Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources.
A valid Hawai‘i freshwater game fishing license is required this season and can be purchased online. The previous lottery system is no longer in use. Dogs are not allowed at Puʻu Lua Reservoir, which is in Hunting Unit J. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended due to rough access roads. Check-in and check-out stations are located at Puʻu Lua Reservoir and Kōkeʻe Park headquarters for stream and upper ditch system access. Lower ditch systems can only be reached on foot because vehicles are not allowed, as stated by the Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources.
