DEM ANNOUNCES FREE FRESHWATER FISHING DAYS MAY 5 & MAY 6
Freshwater Fishing Licenses Not Needed to Fish in RI Freshwaters During This Special Weekend; Anglers Can Catch a Golden Rainbow Trout and Win a Prize
PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management announces that Saturday, May 5 and Sunday, May 6 are free fishing days in Rhode Island. During those two days, all Rhode Islanders and visitors can fish in freshwaters without a fishing license or trout conservation stamp. The free fishing weekend does not apply to saltwater fishing or saltwater licenses.
For the third year, DEM fish hatcheries are offering anglers the chance to catch a coveted golden rainbow trout. Lucky anglers who catch a golden trout during the free fishing weekend and throughout the season will be given a free golden trout pin. A fishing tournament sponsored by DEM's Division of Fish & Wildlife will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Meadowbrook Pond in Richmond on Saturday, May 5. DEM's hatchery staff will stock the Rhode Island hatchery-raised golden rainbow trout at pond for the event. There will also be loaner fishing rods, bait, and gifts for children available courtesy of DEM's Aquatic Resource Education program. DEM Division of Fish & Wildlife staff will be on hand to assist families during the fishing event.
"Free fishing days — and the chance to catch a beautiful golden rainbow trout — 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 enjoy beautiful Rhode Island. You need a golden ticket to get into Willy Wonka's factory, but it's free to fish for golden trout this weekend!"
The free fishing program was established in Rhode Island about 20 years ago as an opportunity to encourage people to experience freshwater fishing as a new outdoor experience and highlight some of Rhode Island's premier freshwater fishing areas.
All the usual freshwater fishing regulations on size and limits apply during the two free fishing days. Information about stocked freshwaters, size and creel limits can be found in the Freshwater Fishing Abstract, or by calling DEM's Great Swamp Field Office at 789-0281, or the Aquatic Resource Education office 539-7333. The abstract and regulations can also be found on DEM's website, www.dem.ri.gov, by clicking on "Fish and Wildlife" under "Offices and Divisions", and then choosing "Freshwater Fisheries".
Freshwater Fishing Licenses Not Needed to Fish in RI Freshwaters During This Special Weekend; Anglers Can Catch a Golden Rainbow Trout and Win a Prize
PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management announces that Saturday, May 5 and Sunday, May 6 are free fishing days in Rhode Island. During those two days, all Rhode Islanders and visitors can fish in freshwaters without a fishing license or trout conservation stamp. The free fishing weekend does not apply to saltwater fishing or saltwater licenses.
For the third year, DEM fish hatcheries are offering anglers the chance to catch a coveted golden rainbow trout. Lucky anglers who catch a golden trout during the free fishing weekend and throughout the season will be given a free golden trout pin. A fishing tournament sponsored by DEM's Division of Fish & Wildlife will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Meadowbrook Pond in Richmond on Saturday, May 5. DEM's hatchery staff will stock the Rhode Island hatchery-raised golden rainbow trout at pond for the event. There will also be loaner fishing rods, bait, and gifts for children available courtesy of DEM's Aquatic Resource Education program. DEM Division of Fish & Wildlife staff will be on hand to assist families during the fishing event.
"Free fishing days — and the chance to catch a beautiful golden rainbow trout — 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 enjoy beautiful Rhode Island. You need a golden ticket to get into Willy Wonka's factory, but it's free to fish for golden trout this weekend!"
The free fishing program was established in Rhode Island about 20 years ago as an opportunity to encourage people to experience freshwater fishing as a new outdoor experience and highlight some of Rhode Island's premier freshwater fishing areas.
All the usual freshwater fishing regulations on size and limits apply during the two free fishing days. Information about stocked freshwaters, size and creel limits can be found in the Freshwater Fishing Abstract, or by calling DEM's Great Swamp Field Office at 789-0281, or the Aquatic Resource Education office 539-7333. The abstract and regulations can also be found on DEM's website, www.dem.ri.gov, by clicking on "Fish and Wildlife" under "Offices and Divisions", and then choosing "Freshwater Fisheries".
