Get Hooked During Free Freshwater Fishing Weekend May 3-4
The program, started in 1995, promotes
freshwater fishing as a new outdoor experience and highlights some of the
state’s top fishing spots. Free Fishing Weekend does not include saltwater
fishing or saltwater licenses.
Free Fishing Weekend has become a popular spring pastime.
Freshwater Fishing Regulations on
size/creel (possession) limits still apply. Information about stocked
freshwaters, size and creel limits for all freshwater fish species is available
in the 2025-2026 Freshwater Fishing
Abstract.
- The
daily creel/possession limit for trout and/or landlocked domestic salmon
singly or in aggregate, is five from April 12, 2025, through November 30,
2025, however, only two salmon are allowed per day. The number is reduced
to two December 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026.
- The
creel/possession limit for trout or charr, taken in the Wood River between
RT. 165 Arcadia Check Station and Barberville Dam at Arcadia Road is two
fish from the second Saturday in May 2025 through the last day of February
2026.
- There
is an 8-inch minimum size for any trout, stocked or wild caught in any
state waters.
- The
minimum size limit for domestic, (landlocked) Atlantic Salmon is 11
inches.
- That
portion of the Falls River, from the bridge at Austin Farm Rd. to the
bridge at Brook Trail is a catch and release area.
- That
portion of the confluence of the Beaver River and the Pawcatuck River,
upstream to New London Turnpike is designated as a catch and release
area.
Anglers are also reminded to obey all boating regulations.
For information on Rhode Island boating laws, please visit http://www.dem.ri.gov/safeboating. The
following activities are prohibited:
- The
use of external felt soled waders or boots or those soled with any natural
or synthetic porous material capable of absorbing water in any freshwaters
in Rhode Island is strictly prohibited.
This includes any waters shared with adjacent states in which Rhode Island
fishing regulations apply.
- It
is strictly prohibited to
enter or exit a state boat ramp with any vegetation attached to any type
of boats, motors, boat trailers, or any other conveyance or equipment in
order to curtail the spread of invasive aquatic plants or
invertebrates.
For more information on DEM programs and initiatives,
visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow DEM on Facebook, Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM),
or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates. Follow DFW on Facebook and Instagram
(@ri.fishandwildlife) to stay up to date on news, events and volunteer
opportunities. You can also subscribe to DFW’s monthly newsletter here.