Saturday marks opening day of state freshwater fishing season

Two new East Providence locations are added to stock list

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PROVIDENCE – A pair of local spots have been added to the list of waters stocked by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management for the new trout fishing season, which begins Saturday, April 9.

Two areas on the Ten Mile River in East Providence will be stocked for the first time. White trout fishing signs are being installed at the following locations: intersection of 114A and Hunts Mill Rd. and just below the John Hunt House at 65 Hunts Mill Road. In all, 80,000 brook, brown and rainbow trout will be released into ponds and streams across the state.

Opening Day, which officially begins at 6 a.m., marks the start of the freshwater fishing season in Rhode Island. According to the DEM, the season attracts more than 20,000 anglers each year. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service figures indicate there are approximately 175,000 recreational anglers 16 years of age and older in the state. In addition, estimates put recreational fishing as contributing more than $130 million to the Rhode Island economy each year.

"Opening Day has a long tradition in Rhode Island,” said DEM Director Janet Coit. “It’s a time when families come together at their favorite fishing hole to share the thrill of reeling in a trout and to recharge and connect with nature. Freshwater fishing is an important part of our culture and economy in Rhode Island, and we’re proud to support it through our stocking program. We are also proud this year to add three new locations and offer a children-only fishing derby, so more families can experience our beautiful freshwaters and have fun catching a hearty rainbow trout. I hope anglers of all ages will grab a fishing pole and venture out on Saturday morning. See you out there!”

Several ponds will be open to young anglers only this weekend. On Saturday, a children’s fishing derby will be held at Pondarosa Park Pond in Little Compton. And on Saturday and Sunday, fishing in Cass Pond in Woonsocket, Slater Park Pond in Pawtucket, and Ponderosa Park Pond in Little Compton will be reserved for children 14 years and under. For more information on ponds reserved for children-only fishing year round, visit 1.usa.gov/226SiBg.

The list of other local sites open Saturday include: Adamsville Brook and Pond, Tiverton & Little Compton; Brickyard Pond, Barrington; Eight Rod Farm Pond, Tiverton; Melville Ponds, Portsmouth; Ponderosa Pond, Little Compton; Saint Mary's Pond, Portsmouth; Simmons Mill Pond, Little Compton; Slater Park Pond, Pawtucket; Stafford Pond, Tiverton; Tiverton Trout Pond, Tiverton; Willett Pond, East Providence.

DEM advises anglers to take the following safety precautions on Opening Day:

  • Stand back from the shoreline and be aware of surroundings.
  • If fishing from a boat, always wear a life jacket, and ensure boats are seaworthy before going out on the water.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while operating a boat.
  • Remain in the boat at all times; water temperatures are low and risk of drowning due to the effects of cold water is high.
  • If the boat capsizes, remain with the boat where you are more likely to be seen by rescuers; swim for shore only if wearing a life jacket, if the likelihood of rescue is low, or if you are close to shore and not able to climb back into or on top of the boat.


A current fishing license and a Trout Conservation Stamp are required to keep or possess a trout. The daily creel and possession limit for trout is five from April 9, 2016 through November 30, 2016. The use of external felt soled or any natural or synthetic porous material capable of absorbing water in any freshwaters in Rhode Island is strictly prohibited. This includes any waters shared with adjacent states in which Rhode Island fishing regulations apply. For more information or to purchase a license, visit www.dem.ri.gov.

Follow DEM on Twitter @RhodeIslandDEM or Facebook at facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM for more information on recreational opportunities in Rhode Island as well as other timely updates.

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