Tiverton's Stafford Pond: Stocked With Trout

TIVERTON, RI—Fishermen can take two trout a day (starting today, Dec. 1) from Stafford Pond now that the state has restocked the waters with trout. The Department of Environmental Management held off on plans to stock trout earlier in the fall due to the blue-green algae blooms. However, the pond is no longer infested, and the state stocked trout on Nov. 28.

"There's nothing better than heading to a favorite fishing spot on a crisp fall day to experience the delight of catching some of the beautiful trout raised in DEM's hatcheries," said DEM Director Janet Coit.

Here is DEM's press release on fall fishing regulations"

For updates on fall stocking locations and those stocked for Veterans Day, follow DEM's outdoor education page on Facebook: www.facebook.com/rioutdooreducation, or call 401-789-0281. Anglers can still expect the usual winter trout stocking. Dates and locations will be forth coming.

A 2017 fishing license is required for anglers 15 years of age and older. A Trout Conservation Stamp is also 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 for persons possessing trout taken from a lake or pond that shares a border with Rhode Island. Fishing licenses and the Trout Conservation Stamp can be obtained at any city or town clerk's office, authorized agents such as bait and tackle shops, department stores such as Walmart and Dick's Sporting Goods, and at DEM 's Office of Boat Registration and Licensing in Providence. Visit the DEM website for a current list of licensed vendors. Anglers are encouraged to check the list prior to visiting a vendor to purchase a license. For more information or to purchase a license, visit www.dem.ri.gov.

License fees are $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. Licenses are free for anglers over 65 (trout stamp not required) - as well as for those with a 100-percent disability.

The daily creel and possession limit for trout is five from April 9, 2017 through November 30, 2017; and two from December 1, 2017 through February 28, 2018; except in the Wood River between Route 165 and Barberville Dam at Arcadia Road where the daily creel limit is two trout from May 13, 2017 through February 28, 2018. State law requires that boaters always have personal flotation devices for each person, and that they do not drink and operate a boat. Boaters should also be sure their craft is seaworthy before going out on the state's waterways.