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Hawaii Fly Fishing Guide: Bonefish, Papio & Peacock Bass

Angler kneeling in the water holding a large Hawaii bonefish

Hawaii has both saltwater and freshwater fly fishing, and Oahu is the easiest island to start on. This guide brings together what the Nervous Water crew learned over 24 years: which fish to target, when and where to fish, what tackle to bring, and the rules and licenses that apply in 2026. Hawaii is not a numbers fishery, but a guided or well-planned day can give you a big bonefish in water that looks like a postcard.

Saltwater species

Hawaii's inshore saltwater species include bonefish (ʻōʻio), several trevally species (called papio when small and ulua when large), barracuda, ladyfish and many colorful reef fish. Hawaii bonefish are known for their size. Fish over 6 pounds are possible on any day, but they are also few and very wary. Trevally, especially bluefin trevally (ōmilu), attack poppers and baitfish flies along reef edges and are great fun on lighter rods. Read Praise for Papio and Gurgling for Papio to see why many locals like papio more than bonefish.

Offshore fly fishing for pelagic species such as tuna and mahimahi is possible too, but it is mostly done from charter boats out of Kailua-Kona on the Big Island.

Conditions: wind, tides and light

Expect tradewinds of 10 to 20 mph most days of the year. Wind is the biggest factor in Hawaii flats fishing. It makes casting harder and ruffles the water, so it is harder to see fish. Most Oahu flats are reef flats, not big sand flats, so the tide matters a lot. Bonefish move onto the shallows to feed as the water rises and leave as it drops. Sunlight matters just as much. Clouds make sight fishing much harder, so plan to fish the brightest hours when you can.

There is no closed "bonefish season" in Hawaii, and fish are caught all year. Summer (roughly May to September) brings the most steady weather and the most active fish. Winter water is cooler and fishing is harder, but that is often when the biggest fish show up. Sean explains the year month by month in Seasons in the 808.

Saltwater fly tackle

Rods: 8 to 10 weight. An 8 weight is fine on calm days, but a 9 or 10 weight handles the tradewinds and big fish better.
Reels: a saltwater-safe reel with a good drag and at least 200 yards of backing. A big Hawaii bonefish can take most of it.
Lines: a floating line works in almost every shallow-water situation. An intermediate or sinking line helps along deeper reef edges.
Leaders: 9 to 12 foot tapered leaders with 12 to 20 lb tippet. The coral is sharp, so do not go too light.
Other gear: flats boots (you will be wading on reef), polarized sunglasses, a hat, sun gloves and reef-safe sunscreen.

Want to fish on a budget? See The Affordable Gear Act. For fiberglass and light-line options, read Scaling Down for Bigger Fun.

Flies for Hawaii bonefish and trevally

Good bonefish flies for Hawaii include Christmas Island Specials, small Clousers, Reef Specials, Charlies and sand shrimp patterns in sizes 4 to 6. Most standard bonefish patterns will also work if they land softly and match the local bottom color. For trevally, barracuda and other predators, use small baitfish streamers (sizes 4 to 1/0) and poppers. The Hawaii Fly Page has step-by-step recipes for local patterns, and Thoughts on Fly Selection explains how to choose between them on the water.

Clay holding a peacock bass caught on the fly from a boat

Freshwater fly fishing on Oahu and Kauai

Freshwater game fish on Oahu include peacock bass (tucunaré), largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. There are also bluegill, catfish, tilapia and other cichlids. The best-known fishery is Lake Wilson, officially the Wahiawā Public Fishing Area, where bass and peacock bass are catch and release only. Rainbow trout live only on Kauai, in the streams and reservoirs of Kōkeʻe, and can be fished during a limited season. Peacock bass and largemouth are also common in several Kauai reservoirs.

For freshwater, bring a 4 to 7 weight trout or bass rod. You will not need much backing. Small streamers and poppers work well for bass and peacocks. Lake Wilson has little bank access and is best fished from a small boat or kayak. From the shore, expect lots of roll casting, because trees and tall grass line much of the bank.

Hawaii fishing licenses and regulations (2026)

Non-resident saltwater license: since May 2, 2024, non-residents aged 15 and over need a Nonresident Recreational Marine Fishing License to fish in the ocean. It costs $20 for 1 day, $40 for 7 days or $70 for a year, and you buy it online. Active-duty military and their families are exempt.
Residents: Hawaii residents do not need a license for recreational saltwater fishing.
Freshwater: everyone needs a Freshwater Game Fishing License to fish for freshwater game fish.
Size limits: bonefish must be at least 14 inches to keep, and ulua/papio at least 10 inches. Please release bonefish. They are slow growing and important to the fishery.
Lake Wilson rules: pole-and-line fishing only, bass and peacock bass are catch and release only, boats can be no longer than 18 feet, and the speed limit is 5 mph.

Regulations change often. Always check the current Hawaii fishing regulations from the Division of Aquatic Resources before you fish.

Guides and the neighbor islands

A guide shortens the learning curve a lot on Oahu, because good flats are hard to find and depend on the tide. Read our Oahu fly fishing guide service page to learn what to expect from a guided walk-in trip and how to choose a guide. There are very few fly fishing guides on the neighbor islands, so if you are fishing Maui, Kauai or the Big Island, plan to explore on your own.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a bonefish season in Hawaii?

No. Bonefish are caught all year in Hawaii. Summer brings the most steady weather and active fish. Winter is harder, but it can produce the largest fish.

Do I need a fishing license to fly fish in Hawaii?

Non-residents aged 15 and over need a Nonresident Recreational Marine Fishing License to fish in the ocean (since May 2, 2024). Everyone needs a Freshwater Game Fishing License to fish for freshwater game fish.

What weight fly rod is best for Hawaii bonefish?

An 8 to 10 weight rod. The 9 weight is the most popular choice because it handles the tradewinds and the large size of Hawaii bonefish.

Where can I fish for peacock bass on Oahu?

Lake Wilson (Wahiawā Public Fishing Area) is the best-known spot. It is catch and release only for bass and peacock bass, and a Freshwater Game Fishing License is required.