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Fly Fishing in Hawaii

33 featured rivers, lakes and streams in Hawaii, each with target species, a hatch chart and a map of nearby access.

Anahola Stream (Smallmouth Bass, Tilapia)
A peaceful Kauai stream with slow pools that hold surprising numbers of smallmouth bass and tilapia for light-tackle fun.
Hanalei River (Tarpon, Giant Trevally, Ladyfish)
A slow-moving, scenic river on Kauai's North Shore perfect for targeting juvenile tarpon and giant trevally (Papio) on streamers.
Hanamaulu Stream (Smallmouth Bass)
A small, overlooked stream on Kauai that provides excellent practice for short-accurate casts to smallmouth bass.
Hanapepe River (Smallmouth Bass)
A rugged river on Kauai's south side where anglers can find smallmouth bass in the deeper rocky runs.
Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden Lake (Tilapia, Largemouth Bass)
An incredibly scenic catchment on Oahu where fly fishermen can target large tilapia and mid-sized catch-and-release bass.
Honokohau Stream (Smallmouth Bass, Flagtail)
West Maui's most significant stream, providing technical small-stream fly fishing for native 'o'opu and introduced species.
Honoli‘i Stream (Giant Trevally, Flagtail)
A flashy Big Island stream where the lower estuary provides exciting action for juvenile trevally on small glass minnow patterns.
Huleia Stream (Ladyfish, Milkfish, Giant Trevally)
Flowing through the Huleia National Wildlife Refuge, this brackish water offers shots at 'Milkfish' and large Ladyfish.
Kahana River (Flagtail, Tilapia)
Oahu's most pristine valley river, offering scenic beauty and technical fishing for flagtails and small brackish species.
Kāne‘ohe Bay Sandbar (Bonefish, Bluefin Trevally, Ladyfish)
A pristine saltwater environment with varying depths, perfect for targeting predatory trevally and large bonefish on the incoming tide.
Kāne‘ohe Stream (Tilapia, Cichlids)
A slow urban stream on Oahu that holds surprisingly large tilapia and invasive cichlids that are highly receptive to nymphs.
Kaukonahua Stream (Peacock Bass, Smallmouth Bass)
The primary feeder for Lake Wilson, this stream offers tight-quarters fly fishing for peacock bass in moving water.
Kawaikoi Stream (Rainbow Trout)
A high-elevation, tannin-stained stream that fishes like a classic mainland mountain creek for wild rainbows.
Keehi Lagoon (Ladyfish, Bonefish, Bluefin Trevally)
Sheltered estuary-like conditions perfect for targeting Pacific threadfin and ladyfish on streamers during low light hours.
Kiholo Bay (Bonefish, Giant Trevally)
A mix of freshwater springs and saltwater creates a unique brackish environment where large bonefish and trevally cruise the turquoise pools.
Kilauea Stream (Smallmouth Bass)
A spring-fed stream on Kauai that maintains cooler temperatures, making it a reliable spot for smallmouth during heatwaves.
Kōkeʻe Stream (Rainbow Trout)
High-altitude mountain stream in the clouds, famous for being the primary nursery for Kauai's wild Rainbow Trout population.
Lumaha‘i River (Ladyfish, Giant Trevally)
Wild and scenic river on Kauai where the river mouth transition zone offers excellent fly fishing for large ladyfish.
Mā'alaea Bay (Bluefin Trevally, Bonefish, Ladyfish)
The sandy margins and rocky points here offer excellent opportunities for fly casters to intercept fast-moving schools of small tuna and trevally.
Mohihi Stream (Rainbow Trout)
Remote Alakai Swamp stream requiring a long hike, rewarding anglers with the purest strain of wild trout in the state.
Moloka‘i South Shore Flats (Bonefish, Giant Trevally)
One of the longest continuous fringing reefs in the US, providing miles of remote, unpressured water for stalking wary bonefish.
Nu‘uanu Reservoir No. 4 (Largemouth Bass, Catfish)
A hidden gem on Oahu that offers seasonal opportunities for catfish and bass in a lush, rainforest setting.
Polihale Surf Zone (Bluefin Trevally, Ladyfish)
Remote beach with heavy surf where experienced fly anglers can target bluefin trevally and ladyfish in the wash.
Pu‘u Lua Reservoir (Rainbow Trout)
Located in the Kokee highlands, this is the center of Kauai's trout fishing, offering a true stillwater fly fishing experience.
Sand Island Flats (Bonefish, Bluefin Trevally)
Expansive shallow reef flats near Honolulu offering world-class sight fishing for massive 'O'io (Bonefish) in a metropolitan setting.
Wahiawa Reservoir (Lake Wilson) (Peacock Bass, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass)
The premier freshwater fly fishing destination on Oahu, famous for acrobatic Butterfly Peacock Bass and aggressive largemouth.
Waiākea Pond (Mullet, Ladyfish, Giant Trevally)
A large brackish pond in Hilo where the unique mix of salt and fresh water allows for targeting Mullet and even the occasional Tarpon.
Waialua Reservoir (Largemouth Bass, Peacock Bass)
A private-access irrigation reservoir on Kauai's north side containing massive largemouth bass and peacock bass.
Wailua River (Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass)
Hawaii's only navigable river, providing deep pools and overhanging brush where large largemouth bass hide.
Wailuku River (Smallmouth Bass)
The longest river in Hawaii; the upper sections near Hilo offer unique pocket water for warm-water species.
Waimea River (Kauai) (Smallmouth Bass, Rainbow Trout)
Draining the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, this river offers technical fishing for smallmouth bass in a stunning red-rock environment.
Wainiha River (Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass)
A powerful Kauai river offering shots at elusive wild Rainbow Trout in the upper reaches and aggressive smallmouth bass lower down.
Waita Reservoir (Peacock Bass, Largemouth Bass)
A private, secluded inland water body on Kauai known for exceptional numbers of hard-fighting peacock bass and tilapia.

Fly Fishing in Hawaii

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