RI Keeping It Reel: 60K Fish Stocked In Freshwater Bodies Across State

RHODE ISLAND — Good things come to those who bait — and in this case wait, but not too much longer for Rhode Island fishing enthusiasts.

Trout season is back in Rhode Island. On April 12, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) will have over 100 freshwater ponds and lakes stocked with more than 60,000 fish — including brook, brown, rainbow, and golden rainbow trout. Ponds for children-only will also be stocked, DEM officials said.

"Opening Day is a spring tradition for thousands of Rhode Islanders who head out on the second Saturday of April to a favorite fishing spot to reel in their first trout of the season," DEM Director Terry Gray said. "The work and logistics involved in raising and stocking 60,000 trout are intense, and I am proud to recognize all members of DEM’s Freshwater Fisheries Team who pull off this feat every year — and keep freshwaters stocked throughout most of the year."

Fishing is prohibited in all trout stocked waters until Opening Day. A complete list of stocked waters for Opening Day can be found here.

Go for the gold

To celebrate the return of fishing season, state officials are rewarding fishing enthusiasts for their first catch.

Anglers who catch a golden rainbow trout through May 6 will be eligible to receive a golden trout pin. All you have to do is take a picture and send it to dem.fishri@dem.ri.gov.

An updated fishing license is required for all anglers 15 and older. DEM officials also said a trout conservation stamp is required for anyone wishing to keep a trout or to fish in a catch-and-release or "fly-fishing only" area. More fishing rules and regulations can be found here.

Fishing licenses can be purchased online through DEM's portal.

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