2/12/26 – Kaua‘i’s 2026 Trout Season Kicks Off: 30,000 Yearlings Arrive at Puʻu Lua Reservoir
Young rainbow trout, fresh from Oahu!
Early January brought good news for Kaua‘i anglers and fisheries stewards: 30,000 baby trout yearlings destined for Puʻu Lua Reservoir arrived in Līhuʻe by Hawaiian Airlines in three shipments on January 9, 12, and 13. The baby trout were hatched raised and packed at Ānuenue Fisheries Research Center (AFRC) on Sand Island, Oʻahu, then transported to Honolulu Airport and flown to Kaua‘i at roughly 10:30 a.m. over the course of three days.
A coordinated team effort
Trout program manager Garrick Tatsuda, supported by community volunteers, met the shipments in Līhuʻe and transported the fish to Puʻu Lua Reservoir in Kōkeʻe. In a race against time, the trout were unpacked at the reservoir and moved by boat to the pens. The operation was completed efficiently and successfully by 2:00 p.m. on the final day, with mortality below 1%—an excellent outcome for this type of transfer.
Trout being transported to their grow-out pens.
Reservoir water levels remain a concern
Despite the successful stocking, low water levels at Puʻu Lua remain an ongoing concern. Drought-like conditions over the summer had reduced the reservoir to worrying depths, though a number of trout from last season did survive. Heavy December rains temporarily replenished the reservoir to suitable levels for receiving the new yearlings, but January’s dry spell has begun to drop levels again.
Water flow, temperature, and oxygen are critical to trout health. When levels fall and flow slows, water temperatures can rise and oxygen levels decline, causing trout to eat less and grow more slowly—effects that can jeopardize the season if conditions worsen.
Season opening and regulations
Trout being released into their grow-out pens.
Trout fishing at Puʻu Lua Reservoir is currently closed. Barring any major setbacks, trout season is scheduled to open Saturday, June 20, 2026 (Father’s Day weekend). Anglers must have a valid freshwater fishing permit to fish for trout at Puʻu Lua; fishing during the closed season or without a freshwater fishing license can result in citations by Conservation Enforcement Officers.
This year’s successful season will reflect a strong coordination between fisheries staff, volunteers and the community. With continued attention to reservoir levels and regulations, Kaua‘i’s trout season looks to have a promising start.