Four thousand more trout waiting to be caught

DEM adds to stock to improve fall fishing

From Fake Science

PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management's Division of Fish and Wildlife has stocked over 4,000 brook, brown, and rainbow trout in selected locations in the state this week for the fall freshwater fishing season. Due to elevated water temperatures and low water conditions, fall trout stocking was delayed until this week, when water conditions improved.

DEM Fish & Wildlife staff finished stocking the hatchery-raised trout today. The following areas were stocked: Meadowbrook Pond in Richmond; Carbuncle Pond in Coventry; Olney Pond in Lincoln; Barber Pond in South Kingstown; Silver Spring Pond in North Kingstown; Round Top Ponds in Burrillville; Upper and Lower Melville Ponds in Middletown; and the Wood River from Rt. 165 to Barberville.

A 2014 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 and Benny's. 

Licenses may also be obtained at DEM's Boat Registration and Licensing Office located at 235 Promenade Street 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 website at www.dem.ri.gov.

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.

More information of interest to anglers can be found on DEM's website, www.dem.ri.gov, by clicking on "Fish and Wildlife" under "Offices and Divisions", and then choosing "Freshwater Fisheries".