DEM stocks local waterways with trout for fall fishing
RIDEM News Release
PROVIDENCE
- The Department of Environmental Management's Division of Fish and Wildlife
has stocked approximately 6,000 rainbow trout in several locations throughout the state this month for the
fall freshwater fishing season.
DEM Fish & Wildlife staff finished stocking the hatchery-raised rainbow
trout this week in Silver Spring Pond in North Kingstown, Beaver River in
Richmond, Wyoming Pond in Richmond and Hopkinton, Wood River in Exeter,
Hopkinton and Richmond, Upper Pawtuxet River in Coventry, Blackstone River in
Cumberland and Lincoln, Round Top Ponds in Burrillville, and Stafford Pond in
Tiverton. Earlier this month, trout were stocked in Meadowbrook Pond in
Richmond, Carbuncle Pond in Coventry, Spring Grove Pond in Glocester, and Olney
Pond in Lincoln Woods.
Trout stocking was delayed in some water bodies this fall because of elevated
water temperatures and low water conditions. In addition, cyanobacteria or
blue-green algae infestations prevented the department from stocking trout in
Melville Ponds in Portsmouth.
Fall is traditionally an excellent time of the year to enjoy trout fishing in
Rhode Island. According to the most recent statistics from the US Fish &
Wildlife Service's National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated
Recreation (2006), residents and tourists spend over $153 million annually in
Rhode Island on trip and equipment-related expenditures for fishing activities.
A 2012 fishing license is required for anglers 15 years of age and older
wishing to catch fish. 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. Fishing licenses and the Trout Conservation Stamp
($5.50) can be obtained at any city or town clerk's office or authorized agent
such as bait and tackle shops and Benny's. Licenses may also be obtained at
DEM's Boat Registration and Licensing Office located at 235 Promenade Street in Providence. As an added convenience,
anglers may purchase their fishing license online via ri.gov by clicking on "Hunting, Fishing,
Boating Licenses"
on the left side of the homepage on the DEM website at
www.dem.ri.gov.
License fees remain at $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. Anglers
over 65 must have a license, which for them is free, but do not need a trout
stamp. The license is also free for anyone with a 100 percent disability.
A list of stocked ponds and other information of interest to anglers can be
found on DEM's website, www.dem.ri.gov, by clicking on "Fish and Wildlife" under "Offices and Divisions", and then choosing "Freshwater Fisheries".