Wahiawa Freshwater State Recreation Area
The Only Public Freshwater Fishing Access on O’ahu — Wahiawa Reservoir (Lake Wilson), Shore and Boat Fishing for Largemouth Bass, Tucunaré Peacock Bass (Catch-and-Release), Channel Catfish, Oscar Cichlids, Tilapia and Carp, Dedicated Boat Ramp, Covered Picnic Pavilions, Freshwater Fishing License and Entry Permit Required, No Swimming No Camping, Hawai’i Department of Land and Natural Resources, Wahiawa Central O’ahu Hawai’i
Wahiawa Freshwater State Recreation Area is a state-managed freshwater fishing site on the shores of Wahiawa Reservoir (Lake Wilson) in Wahiawa, central O’ahu, Hawai’i, managed by the Hawai’i Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). The area features the only public freshwater fishing access on O’ahu, shore fishing along the reservoir banks and boat fishing via a dedicated boat ramp, diverse freshwater species including largemouth bass, tucunaré (peacock bass with mandatory catch-and-release), channel catfish, Oscar cichlids, tilapia, and carp, covered picnic pavilions and restroom facilities, and a tranquil inland setting far from O’ahu’s crowded beaches.
Wahiawa Reservoir — locally known as Lake Wilson — is O’ahu’s only significant freshwater fishing destination and an unexpected oasis in the middle of the Pacific. The approximately 150-acre reservoir supports surprisingly diverse freshwater species for a Hawaiian island, including the prized tucunaré (peacock bass) — a hard-fighting tropical freshwater gamefish originally from South America that was introduced to Hawaiian waters.
The reservoir was created in 1906 by damming the North Fork of Kaukonahua Stream to provide irrigation water for the surrounding pineapple and sugar cane plantations of central O’ahu. Today it serves as Honolulu’s backup water supply and the island’s primary freshwater fishing spot.
Important restrictions: A valid Hawai’i Freshwater Game Fishing License and an entry permit are required to fish. Swimming, water skiing, and recreational boating (non-fishing) are strictly prohibited. No camping, no alcohol, and no pets are allowed on the grounds.
Fish Species
- Largemouth bass — most popular target species
- Tucunaré (peacock bass) — catch-and-release required
- Channel catfish — good year-round
- Oscar cichlids
- Tilapia
- Carp
Site Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Wahiawa, central O’ahu, HI |
| Water Body | Wahiawa Reservoir (Lake Wilson) — ~150 ac |
| Built | 1906 — North Fork Kaukonahua Stream dam |
| Access | Shore fishing + dedicated boat ramp |
| License | Hawai’i Freshwater Game Fishing License + entry permit required |
| Facilities | Covered picnic pavilions, restrooms |
| Swimming | ❌ Prohibited |
| Camping | ❌ Not allowed |
| Alcohol/Pets | ❌ Not allowed |
| Managed By | Hawai’i DLNR |
| Coordinates | 21.5039° N, 158.0228° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Wahiawa Freshwater SRA — on Lake Wilson (Wahiawa Reservoir) — one of Hawaii’s only freshwater fishing spots. The lake supports largemouth bass, channel catfish, and tilapia. Hawaiian stilts, coots, and gallinules inhabit the wetlands.
Nearby Attractions
Wahiawa — adjacent. Dole Plantation — 3 miles north. North Shore — 10 miles north.
Can you fish at Wahiawa Reservoir on O’ahu?
Yes — the Wahiawa Freshwater State Recreation Area provides the only public freshwater fishing access on O’ahu at Wahiawa Reservoir (Lake Wilson), a roughly 150-acre reservoir in central O’ahu created in 1906. Both shore and boat fishing are available via a dedicated boat ramp. Species include largemouth bass, tucunaré (peacock bass, mandatory catch-and-release), channel catfish, Oscar cichlids, tilapia, and carp. A valid Hawai’i Freshwater Game Fishing License and entry permit are required. Swimming, water skiing, recreational boating, camping, alcohol, and pets are all strictly prohibited. Managed by the Hawai’i Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR).
Last updated: May 2026
