Rhode Island Trout Fishing Season is Open

RI has Banned the use of  Felt Soled Waders in Freshwater Waters

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RI has Banned the use of  Felt Soled Waders in Freshwater

PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management has filed a technical revision to the 2012-2013 Freshwater Fishing Regulations related to the use of felt-soled foot gear in State waters.

DEM's Division of Fish and Wildlife has modified the regulation prohibiting the use of foot gear with external felt soles so that it applies only to the fresh waters of the State. The technical revision becomes effective immediately. The revision was made once it became apparent that an all-waters ban on the use of felt-soled foot gear was not intended by the Department in adopting this regulation.

"DEM supports regulations that add a strong measure of prevention to the establishment and spread of exotic invasive species," noted DEM Director Janet Coit. "The Department will continue to work in partnership with Rhode Island saltwater anglers and other constituency groups to address the problems caused by invasive species and develop measures to protect our state's waters and the native plant and animal communities which inhabit them."

The ban on felt-soled foot gear was initiated to prevent the establishment and spread of invasive species in the state's waters. The transportation of some of these organisms has been attributed to felt-soled foot gear. Felt-soled wading gear can harbor microscopic forms of the aquatic invasive organisms, which can remain viable for weeks in the damp felt. Aquatic invasive species, plant or animal, can present a great risk of permanent damage to aquatic ecosystems.

Director Coit also noted that there is a need to continue to raise public awareness about invasive species and encourage everyone that recreates in or otherwise utilizes the State's waters to adopt best management practices to prevent the inadvertent spread of aquatic invasive species. Such practices include the inspection and sanitation of all equipment and clothing that comes into contact with ambient waters.

DEM BEGINS STOCKING 80,000 TROUT IN ADVANCE OF APRIL 14^th OPENING OF FRESHWATER FISHING SEASON

PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management's Division of Fish & Wildlife announces that the 2012 trout and general freshwater fishing season will begin at 6 a.m. on Saturday, April 14. More than 20,000 anglers are expected to turn out at dawn on opening day. 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.

"Getting out at the crack of dawn on opening day is a time-honored tradition in Rhode Island," noted DEM Director Janet Coit. "This is a great opportunity for anglers of all ages to grab their fishing poles and experience the delight of catching the first trout of the season."

Anglers should make an extra effort to take personal safety precautions, such as not standing too close to the shoreline and being aware of their surroundings, so that they can enjoy a safe 'opening day' fishing experience. Boaters are also being urged to take appropriate safety precautions, particularly those who fish from canoes on lakes, ponds and rivers with dams. Even though the air temperatures are rising, water temperatures are still low and situations can quickly turn dangerous. State law requires that boaters always have personal flotation devices for each person, and that they do not drink and operate a boat. Boaters should also be sure their craft is seaworthy before going out on the state's waterways.
Special Trout Stocking for Children Only
In addition to the 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. A fishing derby for children in Woonsocket is being held at Cass Pond on Saturday, April 14. The Little Compton Grange will host a fishing derby for children on Saturday, April 14 and Sunday, April 15 at Ponderosa Pond in Little Compton. In Warwick, the Tri-City Elks Lodge will hold its annual opening day children's derby at the pond located behind the Elks Lodge at 1414 West Shore Road on Saturday, April 14.
 

A 2012 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