The Department of Land and Natural Resources announces an open fishing season for rainbow trout in the Kokee Public Fishing Area on Kauai, beginning Saturday, June 16, 2012.
Anglers may fish daily during the daylight hours between sunrise and sunset from June 16 to September 30, 2012.
“Trout fishing at Pu‘u Lua Reservoir in Kokee has always been a popular family activity and anglers will have a chance to catch trout from last year’s stocking,” says William J. Aila, Jr., DLNR Chairperson.
Last year, 777 anglers caught 70 trout with the largest trout 19-1/4 inches in length and 5 pounds. Fishing was poor due to the closure of the trout hatchery in 2009. Trout fishing this year should be better with the reopening of the trout hatchery and the restocking of trout in the Koke’e PFA in late 2011.
Anglers must have a valid State of Hawai‘i freshwater game fishing license. Licenses may be obtained at DLNR offices, at selected fishing supply stores, license agents, or purchased online at http://www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar. Online license purchases are encouraged due to shortage of Kauai Division personnel.
The daily bag limit is eight rainbow trout per licensed angler. Anglers shall fish with only one pole and line, or with one line with one lure or one baited hook attached to one line. The use of treble hooks is prohibited.
The complete rules for fishing for rainbow trout at Kokee PFA can be found on the DLNR website listed above, or by calling a Division of Aquatic Resources office.
Anglers should be aware that a four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended for driving to all main fishing areas, including Puu Lua Reservoir, the streams and ditch systems.
All anglers are required to check in and out at established check-in stations as follows:
1) Puu Lua Reservoir’s two stations at the parking area and at the reservoir intake while fishing at the Reservoir;
2) Koke‘e Park headquarters for the Koke‘e streams and ditch systems and access through Camp Ten and Halemanu Roads;
3) Trail 2 for the lower ditch systems.
For further information or the current list of license agents, please call the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources on O‘ahu at 832-5009.
See the original article at: KHON2 Developing Stories
