Free Freshwater Fishing This Weekend

For those who want to go fishing but still haven't picked up their fishing license, the state is giving you a freebie this weekend.

On May 4 and 5, the state Department of Environmental Management has scheduled free fishing days throughout the state. Visitors and Rhode Island residents need not worry about getting their fishing license or a trout conservation stamp this weekend in freshwater areas. The offer does not extent to saltwater areas, however.

DEM's Division of Fish and Wildlife is holding a special fishing tournament on Saturday, May 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Carolina Trout Pond in Richmond where anglers have a chance to catch a coveted golden rainbow trout. DEM is stocking the pond with the Rhode Island hatchery-raised golden rainbow trout specially for the event and will also offer loaner rods, bait and gifts for children. 

“Free fishing days offer local residents and visitors a special incentive to get outdoors and try something new,” said DEM Director Janet Coit.  “I hope folks will take advantage of this opportunity to visit Rhode Island’s ponds and lakes next weekend and catch a beautiful golden rainbow trout or the brook, brown and rainbow trout raised in DEM’s hatcheries.” 

Lucky anglers who catch a golden trout during the free fishing weekend and throughout the season will be given a free golden trout pin. You can take a picture of your catch and send it to Kimberly Sullivan of DEM’s Aquatic Resource Education program at Kimberly.Sullivan@dem.ri.gov.