Rhode
Island waters stocked with Trout for Columbus Day weekend
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is
stocking ponds across Rhode Island with some 6,000 trout in advance of Columbus
Day weekend – a popular time for recreational fishing.
Because of the extreme
drought conditions present in many of the state's freshwaters, the number of
waterbodies being stocked is limited; if conditions improve, additional stocking
will take place this fall.
The following waters will be stocked: Carbuncle Pond, Coventry;
Olney Pond, Lincoln; Silver Spring Pond, North Kingstown; Barber Pond, South
Kingstown; Round Top Ponds, Burrillville; Stafford Pond, Tiverton; Wood River
and Pawcatuck River, Richmond.
As part of a larger network of recreational opportunities in the
state, fishing plays an important role in connecting people with nature,
promoting health, attracting tourism, and supporting a treasured tradition for
Rhode Island families.
According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, there
are approximately 175,000 recreational anglers (age 16+) in Rhode Island. And
recreational fishing contributes more than $130 million to the economy each
year.
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, 2016 through November 30, 2016, and two from
December 1, 2016 through February 28, 2017.
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.
The use of external felt soled or any natural or synthetic
porous material capable of absorbing water in any freshwaters in Rhode Island
is strictly prohibited. This includes any waters shared with adjacent states in
which Rhode Island fishing regulations apply. For more information or to
purchase a license, visit www.dem.ri.gov.
At this time of the year, cyanobacteria or blue-green algae may
be present in local lakes and ponds. People should avoid contact with these
ponds. There is an advisory at St. Mary's Pond and Melville Pond in Portsmouth.
Follow DEM on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) or Facebook at
www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM for more information on recreational
opportunities in Rhode Island as well as other timely updates.
