Annual rainbow trout season opens in late June at Kōkeʻe

Open season for rainbow trout begins June 20 in Kōke‘e Public Fishing Area on Kaua‘i.

There will be no lottery this year, so anglers can fish from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily from June 20 to Sept. 30.

Trout are found in streams and ditch systems within Kōke‘e Public Fishing Area, but fishing success has been poor there because of discontinuation of stream stocking some years ago.

More than 95% of the catch now occurs from the Puʻu Lua Reservoir, where the stocking program continues.

There were 3,305 recorded visits by anglers in 2025 and 16,462 fish caught at the Puʻu Lua Reservoir. About 30,000 young trout were stocked during early January in the reservoir.

Surviving trout from the previous season could potentially grow to trophy-sized fish.

Anglers must have a valid Hawai‘i freshwater game fishing license, which can be purchased online.

What to know for the 2026 rainbow trout fishing season

• This year’s daily bag limit will be 7 rainbow trout per licensed angler.
• Catch-and-release fishing is prohibited; all trout caught must be retained by the angler and count toward their bag limit.
• Each angler can fish with only one line, with one single barbed hook (lure or baited).
• Use of treble hooks is prohibited.
• 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; open fires are strictly prohibited because of wildfire risk.
• Puʻu Lua Reservoir is located within Hunting Unit J; therefore, dogs are strictly prohibited, even if on a leash. This is also for the courtesy and safety of fishers at the reservoir.

Anglers are advised that 4-wheel-drive vehicles are highly recommended for driving to all fishing areas, including Pu‘u Lua Reservoir, the streams and ditch systems.

Road conditions quickly degrade with increased vehicle traffic during trout season. Generally, coming out is more difficult than going in.

The reservoir is located on Haʻeleʻele Ridge Road, located three-quarters of a mile from the turnoff at mile marker 12.

All anglers are required to check in and out at established check-in stations as follows:

• Pu‘u Lua Reservoir: Two stations at the parking area and at 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. Because of road hazards and conditions, vehicle access to the lower ditch systems is prohibited. Access by walk-in only.