Fishing

Fishing

Fresh Water Fishing

The best place to enjoy fresh water fishing is right on Indian Lake. Fishermen come from miles around to fish these waters that are stocked annually with bass and chain pickerel. No matter the time of year the fish are biting! However, there are state limits as to how many and what size you can keep.

The daily creel and possession limits for northern pike shall be two (2) fish, and the minimum size limit shall be twenty-four (24) inches (measured from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail). The daily creel and possession limits for chain pickerel shall be five (5) fish, and the minimum size limit for chain pickerel shall be fourteen (14) inches (measured from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail). No person shall possess any northern pike less than twenty-four (24) inches in total length or chain pickerel less than fourteen (14) inches in total length.

The daily creel and possession limits for black bass (largemouth and smallmouth bass) shall be five (5) fish, either singularly or in aggregate, and the minimum size limit shall be twelve (12) inches (measured from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail). No person shall possess any black bass less than twelve (12) inches in total length.

A license is required for anyone 15 years old and up. Find out about how to get a license and registration here.

Fresh water fishing in natural and stocked areas (such as Indian Lake) can be found throughout the state. The scenic Wood and Pawcatuck Rivers offer premier trout fishing throughout spring, summer and autumn. Other fresh water species such as large mouth bass, northern pike, and perch are abundant in Rhode Island’s many ponds and lakes. Trout season opens annually on the second Saturday of April at sunrise.

Salt Water Fishing

Saltwater fishing is a leading sport in Rhode Island, with giant blue fin tuna, marlin and swordfish as the prized catches. Striped bass a local favorite. The Ocean State offers in-shore surf and rock casting, bottom fishing in protected bay and shoreline areas, and exciting off-shore game fishing.

From shore or boat, Rhode Island is a fisherman’s paradise. The diversity and abundance of game fish found in Rhode Island waters, combined with the ease of accessibility of our shoreline, provides angling excitement throughout the year!

Bluefish and Striped Bass are the most common sport fish, both inshore and offshore. The bluefish, considered by many to be the finest fighting fish in the Atlantic, can be caught May through November. These voracious feeders average 4 to 6 pounds, with 11 to 15 pounders not uncommon, especially in the fall. Equally revered is the striped bass. Found all along our shores, particularly in rocky areas and in estuaries, salt ponds and rivers, this fighter can reach up to 65 pounds, with many 40 pounders caught annually.

For offshore action, anglers can pursue several species of tuna, shark, and cod. Also, prized billfish such as white and blue marlin and swordfish are caught annually. What makes Rhode Island offshore fishing so good is its relative closeness to the canyon fishing on the fertile Continental Shelf, allowing more time for fishing and less time spent traveling.

From beginners in the sport, to experts seeking big game species, or to ultra-light tackle and fly rod enthusiasts looking for world records – Rhode Island has it all! Whether in the tranquil waters of Narragansett Bay, in the surf of Block Island Sound, or in the deep Atlantic, anglers will find year round pleasure in the abundant salt waters of the Ocean State.

A license is required for anyone 16 years and older. Find out about how to get a license and registration here.

More information on salt water fishing rules can be found here.