Cool air, freshly stocked ponds draw local anglers to quiet waters

By Christy Nadalin
Posted 10/9/24

Here in the Ocean State, it’s fair that the ocean gets a lot of attention — especially in the heat of summer. But the cooling temperatures and onshore breezes that may make spending time …

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Cool air, freshly stocked ponds draw local anglers to quiet waters

Posted

Here in the Ocean State, it’s fair that the ocean gets a lot of attention — especially in the heat of summer. But the cooling temperatures and onshore breezes that may make spending time on open water less appealing means it’s time to get out and enjoy the state’s many beautiful lakes, rivers, and ponds — especially if you enjoy fishing.
The cool weather of fall causes water temperatures to drop, which draws baitfish to the shallows. Predator fish like salmon, bass, and trout follow to feed on the baitfish.

Just in time for the long holiday weekend, the state Department of Environmental Management (DEM) will be stocking Rainbow and Brook Trout in 25 bodies of water this week. In the East Bay, Eight Rod Farm Pond and Stafford Pond, both in Tiverton, will be stocked, as will Willett Pond in East Providence. Outside our immediate area, stocked ponds will include Alton Pond, Carolina Trout Pond, Cronan Landing, and Meadow Brook Pond in Richmond, Barberville to Wyoming Pond and Woodville Pond, in both Richmond and Hopkinton; Barber Pond in South Kingstown; Blackstone River and Olney Pond in Lincoln; Bradford Fishing Area in Westerly; Browning Mill Pond in Exeter; Grantville to Rt. 95 and Hope Valley Fishing Area in Hopkinton; Kings Factory Bridge and Lower Shannock in Charlestown; Carbuncle Pond in Coventry; Round Top Ponds in Burrillville; Shippee Sawmill Pond in Foster; Silver Spring Lake in North Kingstown; Spring Grove Pond in Glocester; and Upper Pawtuxet in Scituate.

Daily stocking updates will be available each afternoon at www.dem.ri.gov/fishing, or call 401-789-0281 or 401-539-0019 for more information.

A 2024 fishing license is required for anglers 15 years of age and older and a Trout Conservation Stamp is required to keep or possess trout. Fishing licenses can be purchased online on DEM’s Rhode Island Outdoors (RIO) portal; visit dem.ri.gov and search Rhode Island Outdoors. Anglers should note several changes to possession and size limits for 2024, among other regulations.

Blue-green algae alert

It’s also high season for cyanobacteria, aka blue-green algae. Naturally found in freshwater, cyanobacteria loves warmth, sunlight, and excess nutrients, which is why it has been thriving as warm weather increasingly continues into the fall months. In fact, there are several waterways that DEM is not stocking this year due to cyanobacteria, so if you don’t see your favorite regularly-stocked spot on the list, that may be why.

Why is this “natural” phenomenon a problem? Because some species of cyanobacteria can also produce toxins which are harmful to people and pets — and you can only determine if toxins are present with laboratory tests. If you see a blue-green algae bloom (it looks like spilled paint on the surface of the water), please photograph if possible and report to DEM. Do not swim, fish, or play, or let your pet contact, water that appears to have a cyanobacteria bloom. If you do accidentally contact, wash as soon as possible, and stay alert for signs of illness.

DEM maintains a list of bodies of water with known cyanobacteria blooms. Currently, Upper and Lower Melville Ponds in Portsmouth, and Almy Pond in Newport are the only two East Bay waterbodies on that list. DEM routinely tests and updates alerts, so check their list regularly by searching blue-green algae at dem.ri.gov.

fish stocking, DEM, blue-green algae, cyanobacteria

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A lifelong Portsmouth resident, Jim graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1982 and earned a journalism degree from the University of Rhode Island in 1986. He's worked two different stints at East Bay Newspapers, for a total of 18 years with the company so far. When not running all over town bringing you the news from Portsmouth, Jim listens to lots and lots and lots of music, watches obscure silent films from the '20s and usually has three books going at once. He also loves to cook crazy New Orleans dishes for his wife of 25 years, Michelle, and their two sons, Jake and Max.