You can fish on Saturday and Sunday without a state license
The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announces that Saturday, May 1, and Sunday, May 2, are Free Fishing Days in Rhode Island. Rhode Islanders and visitors alike can fish in the state's freshwaters on both days for all species of freshwater fish, without a fishing license or trout conservation stamp. All creel and possession limits apply. The free fishing weekend does not apply to saltwater fishing or saltwater licenses.
"Freshwater
fishing is an important part of our culture and economy in Rhode Island, and
DEM is proud to support it through our stocking program," said DEM
Director Janet Coit. "After the year we've all had, I sure hope anglers
will have some fun catching the beautiful hatchery-raised trout and salmon
stocked in fishing areas across the state. We encourage people of all ages to
visit a favorite fishing spot on free fishing weekend and make some new
memories!"
DEM's Division
of Fish and Wildlife is continuing to stock additional fish in RI waterways. In
order to avoid crowded conditions at fishing areas, there will be no further
announcement or daily reports of the stocking schedule. Click here for a
complete list of stocked waters.
The free fishing program was established in Rhode Island in 1995 to encourage people to try freshwater fishing as a new outdoor experience and highlight some of Rhode Island's premier freshwater fishing areas.
As part of
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. Over
$37 million dollars are generated annually in Rhode Island from freshwater
fishing.
Freshwater
fishing regulations on size and creel/possession limits apply on May 1 and May
2. The daily creel and possession limit for trout/and or salmon is five fish,
of which only two can be salmon, from April 7, 2021 through November 30, 2021;
and two trout /and or salmon of which only two can be salmon from December 1,
2021 to February 28, 2022.
The creel
/possession limit for trout taken in the Wood River between RT. 165 Check
Station and Barberville Dam at Arcadia Road is two fish from the second
Saturday in May through the last day of February.
The daily creel
limit for landlocked Atlantic salmon is two fish per day, statewide until
February 28, 2022, which must be part of the overall five fish limit for trout
and salmon. Information about stocked freshwaters, size and creel limits for
all freshwater fish species is available in the 2021-2022 Freshwater Fishing
Abstract, or by calling DEM's Great Swamp Field Office at 789-0281, or the
Aquatic Resource Education office 539-0037.
The minimum size
of all trout or charr species taken from the waters of the state is eight
inches, measured from the tip of the snout to the tip of the tail. The minimum
size for domestic or landlocked stocked Atlantic salmon is 11 inches in total
length. No person shall take any Atlantic salmon from the Pawcatuck River
downstream of the Potter Hill Dam.
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. If you are using a boat, new regulations mandate that no
vegetation can be on your boat, and other equipment in or out of a state boat
ramp.
If you are using
a boat, new regulations mandate that no vegetation can be on your boat, and
other equipment in or out of a state boat ramp.
Anglers must
follow these guidelines during the COVID-19 public health crisis as follows:
- Do not visit
lakes, ponds or other fishing areas if you feel ill or are exhibiting symptoms
of illness.
- Plan trips to
new areas where the fishing pressure may be less.
- Maintain a
minimum distance between persons.
- Follow CDC's
guidance on personal hygiene prior to and during your fishing trip. Wash your
hands, carry hand sanitizer, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or
sneezing, and avoid surfaces that are touched often.
-Avoid direct
contact with ticks that can transmit Lyme Disease and other diseases:
o Avoid wooded
and brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter.
o Walk in the
center of trails.
o Remember the
three "Tick Free Rhode Island" tips:
o Repel ticks
(use repellent with 20-30% DEET or other EPA-approved repellents on skin and
permethrin on clothing/shoes) o Check for ticks on yourself, children, and pets
o Remove ticks properly as soon as possible o For more detailed information and
videos, visit health.ri.gov/ticks and tickencounter.org
Anglers are
advised to take the following safety precautions when fishing:
- 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.
- Don't drink
alcohol while operating a boat.
- Always stay in
the boat; water temperatures are low and the risk of drowning because 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.
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. For more
information on Rhode Island boating laws, click here.
DEM advises
everyone to follow guidance about COVID-19 from Governor McKee and the Rhode
Island Department of Health. More information about COVID-19 and Rhode Island's
response can be found here: https://health.ri.gov/diseases/ncov2019/
For information
on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow us on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM or on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) for timely
updates.
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