DEM Stocks Ponds With
Golden Trout For Free Fishing Weekend
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announced Free Fishing Weekend will take place Saturday, May 6 – Sunday,
May 7.
As part of the event, the public is invited to fish without a
fishing license or trout conservation stamp in the state's freshwaters. Six
local ponds will be stocked with over 6,000 rainbow trout and 4,000 golden
trout for the event.
Stocked waters include: • Peck Pond, Burrillville • Browning
Mill Pond, Exeter • Silver Spring Lake, North Kingstown • Upper Melville Pond,
Portsmouth • Meadowbrook Pond, Richmond • Shippee Sawmill Pond, Foster.
The free fishing program was established in Rhode Island in 1995 as an opportunity to encourage people to experience freshwater fishing as a new outdoor experience and highlight some of Rhode Island's premier freshwater fishing areas.
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.
Anglers who catch a golden trout on free fishing weekend and
throughout the season will receive a free golden trout pin. Take a picture of
your catch and send it to Jessica Pena at Jessica.pena@dem.ri.gov.
Free fishing weekend does not apply to saltwater fishing or
saltwater licenses. Freshwater fishing regulations on size and limits apply on
May 6 and May 7.
The daily creel and possession limit for trout is five from
April 8, 2017 through November 30, 2017, and two from December 1, 2017 through
February 28, 2018.
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.
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.
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