The fishing season for trout in Rhode Island will open early this year in an effort to reduce the crowds that normally get out on opening day, according to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.
Trout stocked lakes, ponds, rivers and streams will open for fishing at 6 a.m. Wednesday, April 7, the DEM announced.
The DEM said it will be filing an emergency regulation for the early opening to eliminate the large crowds because of concerns over spreading the coronavirus.
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The trout fishing season traditionally starts at 6 a.m. on the second Saturday in April with an opening day event that brings out thousands of anglers around the state. Last year, with the pandemic starting to take hold, the DEM canceled the opening-day celebration to quell crowds.
“We’re excited to welcome anglers to our state’s beautiful freshwaters this spring to experience the thrill of reeling in the first trout of the season,” DEM Director Janet Coit said in announcing the early opening.
“Rhode Islanders continue to seek out ways to stay active outdoors while keeping their distance from others, and fishing is an ideal activity that you can safely enjoy on your own by practicing social distancing and not gathering in groups,” Coit said.
“DEM is proud to support freshwater fishing through our stocking program, and the gorgeous golden rainbow trout and Sebago salmon we’re putting in local waterways for the beginning of the fishing season will bring added excitement to anglers of all ages,” she said.
A 2021 fishing license is required for anglers 15 years of age and older, according to the DEM. 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, the DEM said. Fishing licenses can only be purchased online at www.dem.ri.gov/huntfish.
Because of the COVID-19 public health emergency, the DEM says anglers should fish alone or with members of their immediate household, not in groups. The agency advises people to check the state website Reopeningri.com for guidance and executive orders.
“If you arrive at a favorite fishing spot and find that crowds are forming, please leave and choose a different location or return at another time or day.” the DEM says.
DEM’s Division of Fish and Wildlife is stocking over 60,000 hatchery-raised rainbow, brook, golden rainbow and brown trout in more than 100 waterways across the state, according to the DEM.
Golden rainbow trout trout are a variation of rainbow trout. Anglers who catch a golden trout from April 7 to April 20 can receive a free golden trout pin from the state. To get a pin, anglers can photograph their catch and send the picture to dem.fishri@dem.ri.gov.
The state is also stocking 4,000 Sebago salmon.
The state is not stocking certain waterways because of potential overcrowding, problems with access for stocking or water level issues. Here’s a list of those that aren’t stocked: Children-only fishing ponds – Dundery Brook and Wigwam Pond, Little Compton – Foster Green Acres, Foster – Geneva Brook and Pond, North Providence – Memorial Park Pond, Johnston – Spring Grove Pond, Glocester – Lake Tiogue, Coventry – Wallum Lake, Burrillville
If conditions improve, the state may decide to restock those waters.
The DEM keeps a list of trout stocking locations on its website.
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