RI Lakes And Streams Stocked With Trout Ahead Of Opening Day

LINCOLN, RI — Opening day for trout fishing in Rhode Island is set for Wednesday, April 7, and anglers are getting their gear ready and hoping for a great season.

The Division of Fish and Wildlife is stocking over 60,000 hatchery-raised trout and 4,000 Sebago landlocked Atlantic Salmon in more than 100 streams, rivers, lakes, and ponds. Rainbow, brook, golden rainbow and brown trout are on the list. This year, fish and wildlife workers are stocking three additional areas with trout — Lake Tiogue in Coventry, Spring Grove Pond in Glocester, and Wallum Lake in Burrillville.

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Golden rainbow trout are a color variation of rainbow trout “and provide an exciting angling experience,” the DFW said in a media release. Anglers who catch a golden trout from April 7 through April 20 will receive a free golden trout pin. Those looking for a pin should take a picture of their catch and send it to dem.fishri@dem.ri.gov.

Olney Pond in Lincoln Woods State Park will be stocked — however, the boat ramp area is closed as construction of a new ramp is underway. Car-top boats such as canoes and kayaks can enter the pond at other access points, but larger watercraft and trailered boats will not have access to the ramp until Memorial Day.

The Department of Environmental Management said it wants to remind people of the freshwater fishing rules.

A 2021 fishing license is required for anglers 15 and older. A Trout Conservation Stamp is required of anyone wishing to keep or possess a trout, or to fish in a catch-and-release or "fly-fishing only" area. Trout Stamps are not required, however, for persons possessing trout taken from a lake or pond that shares a border with Rhode Island. Fishing licenses can be purchased online at www.dem.ri.gov/huntfish.

Trout or charr must be at least eight inches long, measured from the tip of the snout to the tip of the tail. The minimum size for domestic or landlocked stocked Atlantic salmon is 11 inches. No person shall take any Atlantic salmon from the Pawcatuck River downstream of the Potter Hill Dam.

The creel and possession limit for domestic or landlocked Atlantic salmon is two fish per day and shall be included in the daily limit for trout, salmon, or charr. The daily creel and possession limit for trout is five from April 7 through November 30 and two from December 1 through February 28, 2022.

The use of external felt soles or any natural or synthetic porous material capable of absorbing water in any of the fresh waters of Rhode Island is strictly prohibited. This includes any waters shared with adjacent states in which Rhode Island fishing regulations apply. That's because an effort is underway to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. New regulations mandate that no vegetation can be on your boat or on other equipment either in or out of a state boat ramp.

Anglers must follow COVID-19 public health guidelines. Do not visit lakes, ponds or other fishing areas if you are sick. Plan trips to new areas where the fishing pressure may be less.
Maintain a minimum distance of 6 feet between persons. Follow CDC's guidance on personal hygiene. Wash your hands, carry hand sanitizer, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and avoid high-touch surfaces.

Anglers are advised to avoid contact with ticks that can transmit Lyme Disease. Avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter. Walk in the center of trails. Repel ticks using a DEET repellent on skin and permethrin on clothing and shoes. Check for ticks on yourself, children, and pets. Remove ticks properly and as soon as possible.

Anglers in boats are advised are advised to wear a life jacket. Every boat must have an approved personal flotation device for every passenger. Make sure your boat is seaworthy before heading out.

If your boat capsizes, remain with the vessel. 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. Remember that the water is cold this time of year and that hypothermia and drowning may result. State law requires that boaters have personal flotation devices for each person. It’s against the law to operate a boat while drinking or intoxicated.