2009 Trout Season Opens on Kaua'i
Hawaii's trout season will be open from June 1st through Sept 30th this year. The announcement made by the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) marks a significant change from previous years where trout season was limited to a few weeks in August and weekends into part of September. More than 20,000 trout have been stocked on the island of Kaua'i in Pu‘u Lua Reservoir and the streams and ditch systems of Kokee State Park.
Rainbow trout fishing in the Rainbow State! The 2009 Hawaii trout season will run from June 1st through Sept 30th on the island of Kaua'i. Trout can be found in the reservoir, streams and ditch systems of Kokee State Park. More than 20,000 trout were stocked this year for a season that will be three to four times longer than in previous years.
A common misconception is the thought that the freshwater tributaries of Kaua'i are too warm to sustain a healthy trout fishery. On the contrary, the streams in Kokee State Park and the surrounding reaches of what is affectionately termed the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" snake their way through this lush tropical countryside at elevations from 3,500-4,000 feet with an average summer water temperature of 66-68 degrees. For the truly adventuresome angler, streams like the Kawakoi, Kauaikinana, Mohihi, Waialae, Koaie, and Waikoali hold wild (not native) Rainbow trout which were introduced to the state of Hawaii many years ago.
While the wild trout are certainly not what you would term plentiful, they can reach sizes as large as 18-20 inches. They feed almost exclusively sub-surface on immitations that resemble minnows, tadpoles and frogs. Wooly Buggers, San Juan Worms and other streamers prove most productive and weighted varieties are a must. The water of these streams is almost tea colored, and as such you will notice a distinctive dark brown back and shoulders on these Hawaiian trout. Anglers have success with both spin casting and fly fishing gear.
Complete rules for fishing for rainbow trout at Kokee State Park are published in Chapter 13-64 of the Hawaii Administrative Rules, and can also be found on the DLNR website (www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar/regulated_areas_kauai.html#kokee, or by calling the Division of Aquatic Resources office at (808) 587-0100.
Contact Grand Slam Fly Fishing Destinations at (808) 224-2035 or via email at info@grandslamflyfishing.com, along with members from our local Trout Unlimited chapter (Waikahe'olu Chapter #403) at www.tuhi.org for more information on trout fishing in Hawaii.