Frenchtown Park Pond, Hunt River Stocked With Trout for April 11 Opening Day

Freshwater anglers across Rhode Island — there are more than 42,000 — are looking forward to trout fishing season opening day this Saturday.

The state Department of Environmental Management has stocked more than 100 ponds and streams with 80,000 hatchery-raised brook, brown and rainbow trout in advance of the season. Each weighs about one-and-a-half pounds.

In East Greenwich, the DEM has stocked Frenchtown Park Pond and Hunt River with trout. Hunt River is shared by both East Greenwich and North Kingstown. Frenchtown Park Pond will also receive a supplemental stocking later this spring.

“After the tough winter we’ve had, grab your fishing pole and head out to a favorite fishing spot this Saturday to experience the thrill of reeling in the first trout of the season,” said DEM Director Janet Coit. “You’ll be joining the generations of Rhode Islanders who get out at the crack of dawn every year on Opening Day in search of the beautiful brook, brown and rainbow trout raised in DEM’s hatcheries. Fishing is a terrific outdoor activity for families and anglers of all ages, so make some time this weekend to enjoy this time-honored Rhode Island tradition.”

Freshwater fishing is a big business here in Rhode Island, with about $130 million spent each year by locals and tourists on trip and equipment for fishing. That’s according to a 2011 report by the American Sport Fishing Association.

It also brings money to the state.

A 2015 fishing license is required for anglers 15 years of age and older wishing to catch fish. 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. Fishing licenses and the Trout Conservation Stamp ($5.50) can be obtained at any city or town clerk’s office or authorized agent such as bait and tackle shops, Walmart, and Benny’s. A current list of license vendors is available HERE.

License fees remain at $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. Anglers over 65 must have a license, which for them is free, but do not need a trout stamp. The license is also free for anyone with a 100 percent disability.

Anglers are reminded of the prohibition of the use of any wading foot gear with external felt soles or other natural or synthetic porous material capable of absorbing liquid, statewide on freshwaters. This is to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species.