Guide to Freshwater Fishing in Kauai

Fresh water fishing on Kauai? That's right. Kauai, with over a hundred reservoirs and streams, has some of the best freshwater fishing on all of the Hawaiian Islands. The following is a guide to freshwater fishing on the Hawaiian Island of Kauai.

There are over hundreds of streams on Kauai and an abundance of fresh water, however there are only a few native freshwater fish. These include o'opu, aholehole and mullet. Man-made reservoirs were built to house water for irrigation of the pineapple and sugar plantations. The local fish could not survive in this type of environment and other fish were introduced. Fish commonly found in these reservoirs include bass, trout, tilapia, and bluegill.

The county of Kauai allows freshwater fishing in Koke'e and Wailua. The Koke'e Public Fishing Area has specifically marked fishing areas that includes stream, reservoir and ditch fishing. A Freshwater Game Fishing License is needed to fish in Koke'e. The best freshwater fishing on Kauai is said to be at Puu Lua Reservoir in Koke'e State Park, so this is the place to go for you all you fishermen. The only downside is that fishing is permitted from June 1 till September 30 only in Koke'e. The Wailua Public Fishing area is located off of Kuamo'o Road about five miles off of Kuhio Highway. A fishing license is also required. Wailua Public Fishing does not list any blackout dates for fishing. For nonresidents, freshwater fishing licenses are about $25; they are only $5 for residents. Fishing licenses can be purchased online.

Most reservoirs on Kauai are privately owned, and to gain access you have to have permission from the landowner. There are a few fishing guide companies that allow access to some of these reservoirs. Fishing in Kauai (808-245-7358), also known as Kauai Freshwater Aquatics, has access to the largest reservoir in Hawaii, the Waita. Cast and Catch Bass Tours (808-332-9707) take guests out on their 17.5 foot bass boat to a number of reservoirs to catch fish. Pudwill's (808-822-1965) offers tours of freshwater streams and reservoirs and promise large mouth peacock and small mouth bass fishing.

Fishing supplies and licenses can be purchased at various supply stores. Kauai fishing stores include Lihue Fishing Supply (808-245-4930), Waipouli Variety (808-822-1014) in Kapa'a, and Stan's Fishing and Liquor Store (808-335-5213) on the west side of Kauai.

Kauai offers a lot of fishing options for the fisherman, from deep sea to local streams and reservoirs. If fishing is your game, Kauai is sure to please. This guide to freshwater fishing on Kauai will be sure to get you on your way.