UTERSmallmouth bass fishing in Hawaii freshwater
In Hawaii freshwater, smallmouth bass peak January–April and are around year-round, spawning in March, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. February: Kauai reservoirs and Lake Wilson smallmouth.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Smallmouth bass in Hawaii freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryPeak
- FebruaryPeakKauai reservoirs and Lake Wilson smallmouth.
- MarchSpawning
- AprilPeak
- MayAround
- JuneAround
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberAround
- NovemberAround
- DecemberAround
Where to fish smallmouth bass near Lake Wilson (Wahiawa), Kauai reservoirs, Kokee streams
A handful of public reservoirs with introduced bass, peacock bass and catfish, and the Kokee trout streams on Kauai open for a short season.
What to use for smallmouth bass
- CrayfishHooked through the tail on a #2 to 2/0 hook and dragged slowly along rock and gravel — the smallmouth bait, and good for catfish and walleye.
- Minnows (fatheads, shiners)Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers.
- LeechesHooked once through the sucker end on a #8 to #4 hook under a slip bobber or on a live-bait rig — walleye and smallmouth can't leave them alone.
- NightcrawlersWhole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 45–82°F water, best at 60–74°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch smallmouth bass in Hawaii freshwater?
Peak season is January–April, with fish spawning in March (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Smallmouth bass are here year-round. February: Kauai reservoirs and Lake Wilson smallmouth.
Where do smallmouth bass hold in Hawaii freshwater?
Look on river, creek / stream, lake, reservoir, dock / pilings — around Lake Wilson (Wahiawa), Kauai reservoirs, Kokee streams.
What is the best bait for smallmouth bass in Hawaii freshwater?
Live bait: crayfish, minnows (fatheads, shiners), leeches, nightcrawlers. Crayfish: Hooked through the tail on a #2 to 2/0 hook and dragged slowly along rock and gravel — the smallmouth bait, and good for catfish and walleye. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for smallmouth bass in Hawaii freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Hawaii DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) and change — read the current rule at https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/fishing/fishing-regulations/ before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/fishing/licenses-and-permits/.
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