10/1/23 – Trout comes to a close on Kauaʻi

The 2023 trout season in Kōkeʻe, Kauaʻi came to a close on September 30th. 2800 anglers caught nearly 17,000 trout this year. Fishing remained strong even into August this year due to abundant rains in the spring and early summer that helped the trout to flourish as they were being reared by trout program technician Garrick Tatsuda. Next year’s trout have already been hatched at DAR’s Anuenue Fisheries Research Center at Sand Island and will be making the journey over to Kauaʻi in the coming months once the water in the reservoir cools down sufficiently.

To all who came out to fish this year, mahalo for supporting and enjoying the trout fishery program. For more than 100 years, the trout program has provided fun and family-focused fishing opportunities. Funding for the trout program is provided by the Sport Fish Restoration Act and sales of the Hawaii freshwater gamefish license.

A group of boys holding up a stringer of rainbow trout

Young fishers enjoy a bountiful catch at Pu’u Lua reservoir

A family shows of the fish they just caught

Heading home with mud on the shoes, a full cooler, and smiles on everyone’s faces means a successful day of trout fishing

A girl weighs a fish she just caught

The biggest catch of opening day was by a young lady of just 6 years old! The trout weighed 2 1/2 lbs.