DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

News Release

LINDA LINGLE

GOVERNOR

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

PETER T. YOUNG, CHAIRPERSON

Phone: (808) 587-0401

Fax: (808) 587-0390

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

For Immediate Release: August 2, 2006

Rainbow Trout Season Opens Aug. 5
At Koke'e Public Fishing Area

LIHU‘E - The annual fishing season for prized rainbow trout is back, as Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) reopens the Koke‘e Public Fishing Area on Kaua‘i on Saturday, August 5.
“Anglers who are able to attend this year’s trout opening weekend will be rewarded with good fishing at Pu‘u Lua Reservoir,” said Peter Young, DLNR Chairperson.  “Fishing for trout is always a popular family activity at Koke‘e since this is only place in Hawai‘i where fishers can catch rainbow trout,” he said.

About 1,500 anglers turn out each year for the chance to catch more than 7,000 stocked trout in the Pu‘u Lua Reservoir, Young said.

The largest trout caught last year during the opening weekend was over 18 inches in length and weighed in at 3 lb. 14 oz.

Although fishing will again be good in the reservoir, with many of the trout over one pound in size, water levels are high this summer, so anglers may have reduced access to the fishing banks, said Dennis Shinno, DLNR aquatic biologist.

Anglers must have a valid State of Hawai'i freshwater game fishing license, which can be obtained at DLNR, at fishing supply stores, licensed agents, or purchased online at https://www.ehawaiigov.org/dlnr/fish/exe/fresh_main_page.cgi

Anglers may fish daily (between 5:30 a.m. and 6:45 p.m.) from August 5 to 20, 2006. Thereafter, until September 30, 2006 anglers may fish only on Saturdays, Sundays and State holidays.

The daily bag limit is seven (7) rainbow trout per licensed angler.

Fishers should be aware that a 4-wheel drive vehicle is recommended for driving to the main fishing areas, particularly Pu‘u Lua Reservoir and the ditch systems.

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

(1) Pu‘u Lua Reservoir while fishing at the reservoir;

(2) Koke‘e Park headquarters for the Koke‘e ditch system and access through Camp Ten and Halemanu roads.

For further information or a current list of license agents, call DLNR on O'ahu at 832-5009 or the Lihue Aquatic Resources office at (808) 274-3344.

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For more information, contact:
DLNR-Aquatics
Kauai district office, Lihue
(808) 274-3344

Deborah Ward,
DLNR Public Information Office
Phone: (808) 587-0320