PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has revised the locations along the Beaver River in Richmond where trout will be stocked in advance of Columbus Day weekend, a popular time for recreational fishing.
The Rt. 138 access will not be stocked due to low water levels. However, the river accesses at the Beaver River School House Road bridge and at Shannock Hill Road bridge will be stocked this week.
Beaver River is among the many Rhode Island ponds and rivers being stocked with hatchery-raised trout before Columbus Day, including: • Bradford – Pawcatuck River • Burrillville – Round Top Ponds • Charlestown – Lower Shannock - Pawcatuck River • Exeter – Breakheart Pond, Browning Mill Pond, Rte. 165 Check Station – Wood River • Glocester – Spring Grove Pond • Hopkinton – Barberville Dam, Hope Valley Fishing Area (Dow Field Ball Park), Wyoming Pond – Wood River • Lincoln – Olney Pond (Lincoln Woods State Park) • North Kingstown – Silver Spring Lake • Richmond – Grantville (Rt 95 underpass), Meadowbrook Pond, Woodville, Wyoming Pond – Wood River, Skunk Hill Road bridge • Scituate – Hope Mill Landing – Upper Pawtuxet River • South Kingstown – Barber Pond • Tiverton – Stafford Pond
For daily stocking updates, follow DEM's outdoor education page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RIFishwildlife/
Anyone spending time outdoors should be aware that this has been a year with significantly elevated Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) activity in Rhode Island and southeastern New England. EEE is a rare but serious illness that occurs when people are bitten by infected mosquitoes. It can affect people of all ages. If possible, people should limit their time outdoors at sunrise and sunset. If they are going to be out, people should wear long sleeves and pants and use bug spray. The risk from mosquito-borne disease will continue until the first hard frost.
Anglers and other recreationists are also reminded that at this time of the year, the threat of cyanobacteria or blue-green algae may be found in Rhode Island lakes and ponds. Currently there are several advisories statewide. Anglers and other recreationists are also reminded that at this time of the year, the threat of cyanobacteria or blue-green algae may be found in Rhode Island lakes and ponds. Currently there are several advisories statewide. There is an advisory at JL Curran Reservoir, Cranston; Carbuncle Pond, Coventry; Almy Pond, Newport; Melville Ponds, Sisson Pond, Portsmouth; Elm Lake, Mashapaug Pond, Roosevelt Lake, Pleasure Lake, Providence; and Little Pond, Warwick. Waters with cyanobacteria and/or blue-green algae are toxic to animals. Even though algae may not be visible in these waterbodies, the toxins may still be present. The RI Department of Health is responsible for public safety regarding the presence of cyanobacteria toxins.
A 2019 fishing license is required for anglers 15 years of age and older. 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. Trout Stamps are not required for persons possessing trout taken from a lake or pond that shares a border with Rhode Island. Fishing licenses can only be purchased online at www.dem.ri.gov/huntfish. Online fishing licenses and the Trout Conservation Stamp can also be obtained via an authorized agent. Visit the DEM website for a current list of licensed vendors. Anglers are encouraged to check the list prior to visiting a vendor to purchase a license.
License fees are $18 for Rhode Island residents and current members of the Armed Forces, $33 for a combination hunting and fishing license, $35 for non-residents, and $16 for a tourist three-consecutive-day license. Licenses are free for anglers over 65 (trout stamp not required) - as well as for those with a 100-percent disability.
The daily creel and possession limit for trout is five from April 14, 2019, through November 30, 2019; and two from December 1, 2019, to February 29, 2020. The creel /possession limit for trout taken in the Wood River between RT. 165 and Barberville Dam at Arcadia Road is two fish from the second Saturday in May (May 11, 2019) through the last day of February (February 29, 2020). Catch and release is encouraged for wild brook trout.
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.
In order to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive organisms such as Didymo algae and other harmful aquatic "hitch hikers," Rhode Island strictly prohibits the use of external felt soled or any natural or synthetic porous material capable of absorbing water in any freshwaters in the state. This includes any waters shared with adjacent states in which Rhode Island fishing regulations apply. Anglers are advised to remove all vegetation clinging to all types of boats, motors, and gear before leaving and or entering freshwaters to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic plants to other areas.
For a list of designated trout waters and information of interest to anglers visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow DEM on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) or Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM for timely updates.