LITTLE COMPTON — Simmons Mill Pond in Little Compton will take delivery of hatchery raised trout in the coming days, the Rhode Department of Environmental Management has announced. The pond is among 11 in the state to receive the brook and rainbow trout but the only location in the East Bay Area.

During the Covid-19 public health emergency, fishing should be enjoyed as a solitary experience, with just the members of your immediate household, and not as a group activity. Anglers must wear a face covering and follow social distancing practices.

A current fishing license and a Trout Conservation Stamp are required to keep or possess trout or salmon. The daily possession limit for trout and/or salmon singly or in total, is two fish from December 1, 2020 through February 28, 2021. Catch and release is required for wild brook trout under eight inches in length.

DEM advises anglers to check with individual communities about safe ice conditions on local ponds before ice fishing; DEM does not monitor ice conditions in local communities. Ice must have a uniform thickness of at least six inches before it is considered safe — never fish or skate alone or on an untested lake or pond; never use the ice for a shortcut; and never go out onto the ice after an animal or a toy.