State trout-fishing area on Kauai restocked for summer anglers

The fishing season for rainbow trout will open June 16 at the Kokee public fishing area on Kauai, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources announced.

Anglers may fish daily from sunrise to sunset through Sept. 30.

"Trout fishing at Puu 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," DLNR Director William Aila Jr. said in a news release.

Last year, fishing was poor because the trout hatchery was closed in 2009.

Fishing this year is expected to be better since the hatchery was reopened and the reservoir has been restocked.

Anglers must have a valid state freshwater game-fishing license. Licenses may be obtained from DLNR offices, selected fishing supply stores, license agents or online at www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar.

The daily bag limit is eight rainbow trout per person. Anglers can use only one pole and line, or one line with one lure or one baited hook attached to one line. The use of treble hooks is prohibited.

For a list of license agents, call the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources on Oahu at 832-5009.