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Fishing for catfish in Hawaii is a genuinely unique experience. Unlike the sprawling river systems of the continental United States, Hawaii’s catfish waters are tucked inside island reservoirs, irrigation ditches, and mountain impoundments — all built to support the sugarcane plantations that shaped the islands’ history.

Before you rig up a bottom rod, you need to understand how Hawaii regulates its freshwater fisheries. The rules here differ from most mainland states in ways that can catch visiting anglers off guard — from year-round open seasons to the surprising absence of bag and size limits for catfish, to the freshwater license requirement that applies even to local residents. This guide walks you through everything you need to know, as of the Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) regulations current through May 2025.

Important Note: Hawaii fishing regulations are subject to change. Always verify current rules directly with the Hawaii DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources before heading out.

Catfish Species Found in Hawaii

Hawaii has no native catfish species. Every catfish you encounter in the islands arrived through deliberate or accidental introduction. Various fish species from elsewhere in the world have been deliberately or accidentally introduced to Hawaii, and high-quality game fishes such as largemouth bass, tucunare, and channel catfish are now widespread and well established in reservoir waters.

The primary sportfish catfish in Hawaii is the channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). Channel catfish were introduced to Hawaii in the 1890s and are now established in reservoirs on Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island, with the Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources managing populations in Wahiawa Reservoir on Oahu and Waita Reservoir on Kauai. An unofficial record of a 51-pound channel catfish taken from Wahiawa Reservoir on a spoon speaks to just how large these fish can grow in Hawaii’s warm, productive impoundments.

Two other catfish species are present in Hawaiian waters, though neither is a primary angling target. The Chinese catfish (Clarias fuscus), also called the whitespotted clarias, has a long history in the islands. This catfish is believed to have been introduced to Hawaii from Asia by Chinese immigrants, prior to 1900. In Hawaii, this catfish inhabits the muddy bottoms of taro patches, streams, and ditches. Chinese catfish were introduced to Hawaii in the 1900s for aquaculture purposes and have established populations in some freshwater streams and reservoirs, particularly on Oahu, though the Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources does not list specific regulations for this species beyond general freshwater fishing rules.

The suckermouth armored catfish (Hypostomus plecostomus), commonly called a pleco, also appears in Hawaiian freshwater systems. A member of this genus was first encountered in small numbers in the Nuuanu No. 3 Reservoir on Oahu in 1984 and is now abundant in that reservoir and in many other Oahu reservoirs and streams. The DAR considers it an aquatic invasive species rather than a game fish, so there is no recreational season or limit structure for it.

Pro Tip: When targeting channel catfish at Wahiawa Reservoir, productive baits include tilapia chunks, crayfish, aku belly, liver, and commercial stinkbaits — all proven producers in Hawaii’s warm reservoir waters.

Worth reading: Catfish Fishing Regulations in Oklahoma: What Every Angler Needs to Know

Catfish Season Dates in Hawaii

One of the most angler-friendly aspects of Hawaii’s freshwater regulations is that channel catfish are open to fishing year-round with no closed season. Channel catfish have an open season year-round in Hawaii with no size or bag limits, and fish found in irrigation reservoirs can reach 20 or more pounds.

Only five natural lakes, all very small, occur in Hawaii, but 266 freshwater reservoirs ranging up to 400 surface acres in size have been created through impoundment of stream waters. Most of these reservoirs are privately owned, which means access — not season dates — is the bigger constraint for most catfish anglers.

Most reservoirs, stream banks, and even stream beds in Hawaii are privately owned. Unless these waters are officially designated as Public Fishing Areas, fishing is allowed only by special permission from the landowner. The designated Public Fishing Areas (PFAs) managed by the DAR are the most reliable access points for visiting anglers and residents alike.

Unlike rainbow trout at Kokee on Kauai — where the DAR announces a specific open season each year — channel catfish face no seasonal closure anywhere in the state. You can fish for them any day of the year at any legally accessible water body.

Daily Bag Limits for Catfish in Hawaii

Hawaii takes a notably relaxed approach to catfish harvest limits. No bag or size limits apply to channel catfish in Hawaii, as they are considered an introduced species. The state’s management philosophy treats introduced warmwater species differently from native and protected fish — encouraging harvest rather than restricting it.

This contrasts sharply with regulations in other states. If you want to see how neighboring states handle catfish limits, check out the catfish fishing regulations in California or the catfish fishing regulations in Texas for comparison.

While there is no statewide bag limit for channel catfish, individual Public Fishing Areas may carry their own access and possession rules. At the Wailua Reservoir PFA on Kauai, for example, anglers may take up to an aggregate total of three fish per licensee per day, and fishers must allow inspection of any bag or container, or any vehicle or other conveyance used to carry or transport aquatic life. Always check the specific rules posted at each PFA before fishing.

Key Insight: The three-fish aggregate limit at Wailua Reservoir applies to all species combined, not just catfish. If you keep two bass and one catfish, you have reached your daily limit for that location.

Related article: Bowfishing Laws in Wyoming: What You Can and Cannot Do

One hard restriction worth noting: channel catfish shall not be used as bait at any Public Fishing Area. You cannot legally cut up a catfish and use it as chunk bait to catch other catfish or any other species within a PFA.

Size and Length Limits for Catfish in Hawaii

There are no minimum size or length limits for channel catfish anywhere in Hawaii. Channel catfish were introduced to Hawaii in the 1890s and are now established in reservoirs on Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island, and no bag or size limits apply to channel catfish in Hawaii, as they are considered an introduced species.

This open-harvest policy reflects the DAR’s broader stance on non-native warmwater species. The agency does not impose protective size limits on introduced fish that compete with native aquatic life. In fact, removing channel catfish — even small ones — is consistent with the state’s conservation goals for its native stream fauna.

Size limits do apply to other freshwater species at the same waters. Largemouth bass carry a 9-inch minimum statewide, and smallmouth bass have a 7-inch minimum. Freshwater seasons vary by reservoir, and largemouth bass, tucunare (peacock bass), and channel catfish all have specific limits, with treble hooks banned in some reservoirs. Check the current DAR regulations booklet for the specific water you plan to fish.

Legal Methods for Catching Catfish in Hawaii

Hawaii’s freshwater gear rules are straightforward but worth knowing before you pack your tackle box. The standard legal method at most Public Fishing Areas is hook-and-line fishing. Anglers may fish with hook-and-line with not more than one lure or baited hook or two artificial flies attached to a single line, and on weekends and holidays only one line may be used, while on weekdays other than holidays two lines may be used.

Dip nets are permitted in a limited capacity. Attended traps and dip nets up to two feet long, wide, or high, excluding the handle, may be used to land hooked fish or to take certain baitfishes, provided that tucunare, bass, channel catfish, and oscar shall not be used as bait.

Several methods are explicitly prohibited in Hawaii’s freshwater areas:

Snagging fish of any species

Seine nets, drag nets, or draw nets

Trotlines and unattended lines

Explosives, electrofishing devices, and poisonous substances — the possession or use of explosives, electrofishing devices, and poisonous substances in state waters is prohibited.

Firearms, air rifles, bows and arrows, or spears in freshwater fishing areas

Chemicals or other illegal fishing gear

Treble hooks deserve special attention. Treble hooks are banned in some reservoirs. The specific prohibition varies by location, so check the rules posted at each PFA or download the current DAR regulations PDF before fishing a new spot.

Further reading: Bass Fishing Regulations in Illinois: What Every Angler Needs to Know

For anglers interested in how legal methods compare across states, see the catfish fishing regulations in Florida or the catfish fishing regulations in Tennessee, where trotlines and jugs are standard tools.

Fishing License Requirements for Catfish in Hawaii

Hawaii’s license structure is unusual compared to most U.S. states, and it trips up visitors regularly. The key distinction is between saltwater and freshwater fishing. Saltwater fishing in Hawaii requires no recreational license for residents — but freshwater fishing is a different matter entirely.

The Hawaii DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources requires a Freshwater Game Fishing License for anyone 9 or older fishing public freshwater on Kauai, Oahu, and the Big Island. Since channel catfish live exclusively in freshwater, every angler targeting them needs this license, regardless of residency status.

As of 2026, license fees set by the DLNR are as follows:

License Type | Who It Covers | Fee (as of 2026)
Resident Annual | Hawaii residents | $6
Non-Resident Annual | Out-of-state anglers | $26
30-Day Tourist License | Visitors | $11
7-Day Tourist License | Visitors | $6
Youth (ages 9–15) | Minors | Free
Seniors 65+ / Disabled Residents | Qualifying residents | Free
Children under 9 | Young anglers | Free (with licensed adult)

Freshwater Game Fishing License fees set by DLNR for 2026 are: resident annual $6, non-resident annual $26, 30-day tourist license $11, and a 7-day tourist license $6. Seniors 65 and older and disabled residents fish free with a no-fee license, minors aged 9 to 15 can get a free freshwater license, and children under 9 fish free with a licensed adult.

An additional entry permit is required for the Wahiawa Public Fishing Area beyond the standard freshwater license. An additional entry permit is also required for anyone planning to fish Wahiawa Reservoir from the public fishing area.

Military personnel stationed in Hawaii also receive an exemption. Hawaii has decided to reward servicemen by ensuring that all military personnel are exempt from these requirements.

You can purchase your license online through the DLNR ecommerce portal at dlnr.hawaii.gov. The digital license is delivered instantly and works on your phone, and you can also buy at DLNR offices on each major island.

A Freshwater Game Fishing License is required for the taking of certain introduced freshwater fishes. Fishing without one is a violation of Hawaii state law. If you want to compare license structures across states, see the catfish fishing regulations in North Carolina or the catfish fishing regulations in Georgia.

You might like: Bowfishing Laws in Nebraska: What You Need to Know Before You Shoot

Pro Tip: If you plan to fish both freshwater and saltwater during the same Hawaii trip, you only need the Freshwater Game Fishing License. Ocean fishing from shore or boat remains free for all recreational anglers.

Best Catfish Fishing Spots in Hawaii

Hawaii’s catfish waters are concentrated on three islands: Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island. Access to most reservoirs requires either a DAR permit for a designated Public Fishing Area or explicit permission from the private landowner. Here are the most reliable and accessible spots.

Wahiawa Reservoir (Lake Wilson) — Oahu

The Wahiawa Public Fishing Area includes a portion of the privately-owned Wahiawa Reservoir, also known as Lake Wilson, in the central portion of Oahu. The Wahiawa State Freshwater Park is located along the South Fork of the Reservoir and includes a boat launching ramp and vehicle-trailer parking areas.

Constructed in 1905 by the Waialua Agricultural Company to support irrigation for sugarcane plantations, the reservoir is located in the central part of Oahu, covering approximately 400 acres with depths reaching up to 100 feet. The reservoir is known for its bass fishing, particularly largemouth bass and smallmouth bass, with other species including tilapia, catfish, and peacock bass. This is the most productive and accessible catfish location on Oahu, and the unofficial 51-pound channel catfish record came from here.

Note that bass and tucunare are catch-and-release only at Wahiawa PFA, but channel catfish may be kept. An entry permit beyond your standard freshwater license is required.

Waita Reservoir — Kauai

The Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources manages channel catfish populations in Waita Reservoir on Kauai, where they provide recreational fishing opportunities. Waita is the largest reservoir in the state and holds strong populations of both channel catfish and largemouth bass. Access typically requires a boat rental, and the reservoir is managed in part by private agricultural interests, so confirm current access arrangements before your trip.

Wailua Reservoir — Kauai

The Wailua Reservoir Public Fishing Area is located off Kuamo’o Road approximately five miles mauka of Kuhio Highway, above the city of Wailua on Kauai. This is a designated DAR Public Fishing Area, making it one of the more straightforward spots for visiting anglers to access legally. The three-fish-per-day aggregate limit applies here, so plan your target species accordingly.

Private Plantation Reservoirs

Some sugar plantation companies issue day-use or annual permits for their irrigation reservoirs, which often hold excellent bass and catfish populations, with many charging nominal fees of $5 to $20 per day. These private waters often see less pressure than the public areas and can produce larger catfish. Contact individual landowners or local tackle shops for current permit availability.

Up next: Bass Fishing Regulations in New Mexico: Seasons, Limits, and Rules

Wailoa River State Recreation Area — Big Island

The Wailoa River State Recreation Area near Hilo on the Big Island offers accessible freshwater fishing in a park setting. Catch-and-release fishing is permitted at some Big Island locations, with species like tilapia and catfish commonly found. This area is more accessible to anglers staying on the Big Island and requires only your standard freshwater license.

Pro Tip: Channel catfish in Hawaii’s reservoirs feed most actively at dawn and dusk. Bottom-fishing with cut tilapia or stinkbait near submerged structure — old irrigation infrastructure, rocky ledges, and deep channel bends — produces the most consistent results.

Hawaii’s freshwater catfish fishery is small by mainland standards but genuinely rewarding. The year-round open season, absence of bag and size limits for channel catfish, and the scenic reservoir settings make it a worthwhile pursuit for any angler visiting the islands. Just make sure your Freshwater Game Fishing License is in order before you cast. For a broader look at how catfish regulations vary across the country, explore the catfish fishing regulations in Washington, catfish fishing regulations in Arizona, or the catfish fishing regulations in Michigan to see how other states manage their fisheries.

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Spread the love for animals! 🐾

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# contentMap.en
Spread the love for animals! 🐾

Facebook Flipboard Reddit Pinterest X Threads WhatsApp

Fishing for catfish in Hawaii is a genuinely unique experience. Unlike the sprawling river systems of the continental United States, Hawaii’s catfish waters are tucked inside island reservoirs, irrigation ditches, and mountain impoundments — all built to support the sugarcane plantations that shaped the islands’ history.

Before you rig up a bottom rod, you need to understand how Hawaii regulates its freshwater fisheries. The rules here differ from most mainland states in ways that can catch visiting anglers off guard — from year-round open seasons to the surprising absence of bag and size limits for catfish, to the freshwater license requirement that applies even to local residents. This guide walks you through everything you need to know, as of the Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) regulations current through May 2025.

Important Note: Hawaii fishing regulations are subject to change. Always verify current rules directly with the Hawaii DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources before heading out.

Catfish Species Found in Hawaii

Hawaii has no native catfish species. Every catfish you encounter in the islands arrived through deliberate or accidental introduction. Various fish species from elsewhere in the world have been deliberately or accidentally introduced to Hawaii, and high-quality game fishes such as largemouth bass, tucunare, and channel catfish are now widespread and well established in reservoir waters.

The primary sportfish catfish in Hawaii is the channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). Channel catfish were introduced to Hawaii in the 1890s and are now established in reservoirs on Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island, with the Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources managing populations in Wahiawa Reservoir on Oahu and Waita Reservoir on Kauai. An unofficial record of a 51-pound channel catfish taken from Wahiawa Reservoir on a spoon speaks to just how large these fish can grow in Hawaii’s warm, productive impoundments.

Two other catfish species are present in Hawaiian waters, though neither is a primary angling target. The Chinese catfish (Clarias fuscus), also called the whitespotted clarias, has a long history in the islands. This catfish is believed to have been introduced to Hawaii from Asia by Chinese immigrants, prior to 1900. In Hawaii, this catfish inhabits the muddy bottoms of taro patches, streams, and ditches. Chinese catfish were introduced to Hawaii in the 1900s for aquaculture purposes and have established populations in some freshwater streams and reservoirs, particularly on Oahu, though the Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources does not list specific regulations for this species beyond general freshwater fishing rules.

The suckermouth armored catfish (Hypostomus plecostomus), commonly called a pleco, also appears in Hawaiian freshwater systems. A member of this genus was first encountered in small numbers in the Nuuanu No. 3 Reservoir on Oahu in 1984 and is now abundant in that reservoir and in many other Oahu reservoirs and streams. The DAR considers it an aquatic invasive species rather than a game fish, so there is no recreational season or limit structure for it.

Pro Tip: When targeting channel catfish at Wahiawa Reservoir, productive baits include tilapia chunks, crayfish, aku belly, liver, and commercial stinkbaits — all proven producers in Hawaii’s warm reservoir waters.

Worth reading: Catfish Fishing Regulations in Oklahoma: What Every Angler Needs to Know

Catfish Season Dates in Hawaii

One of the most angler-friendly aspects of Hawaii’s freshwater regulations is that channel catfish are open to fishing year-round with no closed season. Channel catfish have an open season year-round in Hawaii with no size or bag limits, and fish found in irrigation reservoirs can reach 20 or more pounds.

Only five natural lakes, all very small, occur in Hawaii, but 266 freshwater reservoirs ranging up to 400 surface acres in size have been created through impoundment of stream waters. Most of these reservoirs are privately owned, which means access — not season dates — is the bigger constraint for most catfish anglers.

Most reservoirs, stream banks, and even stream beds in Hawaii are privately owned. Unless these waters are officially designated as Public Fishing Areas, fishing is allowed only by special permission from the landowner. The designated Public Fishing Areas (PFAs) managed by the DAR are the most reliable access points for visiting anglers and residents alike.

Unlike rainbow trout at Kokee on Kauai — where the DAR announces a specific open season each year — channel catfish face no seasonal closure anywhere in the state. You can fish for them any day of the year at any legally accessible water body.

Daily Bag Limits for Catfish in Hawaii

Hawaii takes a notably relaxed approach to catfish harvest limits. No bag or size limits apply to channel catfish in Hawaii, as they are considered an introduced species. The state’s management philosophy treats introduced warmwater species differently from native and protected fish — encouraging harvest rather than restricting it.

This contrasts sharply with regulations in other states. If you want to see how neighboring states handle catfish limits, check out the catfish fishing regulations in California or the catfish fishing regulations in Texas for comparison.

While there is no statewide bag limit for channel catfish, individual Public Fishing Areas may carry their own access and possession rules. At the Wailua Reservoir PFA on Kauai, for example, anglers may take up to an aggregate total of three fish per licensee per day, and fishers must allow inspection of any bag or container, or any vehicle or other conveyance used to carry or transport aquatic life. Always check the specific rules posted at each PFA before fishing.

Key Insight: The three-fish aggregate limit at Wailua Reservoir applies to all species combined, not just catfish. If you keep two bass and one catfish, you have reached your daily limit for that location.

Related article: Bowfishing Laws in Wyoming: What You Can and Cannot Do

One hard restriction worth noting: channel catfish shall not be used as bait at any Public Fishing Area. You cannot legally cut up a catfish and use it as chunk bait to catch other catfish or any other species within a PFA.

Size and Length Limits for Catfish in Hawaii

There are no minimum size or length limits for channel catfish anywhere in Hawaii. Channel catfish were introduced to Hawaii in the 1890s and are now established in reservoirs on Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island, and no bag or size limits apply to channel catfish in Hawaii, as they are considered an introduced species.

This open-harvest policy reflects the DAR’s broader stance on non-native warmwater species. The agency does not impose protective size limits on introduced fish that compete with native aquatic life. In fact, removing channel catfish — even small ones — is consistent with the state’s conservation goals for its native stream fauna.

Size limits do apply to other freshwater species at the same waters. Largemouth bass carry a 9-inch minimum statewide, and smallmouth bass have a 7-inch minimum. Freshwater seasons vary by reservoir, and largemouth bass, tucunare (peacock bass), and channel catfish all have specific limits, with treble hooks banned in some reservoirs. Check the current DAR regulations booklet for the specific water you plan to fish.

Legal Methods for Catching Catfish in Hawaii

Hawaii’s freshwater gear rules are straightforward but worth knowing before you pack your tackle box. The standard legal method at most Public Fishing Areas is hook-and-line fishing. Anglers may fish with hook-and-line with not more than one lure or baited hook or two artificial flies attached to a single line, and on weekends and holidays only one line may be used, while on weekdays other than holidays two lines may be used.

Dip nets are permitted in a limited capacity. Attended traps and dip nets up to two feet long, wide, or high, excluding the handle, may be used to land hooked fish or to take certain baitfishes, provided that tucunare, bass, channel catfish, and oscar shall not be used as bait.

Several methods are explicitly prohibited in Hawaii’s freshwater areas:

Snagging fish of any species

Seine nets, drag nets, or draw nets

Trotlines and unattended lines

Explosives, electrofishing devices, and poisonous substances — the possession or use of explosives, electrofishing devices, and poisonous substances in state waters is prohibited.

Firearms, air rifles, bows and arrows, or spears in freshwater fishing areas

Chemicals or other illegal fishing gear

Treble hooks deserve special attention. Treble hooks are banned in some reservoirs. The specific prohibition varies by location, so check the rules posted at each PFA or download the current DAR regulations PDF before fishing a new spot.

Further reading: Bass Fishing Regulations in Illinois: What Every Angler Needs to Know

For anglers interested in how legal methods compare across states, see the catfish fishing regulations in Florida or the catfish fishing regulations in Tennessee, where trotlines and jugs are standard tools.

Fishing License Requirements for Catfish in Hawaii

Hawaii’s license structure is unusual compared to most U.S. states, and it trips up visitors regularly. The key distinction is between saltwater and freshwater fishing. Saltwater fishing in Hawaii requires no recreational license for residents — but freshwater fishing is a different matter entirely.

The Hawaii DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources requires a Freshwater Game Fishing License for anyone 9 or older fishing public freshwater on Kauai, Oahu, and the Big Island. Since channel catfish live exclusively in freshwater, every angler targeting them needs this license, regardless of residency status.

As of 2026, license fees set by the DLNR are as follows:

License Type | Who It Covers | Fee (as of 2026)
Resident Annual | Hawaii residents | $6
Non-Resident Annual | Out-of-state anglers | $26
30-Day Tourist License | Visitors | $11
7-Day Tourist License | Visitors | $6
Youth (ages 9–15) | Minors | Free
Seniors 65+ / Disabled Residents | Qualifying residents | Free
Children under 9 | Young anglers | Free (with licensed adult)

Freshwater Game Fishing License fees set by DLNR for 2026 are: resident annual $6, non-resident annual $26, 30-day tourist license $11, and a 7-day tourist license $6. Seniors 65 and older and disabled residents fish free with a no-fee license, minors aged 9 to 15 can get a free freshwater license, and children under 9 fish free with a licensed adult.

An additional entry permit is required for the Wahiawa Public Fishing Area beyond the standard freshwater license. An additional entry permit is also required for anyone planning to fish Wahiawa Reservoir from the public fishing area.

Military personnel stationed in Hawaii also receive an exemption. Hawaii has decided to reward servicemen by ensuring that all military personnel are exempt from these requirements.

You can purchase your license online through the DLNR ecommerce portal at dlnr.hawaii.gov. The digital license is delivered instantly and works on your phone, and you can also buy at DLNR offices on each major island.

A Freshwater Game Fishing License is required for the taking of certain introduced freshwater fishes. Fishing without one is a violation of Hawaii state law. If you want to compare license structures across states, see the catfish fishing regulations in North Carolina or the catfish fishing regulations in Georgia.

You might like: Bowfishing Laws in Nebraska: What You Need to Know Before You Shoot

Pro Tip: If you plan to fish both freshwater and saltwater during the same Hawaii trip, you only need the Freshwater Game Fishing License. Ocean fishing from shore or boat remains free for all recreational anglers.

Best Catfish Fishing Spots in Hawaii

Hawaii’s catfish waters are concentrated on three islands: Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island. Access to most reservoirs requires either a DAR permit for a designated Public Fishing Area or explicit permission from the private landowner. Here are the most reliable and accessible spots.

Wahiawa Reservoir (Lake Wilson) — Oahu

The Wahiawa Public Fishing Area includes a portion of the privately-owned Wahiawa Reservoir, also known as Lake Wilson, in the central portion of Oahu. The Wahiawa State Freshwater Park is located along the South Fork of the Reservoir and includes a boat launching ramp and vehicle-trailer parking areas.

Constructed in 1905 by the Waialua Agricultural Company to support irrigation for sugarcane plantations, the reservoir is located in the central part of Oahu, covering approximately 400 acres with depths reaching up to 100 feet. The reservoir is known for its bass fishing, particularly largemouth bass and smallmouth bass, with other species including tilapia, catfish, and peacock bass. This is the most productive and accessible catfish location on Oahu, and the unofficial 51-pound channel catfish record came from here.

Note that bass and tucunare are catch-and-release only at Wahiawa PFA, but channel catfish may be kept. An entry permit beyond your standard freshwater license is required.

Waita Reservoir — Kauai

The Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources manages channel catfish populations in Waita Reservoir on Kauai, where they provide recreational fishing opportunities. Waita is the largest reservoir in the state and holds strong populations of both channel catfish and largemouth bass. Access typically requires a boat rental, and the reservoir is managed in part by private agricultural interests, so confirm current access arrangements before your trip.

Wailua Reservoir — Kauai

The Wailua Reservoir Public Fishing Area is located off Kuamo’o Road approximately five miles mauka of Kuhio Highway, above the city of Wailua on Kauai. This is a designated DAR Public Fishing Area, making it one of the more straightforward spots for visiting anglers to access legally. The three-fish-per-day aggregate limit applies here, so plan your target species accordingly.

Private Plantation Reservoirs

Some sugar plantation companies issue day-use or annual permits for their irrigation reservoirs, which often hold excellent bass and catfish populations, with many charging nominal fees of $5 to $20 per day. These private waters often see less pressure than the public areas and can produce larger catfish. Contact individual landowners or local tackle shops for current permit availability.

Up next: Bass Fishing Regulations in New Mexico: Seasons, Limits, and Rules

Wailoa River State Recreation Area — Big Island

The Wailoa River State Recreation Area near Hilo on the Big Island offers accessible freshwater fishing in a park setting. Catch-and-release fishing is permitted at some Big Island locations, with species like tilapia and catfish commonly found. This area is more accessible to anglers staying on the Big Island and requires only your standard freshwater license.

Pro Tip: Channel catfish in Hawaii’s reservoirs feed most actively at dawn and dusk. Bottom-fishing with cut tilapia or stinkbait near submerged structure — old irrigation infrastructure, rocky ledges, and deep channel bends — produces the most consistent results.

Hawaii’s freshwater catfish fishery is small by mainland standards but genuinely rewarding. The year-round open season, absence of bag and size limits for channel catfish, and the scenic reservoir settings make it a worthwhile pursuit for any angler visiting the islands. Just make sure your Freshwater Game Fishing License is in order before you cast. For a broader look at how catfish regulations vary across the country, explore the catfish fishing regulations in Washington, catfish fishing regulations in Arizona, or the catfish fishing regulations in Michigan to see how other states manage their fisheries.

Explore more from this category

Bass Fishing Regulations in New Mexico: Seasons, Limits, and Rules

Curated posts just for you

Spearfishing Laws in North Carolina: What Every Diver Needs to Know Before Getting in the Water

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Bowfishing Laws in Vermont: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Continue learning with these related posts

Bowfishing Laws in Nebraska: What You Need to Know Before You Shoot

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# name
Catfish Fishing Regulations in Hawaii: What Every Angler Needs to Know

# nameMap.en
Catfish Fishing Regulations in Hawaii: What Every Angler Needs to Know

# preview.content
Fishing for catfish in Hawaii is a genuinely unique experience. Unlike the sprawling river systems of the continental United States, Hawaii's catfish waters are tucked inside island reservoirs, irrigation ditches, and mountain impoundments — all built to support the sugarcane plantations that shaped the islands' history.

Before you rig up a bottom rod, you need to understand how Hawaii regulates its freshwater fisheries. The rules here differ from most mainland states in ways that can […]

# summary
Fishing for catfish in Hawaii is a genuinely unique experience. Unlike the sprawling river systems of the continental United States, Hawaii's catfish waters are tucked inside island reservoirs, irrigation ditches, and mountain impoundments — all built to support the sugarcane plantations that shaped the islands' history.

Before you rig up a bottom rod, you need to understand how Hawaii regulates its freshwater fisheries. The rules here differ from most mainland states in ways that can […]

# summaryMap.en
Fishing for catfish in Hawaii is a genuinely unique experience. Unlike the sprawling river systems of the continental United States, Hawaii's catfish waters are tucked inside island reservoirs, irrigation ditches, and mountain impoundments — all built to support the sugarcane plantations that shaped the islands' history.

Before you rig up a bottom rod, you need to understand how Hawaii regulates its freshwater fisheries. The rules here differ from most mainland states in ways that can […]