PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management announces that Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4 are free fishing days in Rhode Island. During those two days, all Rhode Islanders and visitors can fish in freshwaters without a fishing license or trout conservation stamp. The free fishing weekend does not apply to saltwater fishing or saltwater licenses.
"Free fishing weekend is a terrific incentive to get outdoors and try something new, especially after the long, cold winter we've endured this year," said DEM Director Janet Coit. "Grab a fishing pole and head out to Rhode Island's lakes and ponds on the first weekend in May to catch the beautiful brook, brown and rainbow trout raised in DEM's hatcheries. A few lucky anglers will catch the gorgeous golden trout that we've stocked in fishing areas across the state for this free event."
For the fifth year, DEM fish hatcheries are offering anglers the chance to catch a coveted golden rainbow trout. Over the past several years DEM's hatchery staff have been raising and stocking a strain of rainbow trout that is golden in color. In prior years one pond was stocked and a free fishing event was held. This year the hatcheries have raised even more of these exclusive trout, and will be stocking them at four ponds throughout the state for the free fishing weekend. Ponds receiving the golden trout include Brickyard Pond in Barrington, Peck Pond in Burrillville, Browning Mill Pond in Exeter, and Silver Spring Lake in North Kingstown. Instead of holding a central event this year, they will be stocking these fish in several ponds across the state so that more Rhode Islanders will have an opportunity to fish for the golden trout.
Although it was originally planned to stock the golden trout at Carolina Trout Pond in Richmond for the free fishing weekend, fish stocking at the pond has been suspended until dam repairs can be made. Due to the heavy rains this spring and a drainage system failure, the stability of the earthen dam at Carolina Trout Pond has been compromised. Anglers are being asked to stay off the dam until repairs have been completed.
Lucky anglers who catch a golden trout during the free fishing weekend and throughout the season will be given a free golden trout pin. Take a picture of your catch and send it to Kimberly Sullivan of DEM's Aquatic Resource Education program at Kimberly.Sullivan@dem.ri.gov.
The free fishing program was established in Rhode Island about 20 years ago 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. Fishing provides an opportunity for residents and visitors to engage in outdoor recreation and also contributes to the economic health of the state. Residents and tourists spend over $37 million annually in Rhode Island on trip and equipment-related expenditures for freshwater fishing, according to the American Sportfish Association's 2011 report, "Sportfishing in America."
All the usual freshwater fishing regulations on size and limits apply during the two free fishing days. Information about stocked freshwaters, size and creel limits can be found in the Freshwater Fishing Abstract, or by calling DEM's Great Swamp Field Office at 789-0281, or the Aquatic Resource Education office 539-0037. The abstract and regulations can also be found on DEM's website, www.dem.ri.gov, by clicking on "Fish and Wildlife" under "Offices and Divisions," and then choosing "Freshwater Fisheries."