THE PUBLIC TO EXERCISE CAUTION ON OPENING DAY OF FISHING SEASON THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 10
High Water Levels and Quick Currents in Rivers and Ponds Call for Safety Precautions
PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management is advising anglers that are expected to turn out at dawn Saturday – the opening day of the 2010 trout and general freshwater fishing season – to exercise personal safety precautions while in pursuit of the season's first trout.
The state's fishing season will open as scheduled at sunrise this Saturday, April 10. Due to the flooding event of last week there continues to be dangerously high waters and limited access in several rivers and streams. The Department warns fishermen to exercise caution and be selective in choosing where to fish until water levels subside. The fast-moving cold water combined with limited or poor footing is extremely hazardous along some stretches of rivers and streams, particularly in the Wood-Pawcatuck watershed. At this time the Department is recommending that anglers fish at ponds rather than in rivers statewide.
Several popular fishing areas will not be stocked for opening day due to very high water and damage to roads and other access from the storm. These temporary changes to the trout stocking program are due to the flood event; DEM hopes to stock additional areas sometime after opening day. No trout will be stocked in the Ashaway, Pawtuxet, Pawcatuck, Flat, or Falls Rivers or Parris Brook for opening day. These areas will be stocked later in the season as safety conditions and accessibility improves. The Wood River will be stocked only at the DEM check station site in Arcadia on Rt. 165. Frenchtown Park in East Greenwich will not be stocked because of the severe damage from flooding.
All other ponds, rivers and streams in the state that are traditionally stocked with trout for opening day will be stocked for Saturday. Two sites, Barber Pond in South Kingstown and Silver Spring Lake in North Kingstown, have received additional fish for opening day.
"With all the recent rain we've had, Rhode Island's rivers and streams remain at high levels, with quick water action," said Steven Hall, chief of DEM's Division of Law Enforcement. "People 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." Chief Hall urges anyone going out in a boat, canoe, or vessel of any type to wear a life jacket given the cold water temperatures and quick currents were are experiencing.
A 2010 fishing license is required for anglers 15 years of age or 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 $5.50 Trout Conservation Stamp can be obtained at any city or town clerk's office or authorized agent, such as most bait and tackle shops. License fees remain at $18 for Rhode Island residents and current members of the Armed Forces, $33 for a combination hunting and fishing license, $35 for non-residents, and $16 for a non-resident tourist three-consecutive-day license. Anglers over 65 must have a license, which for them is free, but do not need a trout stamp.
A list of stocked ponds and other information of interest to anglers can be found on DEM's website, www.dem.ri.gov, by clicking on "Fish and Wildlife" under "Programs", and then choosing "Freshwater Fisheries".
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High Water Levels and Quick Currents in Rivers and Ponds Call for Safety Precautions
PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management is advising anglers that are expected to turn out at dawn Saturday – the opening day of the 2010 trout and general freshwater fishing season – to exercise personal safety precautions while in pursuit of the season's first trout.
The state's fishing season will open as scheduled at sunrise this Saturday, April 10. Due to the flooding event of last week there continues to be dangerously high waters and limited access in several rivers and streams. The Department warns fishermen to exercise caution and be selective in choosing where to fish until water levels subside. The fast-moving cold water combined with limited or poor footing is extremely hazardous along some stretches of rivers and streams, particularly in the Wood-Pawcatuck watershed. At this time the Department is recommending that anglers fish at ponds rather than in rivers statewide.
Several popular fishing areas will not be stocked for opening day due to very high water and damage to roads and other access from the storm. These temporary changes to the trout stocking program are due to the flood event; DEM hopes to stock additional areas sometime after opening day. No trout will be stocked in the Ashaway, Pawtuxet, Pawcatuck, Flat, or Falls Rivers or Parris Brook for opening day. These areas will be stocked later in the season as safety conditions and accessibility improves. The Wood River will be stocked only at the DEM check station site in Arcadia on Rt. 165. Frenchtown Park in East Greenwich will not be stocked because of the severe damage from flooding.
All other ponds, rivers and streams in the state that are traditionally stocked with trout for opening day will be stocked for Saturday. Two sites, Barber Pond in South Kingstown and Silver Spring Lake in North Kingstown, have received additional fish for opening day.
"With all the recent rain we've had, Rhode Island's rivers and streams remain at high levels, with quick water action," said Steven Hall, chief of DEM's Division of Law Enforcement. "People 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." Chief Hall urges anyone going out in a boat, canoe, or vessel of any type to wear a life jacket given the cold water temperatures and quick currents were are experiencing.
A 2010 fishing license is required for anglers 15 years of age or 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 $5.50 Trout Conservation Stamp can be obtained at any city or town clerk's office or authorized agent, such as most bait and tackle shops. License fees remain at $18 for Rhode Island residents and current members of the Armed Forces, $33 for a combination hunting and fishing license, $35 for non-residents, and $16 for a non-resident tourist three-consecutive-day license. Anglers over 65 must have a license, which for them is free, but do not need a trout stamp.
A list of stocked ponds and other information of interest to anglers can be found on DEM's website, www.dem.ri.gov, by clicking on "Fish and Wildlife" under "Programs", and then choosing "Freshwater Fisheries".
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