60,000 Fish Stocked in Over 100 Waterbodies
“Opening Day is a spring tradition for thousands of Rhode
Islanders who head out on the second Saturday of April to a favorite fishing
spot to reel in their first trout of the season,” said DEM Director
Terry Gray. “The work and logistics involved in raising and stocking
thousands of fish every year are intense, and this year our hatchery staff
overcame a particularly challenging winter to provide fishing opportunities for
the public. I’m proud to recognize all members of DEM’s Freshwater Fisheries
Team who pull off this feat every year – and keep freshwaters stocked
throughout most of the year.”
Keep it reel – even when fishing in non-trout stocked waters, no trout or salmon caught can be kept before Opening Day. The 2026-27 freshwater fishing abstract includes all rules and regulations. Regular stocking updates will be available on DEM's Division of Fish and Wildlife's (DFW) Facebook Page and www.dem.ri.gov/troutwaters. See freshwater fisheries updates and FAQs at www.dem.ri.gov/fishing.
Go for the gold – catch a golden rainbow trout from Opening
Day through May 3 to be eligible to receive a golden trout pin. Simply take a
picture and email it to dem.fishri@dem.ri.gov for
verification. Submissions must be received no later than Monday, May 4, 2026,
and there is a one pin per person limit.
Get hooked – the annual Free Fishing Weekend is on Saturday,
May 2, and Sunday, May 3. On both days, residents and visitors can fish all
species of freshwater fish without a fishing license or a trout
conservation stamp.
Information about stocked freshwaters, size and creel limits
for all freshwater fish species is available in the 2026-2027 Freshwater Fishing
Abstract. A 2026 fishing license is required for anglers 15 years of age
and older and a Trout Conservation Stamp is required to keep or possess trout.
Trout stamps are not required for possessing trout taken from a lake or pond
that shares a border with Rhode Island, those aged 15 or younger, any resident
65 years of age or older, any person with 100% disability, landowners or
members of their families when fishing from property on which they are actually
domiciled, any person possessing privately-owned trout caught in privately
owned waters. Fishing licenses can be purchased online on DEM’s Rhode
Island Outdoors (RIO) portal.
Please note that a
collaborative study with DEM and the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH)
to better understand how Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl
Substances (PFAS) may accumulate in stocked trout will take place at
Upper Melville Pond in Portsmouth, also known as Thurston Gray Pond, from May 4
through July 2. To protect the integrity of the study, the pond will be closed
to fishing during this timeframe. The timing of this study was chosen to
prevent the fishing closure from impacting Opening Day. Lower Melville Pond
will remain open to fishing during the study but will not be stocked. Learn
more at www.dem.ri.gov/trout-study.
DEM reminds anglers, especially boaters, to prioritize
safety while pursuing their first trout of the season. State
law requires personal flotation devices (PFDs) for each person on
board, and all canoe, kayak, and paddle craft users must always wear one,
regardless of age. DEM also reminds anglers to protect against hypothermia by
dressing in layers and wearing warm hats and gloves in cold conditions. Learn
more at http://www.dem.ri.gov/safeboating.
