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Tuesday, April 30, 2019

DEM says it will hold “Ladies Fly-Fishing Day” in Charlestown on May 18. Yes, it’s still 2019.

DEM Announces Freshwater Fishing Workshops

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The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announced it is hosting a series of free fly-tying workshops for novice and experienced fly-tiers and a fly-fishing clinic.

WHAT: Free Fly-Tying Workshops

WHEN: Wednesday, May 1, 15 | 6-8 PM Jesse M. Smith Memorial Library, 100 Tinkham Lane, Harrisville

Friday, May 3 | 5:30-7:30 PM Saturday, May 4 | 1-3 PM Tyler Free Library, 81 Moosup Valley Road #A, Foster

Monday, May 6, 13 | 6-8 PM Diamond Hill Park Community Center, 4097 Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland

Tuesday, June 4, 18 | 6-8 PM Greene Public Library, 179 Hopkins Hollow Road, Greene

Monday, June 10, 17 | 6-8 PM Middletown Public Library, 700 West Main Road, Middletown

Wednesday, June 12, 19 | 6-8 PM Brownell Public Library, 44 Commons, Little Compton

Instruction on freshwater angling will be included, and all equipment and materials will be provided. Participants are welcome to bring their own materials, if they prefer. Children ages 10 and older are invited to participate. Space is limited and registration is required. To register, contact Scott Travers at Scott.travers@dem.ri.gov.

WHAT: Ladies Fly-Fishing Day

WHEN: Saturday, May 18 | 9AM-3PM Carolina Trout Hatchery, Carolina

This free fly-fishing workshop for women includes instruction on fly-tying, fly-casting, and related equipment. Participants also will have a chance to fish in a stocked pond to try out their new skills. 

All equipment and materials are provided and lunch will be provided. Program sponsors include Trout Unlimited, the Wood River Fly-Fishing Association, United Fly-Tyers of Rhode Island, and DEM. 

Space is limited, and registration is required. For more information or to register for the workshop, contact Jessica Pena at Jessica.Pena@dem.ri.gov or at 539-0019.

These workshops are part of DEM's Aquatic Resource Education (ARE) Program. ARE is a federally funded program designed to enhance the public's understanding of their aquatic resources by providing safe and responsible fishing training opportunities. 

As part of a larger network of recreational opportunities in the state, fishing plays an important role in connecting people with nature, promoting health, attracting tourism, and supporting a treasured tradition for Rhode Island families. 

According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, there are approximately 175,000 recreational anglers (age 16+) in Rhode Island. And recreational fishing contributes more than $130 million to the economy each year.

Anglers urged to take safety precautions as many rivers are experiencing high water levels.

Due to recent heavy rainfalls, rivers across the state are experiencing dangerously high waters. 

Anglers are encouraged to fish at one of the nearly 60 stocked ponds around the state. The fast-moving cold water combined with limited or poor footing is extremely hazardous along some stretches of rivers and streams. 

Of particular concern are waterbodies in the Wood-Pawcatuck watershed and the Pawtuxet River. 

DEM encourages anglers to use caution and practice the following safety measures:

• Stand back from the shoreline and be aware of surroundings. 
• If fishing by boat, canoe or other vessel, wear a life jacket. 
• Keep a close watch on children or those with limited mobility. 
• Don't drink alcohol while operating a boat. 
• Always stay in the boat; water temperatures are low and risk of drowning due to the effects of cold water is high.

Follow DEM on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM or Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) for more information on recreational opportunities in Rhode Island as well as other timely updates.

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