Freshwater Fishing Season Set to Open on Saturday

Wednesday, April 06, 2016

GoLocalProv Sports Team

This Saturday, April 9 marks opening day of the freshwater fishing season and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management announced on Tuesday that it is expanding its trout stocking program this year to include three new locations for opening day festivities.

The two locations are Potter Hill Landing in Ashaway and two areas on the Ten Mile River in East Providence. Overall, 80,000 brook, brown, and rainbow trout will be released into ponds and streams across Rhode Island.

For a complete list of stocked waters, click here.

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“Rhode Island is fortunate to have so many incredible parks, lakes, and places where families like ours can enjoy nature and get active. What better way to spend a Saturday and reconnect as a family than to go fishing and enjoy a day on the lake. Getting outside and eating well are so important to leading a healthy life. Opening Day is a great opportunity for children to experience the joys of fishing and the satisfaction of catching nutritious food themselves," said First Gentleman Andy Moffit.

Fishing Helps the RI Economy

Opening day officially begins at 6 a.m. on Saturday and is expected to attracted more than 20,000 anglers this season. According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, there are approximately 175,000 recreational anglers (ages 16+) and recreational fishing contributes over $130 million to the economy each year.

According to the Outdoor Industry Association, outdoor recreation in Rhode Island generates $2.4 billion in consumer spending and supports 24,000 jobs.

"Opening Day has a long tradition in Rhode Island. 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," said DEM Director Janet Coit.

Activities for Children

There will be several ponds that are 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.

Click here for more information.

Safety

The DEM provides the following safety tips for those going out 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.

Requirement

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 through November 30 2016.

For more information, click here.

Freshwater Fishing Season Set to Open on Saturday

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