Anglers enjoying a free fishing weekend in beautiful Rhode Island.
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has declared a free freshwater fishing weekend, enabling residents and visitors to fish without a license. Scheduled for the upcoming weekend, this event allows anglers to enjoy multiple stocked waters in the state. Participants are still required to follow existing fishing regulations. Fishing activity is strong, with reports of ample catches, including tautog and striped bass. Fishing charters in the region are also experiencing successful trips, highlighting the robust fishing conditions in Rhode Island.
Providence, Rhode Island — The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has announced a free freshwater fishing weekend, allowing both residents and visitors to fish for freshwater species without needing a license or trout conservation stamp. This event is scheduled for the upcoming weekend, providing an opportunity for fishing enthusiasts to enjoy multiple stocked waters throughout the state.
While anglers can partake in this fishing weekend without a license, they must still comply with existing freshwater fishing regulations, including size and possession limits. The DEM advises that boating regulations also remain in effect during this period. Furthermore, to protect the state’s aquatic ecosystems, anglers are cautioned against the spread of invasive aquatic plants. The DEM prohibits the use of felt or water-absorbing soles on boots or waders in Rhode Island’s freshwater systems. Boaters launching from state ramps are also required to ensure that they do not have any vegetation attached to their boats or trailers.
For those interested in specific fishing opportunities, a comprehensive list of stocked waters and current freshwater regulations is available on the DEM website. Local fishing reports indicate that fishing activity is strong, particularly for tautog and striped bass. Recent reports show that tautog fishing has significantly improved, with catches reaching up to 8 pounds. Fresh striped bass are also being actively caught across Rhode Island, with sizes varying from schoolies to larger fish measuring up to 34 inches.
Additionally, some pogies have been sighted, albeit sporadically. Anglers are advised to use small soft plastics and swimming plugs to target bass effectively. Natural baits such as squid, clams, and worms have also proven successful, particularly around the Providence River and Seekonk area.
May 1 marked the opening of scup season, and anglers are currently targeting scup in several locations, including Newport, Tiverton, Little Compton, Jamestown, and Narragansett. As temperatures rise, trout fishing is progressively improving. Stocked ponds are yielding good catches, with reports of quality largemouth bass being noted by local shops and anglers alike.
Fishing charters in the region are also experiencing fruitful fishing trips. The Frances Fleet in Point Judith has begun offering fishing excursions for cod, tautog, and cunner, with plans to incorporate squid and fluke trips later this month. Also, reports from local fishing shops indicate that mixed sizes of striped bass are prevalent in bays and tributaries across Rhode Island. These striped bass are reacting favorably to jumpin’ minnows during daytime hours, while larger baits have been effective during the night.
Further reports have indicated substantial striped bass catches, some exceeding 40 pounds, particularly off Newport. Expectations for fluke fishing are also high, with some catches reported at weights exceeding 11 pounds and consistent “keeper” fluke being caught off local beaches. Black sea bass fishing remains robust, especially near Newport and Brenton Reef.
In addition to the free fishing weekend, the DEM will be hosting an Introduction to Saltwater Fly Fishing Workshop on September 21. Expert fly fishing guides will provide hands-on instruction regarding casting, knots, and tackle. Participants in this workshop will have the chance to fish in the Narrow River during the afternoon at a cost of $30, which includes equipment and lunch.
Local fishing shops have noted a surge in fishing activity along with heightened demand for tackle supplies, attributable to the favorable fishing conditions experienced throughout the area. With the combination of abundant species like striped bass, tautog, and trout, this weekend is expected to be a significant event for both novice and experienced anglers in Rhode Island.
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