Trout Season Opens In RI With Some Coronavirus Limitations

Trout season is officially open in Rhode Island, with special restrictions in place because of the new coronavirus. Certain lakes, ponds, rivers and streams are open to fishing slightly earlier than usual, with regulations to help prevent the large crowds usually seen at the kickoff to the season.

The Department of Environmental Management's Director, Janet Coit, said that "everything about our normal routines has been upended by COVID-19," and asked anglers to follow the new rules so that everyone has the opportunity to fish.

"The reason we are opening early on a Monday and imposing a system designed to reduce fishing activity by half is so that we can open at all," Coit said. "In light of the risks and restrictions associated with the coronavirus, we had to design a new approach to trout fishing this spring. We hope that people will appreciate the opportunity to fish during a difficult time and allow us to keep trout season going by respecting the rules."

The department stocked fresh waterbodies across the state with approximately 54,000 rainbow, brook, golden and brown trout in preparation for the beginning of the trout season. Freshwater fishing is open year-round for other species.

To reduce crowds at popular bodies of water, the DEM adopted a system that staggers the days when licensed anglers can fish. People with last names starting with A through M can fish on even-numbered calendar days, while N through Z can fish on odd-numbered days. In addition, parking will be restricted during the first two weekends and porta-potties have been removed from fishing sites. Environmental police and DEM staff will be stationed at fishing sites to assist anglers, answer questions and monitor crowds. Further restrictions may come later if deemed necessary. The latest updates will be posted on the department's website.

All anglers must follow strict social distancing mandates, fishing only by themselves or with members of their immediate family. Groups of five people or more are prohibited, and everyone is asked to keep at least 6 feet away from others when fishing. If a fishing area is crowded upon arrival, anglers are asked to come back at a later time or try a different body of water.

As of Friday, parking areas at all state beaches and parks are closed, by order of Gov. Gina Raimondo. Because of this, ponds in major parks such as Olney Pond in Lincoln Woods, Peck Pond in Pulaski Park, and Meshanticut Park Pond in Cranston will not be open for fishing at this time. Smaller bodies of water and children-only areas have not been stocked. While the department will restock open ponds, announcements will not be made to avoid large crowds.

"While it may seem strange to some that DEM is allowing fishing during a time of crisis, we feel we can offer this opportunity to enjoy a traditional pastime while meeting health guidance," Coit said. "DEM staff will be out monitoring the next few days and weeks, and we will coordinate closely with the Rhode Island Department of Health experts to make adjustments as needed to maintain a safe atmosphere."

Everyone 15 years old or older is required to have a fishing license. A Trout Conservation stamp is required to keep or possess a trout or to fish in a catch-and-release or "fly-fishing only" area. Stamps are not needed for lakes or ponds that share a border with Rhode Island, such as Beach Pond or Wallum Lake. Licenses can be purchased online and cost $18 for Rhode Island residents and current members of the Armed Forces, $33 for a combination hunting and fishing license, $35 for non-residents, and $16 for a tourist three-consecutive-day license. Anyone over 65 or with a 100 percent disability can get a license for free, with no stamp required.

This year, golden trout pins will be extended. Anglers can submit a photo until Sept. 1 to qualify for a pin.

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