Fishing Season Starts This Weekend

Willett Pond will be open for fishing this weekend.

The 2011 trout and general freshwater fishing season will begin at 6 a.m. on Saturday. More than 20,000 anglers are expected to turn out at dawn on opening day throughout the state, according to the Department of Environmental Management's Division of Fish & Wildlife.

Approximately 80,000 hatchery raised brook, brown and rainbow trout with an average individual weight of one and a half pounds are being stocked by division staff in more than 100 ponds and streams for opening day.

A list of stocked ponds can be found on DEM's Web site by clicking on Fish and Wildlife, Freshwater Fisheries then Trout Stocked Waters.

A 2011 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.

Where to Buy a Fishing License or Trout Conservation Stamp

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 and Benny's. A current list of license vendors is available on the DEM Web site, www.dem.ri.gov, by clicking on "Hunting, Fishing, Boating Licenses" from the top left of the homepage, and scrolling down to "Hunting/Fishing Agents."

Anglers are encouraged to check the list prior to visiting a vendor to purchase a license. Licenses may also be obtained at DEM's Boat Registration and Licensing Office located at 235 Promenade St. in Providence.

As an added convenience, anglers may purchase their fishing license online via ri.gov by clicking on "Hunting, Fishing, Boating Licenses" on the left side of the homepage on the DEM Web site.

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.

Editor Jen McCaffery contributed to this report.