Posted on: Thursday, March 31, 2005

Catfish weekends to resume at Nu'uanu reservoir

Advertiser Staff

Nu'uanu reservoir will reopen for weekend channel catfish fishing starting May 14, according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Those who want to catch the stocked catfish must obtain a valid state freshwater game fishing license and entry fishing card. Applications for the cards, available starting Friday, must be submitted to the DLNR by April 22.

Fishing will continue on Saturdays and Sundays until all anglers with assigned fishing times have been accommodated.

"Fishing for freshwater catfish is one of the most popular family activities offered by DLNR on O'ahu," said DLNR chairman Peter Young. "Many people have fished at Nu'uanu reservoir since they were children, and it has become an enjoyable and memorable activity for generations."

Entry cards will indicate the date and time that anglers can enter the reservoir. Applications for the entry cards are available at DLNR's Division of Aquatic Resources, 1151 Punchbowl St., Room 330, and from licensing agents on O'ahu. A drawing will be held to assign cardholders a fishing date and time.

All cardholders must show a valid freshwater game fishing license while fishing. The licenses can be purchased from agents (call 587-0100 for locations) as follows: minors 9-15, $3; resident (includes armed forces) $5; nonresident, $25; seven-day tourist, $10; 30-day tourist, $20; senior citizens (65 or older), no charge.

The bag limit is two channel catfish per licensed angler. Any channel catfish 16 inches long or longer must be kept by the angler and counted toward the bag limit.

Each fishing day will be divided into two periods: 7 to 11 a.m. and noon to 4 p.m. For more information, call 587-0100.