Fishing at Ipuolono Reservoir, Kauai County, Hawaii

• Overview

  Ipuolono Reservoir lies in Kauai County, Hawaii. The coast is 2.5 miles away. At 18 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. Nearest town is Kalāheo, 0.6 miles off. Further out sit Kaumakani-Hanapepe (0.6 miles) and Lawai (2 miles). Near neighbours: Mau Reservoir 0.4 miles off, 'Elima Reservoir sits 0.6 miles out, 'Elua Reservoir 0.7 miles off, Umi Reservoir sits 1.5 miles out and Ioleau Reservoir 1.5 miles off. It sits well inside the county, so one set of rules covers it.

• Where to Fish on Ipuolono Reservoir

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. Documented catches and surveys in the area cover flathead grey mullet, blackchin tilapia and mozambique tilapia. Presence in the area does not guarantee a fish on the day. At Ipuolono Reservoir the water rewards a slow, careful approach.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year August sits at 74°F and February at 66°F. The year runs unbroken and warm. Heat pushes fish deep from June onwards, so start early. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. Anyone fishing Ipuolono Reservoir regularly works to that calendar.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. Parking is close: a car park sits half a mile from the bank. Facilities run to toilets half a mile from the water. Barramundi and estuary fish want hard-bodied lures and soft plastics worked around snags and drains. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Mau Reservoir, 0.4 miles away, makes the obvious fallback. Check the position on Ipuolono Reservoir before loading the car.