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There are not too many lakes and rivers in Hawaii. One of the reasons why the Island of Oahu or Wahiawa is significant cause it is surrounded on three sides by the waters of Lake Wilson. The lake is a 400-acre irrigation reservoir and is one of the most famous recreation sites in the area.
Picnickers, travelers and anglers love the calm, relaxed atmosphere of the Lake. On the north side of the lake, sits the lush recreational area called the Wahiawa Freshwater State Recreation Area. This park has a picturesque view of the Manoa and the Palolo Valleys. The Wa’ahila Ridge, a 2.4-mile long trail runs through a forest nearby. The forest has predominantly ironwood and guava trees and is a pretty sight most year-round.
The park has picnic grounds, a boat dock and ample parking for cars. This means that if you are carrying a kayak or a canoe for yourself, you could bring your car right inside up to the shoreline (which is great if you have a lot of heavy stuff to carry like a trolling motor or a fancy underwater fishing camera :)). There are no boat rental or click and bait soaps near the lake. If you intend to fish then you better bring your own boat or fishing kayak. Also, don’t forget to rent or bring your favourite fish finder to make it easier, if you’re thinking of buying one, I recommend to check out our fish finder reviews.
The Park has very well maintained grounds, clean restroom and even a sidewalk trail for the disabled.
The fish species in the lake are mind-blowing eighteen with the most popular being the peacock bass. Also known as the Tucanare, the peacock bass is beautiful with its brilliant colors and a distinctive tail spot. The other fishes found here are
The anglers are mostly seen fishing from the shore. There are also catamarans and canoes on the lake frequently in the day but there is no known fishing guide shop here.
Sight fishing is mostly practiced in the shallow waters here. It is quite exciting to see the fishes turn and attack the fly and the lures. Children and adults love to fish here because the bass is usually near the shoreline. Only when the water at the shore is muddy, you will need to venture out in the boat.
Fishing in Lake Wilson is open year round. There are only three requirements to be able to fish in the lake:
1. A freshwater fishing license;
2. An entry permit into the lake and the park; and
3. A USCG lifejacket.
The license for a resident of the place and a military recruit is at $5 only whereas for a non-resident it is $10. The license can be purchased online from the official website or from the Walmart store in Mililani.
The entry permit is completely free.
The lifejacket has to conform to US safety standards.
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The best time to fish in Lake Wilson from April to October. Peacock Bass loves warm temperatures and fortunately Hawaii is warm most times of the year. There is also a lot of humidity in summer and the bass comes towards the shoreline. December to March promises decent catch too but the weather in this period can get a little unpredictable. Heavy winds, thunder and lightning striking without any warning can be witnessed at times. In winters, the visibility in the lake drops to a low and it is not recommended to venture too far away from the banks.
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