Open season for rainbow trout at Kōke‘e, Kaua‘i (without lottery) starts July 13

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the 2020 Trout Season at Kōke‘e Public Fishing Area on Kauaʻi opened via a lottery system, which allowed fishing to take place while adhering to Department of Health guidance on gatherings and physical distancing. This system helped to curb initial crowds at Pu‘u Lua reservoir. Assigned lottery sessions will be finished on Sunday July 12, and after evaluating the current trout stock, DAR has determined that the season will be open to the public beginning July 13 through September 30, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Fishers have been extremely responsible, wearing facemasks when signing in and physically distancing throughout the lottery sessions. Fishers will be asked to continue wearing facemarks and physical distancing at the reservoir.

Anglers must have a current valid State of Hawai‘i freshwater game fishing license. Licenses may be obtained at DAR offices, authorized license agents, or purchased online.

The daily bag limit for this year is seven rainbow trout per licensed angler. Catch-and-release fishing is prohibited; all trout caught must be retained by the angler and count towards their bag limit. Each angler may fish with only one line, with one single barbed hook (lure or baited). Use of treble hooks is prohibited. The use of canned or frozen whole corn for bait is prohibited. The launch or use of any vessel or floatable object, motorized, non-motorized, or wind-powered in Pu‘u Lua Reservoir is prohibited. No camping is permitted in the vicinity of the reservoir, and open fires are strictly prohibited due to risk of fire hazard. Dogs are prohibited around the reservoir bank for the safety and courtesy of other anglers.

Anglers are advised that four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended for driving to all fishing areas, including Pu‘u Lua reservoir, the streams, and 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.
  • Kōke‘e Park headquarters for streams and the upper ditch systems with access through Camp 10 and Halemanu Roads.
  • Trail 2 for the lower ditch systems. Due to road hazards and conditions, vehicle access to the lower ditch systems is prohibited. Access by walk-in only.