The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) will begin stocking brook and rainbow trout in 24 selected waterways across the state from Friday, October 17, through Thursday, October 23. The agency noted that some ponds and lakes previously included in the stocking program will not be stocked this season due to cyanobacteria alerts.
The list of waterways scheduled for stocking includes Alton Pond in Richmond, Barber Pond in South Kingstown, Blackstone River in Lincoln, Bradford Fishing Area in Westerly, Browning Mill Pond in Exeter, Carbuncle Pond in Coventry, Carolina Trout Pond in Richmond, Cronan Landing in Richmond, Eight Rod Farm Pond in Tiverton, Grantville to Rt. 95 in Hopkinton, Hope Valley Fishing Area in Hopkinton, Kings Factory Bridge in Charlestown, Lower Shannock in Charlestown, Meadow Brook Pond in Richmond, Wood River from Rt. 165 to Barberville in Exeter and Hopkinton, Round Top Ponds in Burrillville, Shippee Sawmill Pond in Foster, Silver Spring Lake in North Kingstown, Spring Grove Pond in Glocester, Stafford Pond in Tiverton, Upper Pawtuxet (Hope) in Scituate, Upper Melville (Thurston Gray Pond), Willet Pond in East Providence, and Woodville in Richmond and Hopkinton.
Regular updates on trout stocking will be posted on DEM’s Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Facebook page and at www.dem.ri.gov/troutwaters.
Anglers aged 15 and older are required to have a 2025 fishing license. A Trout Conservation Stamp is also needed to keep trout, except when fishing from a lake or pond that borders Rhode Island. Licenses and stamps can be obtained through DEM’s Rhode Island Outdoors (RIO) portal.
DEM highlighted several changes to the Freshwater Fishing Regulations for the upcoming season. From April 12 to November 30, 2025, anglers may keep up to five trout and/or salmon per day, with a maximum of two salmon. From December 1, 2025 to February 28, 2026, the daily limit is two trout and/or salmon, with no more than two salmon. From the second Saturday in May through the end of February, the section of the Falls River between the bridge at Austin Farm Road and the bridge at Brook Trail is designated as catch and release only. The area where the Beaver River meets the Pawcatuck River up to New London Turnpike is also catch and release only and will not be stocked.
Anglers may keep up to two landlocked Atlantic salmon per day statewide until February 28, 2026; these count toward the overall five fish limit for trout and salmon. There is an eight-inch minimum size for any trout caught in state waters, while the minimum size for domestic (landlocked) Atlantic salmon is eleven inches.
Certain activities are prohibited to help protect local waterways. The use of felt-soled waders or boots, or any footwear with porous soles that can absorb water, is not allowed in any Rhode Island freshwater areas, including those shared with neighboring states where Rhode Island rules apply. Additionally, entering or leaving a state boat ramp with vegetation attached to boats, motors, trailers, or equipment is prohibited to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species.
Information on stocked waters, size and creel limits for all freshwater fish species can be found in the 2025-2026 Freshwater Fishing Abstract or by contacting DEM’s Great Swamp Field Office or Aquatic Resource Education office.
For further details on DEM programs and updates, the public can visit www.dem.ri.gov or follow the agency on social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter/X (@RhodeIslandDEM), and Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem). The Division of Fish and Wildlife also shares news and events on Facebook and Instagram (@ri.fishandwildlife) and offers a monthly newsletter subscription.
