Trout and Freshwater Fishing Season to Begin Saturday

The 2011 trout and general freshwater fishing season will begin at 6 a.m. on Saturday, April 9.

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. We've compiled a list of local ponds below:

Trout-Stocked Waters in and around Portsmouth

• (state-owned)
• Pond in Portsmouth
• Adamsville Brook and Pond in Tiverton/Little Compton
• Dunderry Brook (including Wigwam Pond) in Little Compton
• Eight Rod Farm Pond in Tiverton
• Simmons Mill Pond (state-owned) in Little Compton
• Stafford Pond (state-owned) in Tiverton

In addition to six regular ponds that are restricted to children 14 years of age and younger, Cass Pond in Woonsocket, Slater Park Pond in Pawtucket, and Ponderosa Pond in Little Compton will be open for children-only during the first two days of the fishing season.

The Little Compton Grange is hosting a fishing derby for children on opening day at Ponderosa Pond, which is being stocked this year for the first time.

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."

Vendors located in and around Portsmouth:

• in Middletown
• Edwards Fishing Tackle in Newport
• in Newport

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.

See the DEM PDF flyer in the image gallery above for more information.