Official State of Rhode Island website

State of Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management

Freshwater & Diadromous Fisheries

man on boat holding a golden trout

Trout Stocked Waters

people on flat bottomed boat using nets to fish

Inland Fishes of Rhode Island

water flowing over stones

Aquatic Resource Education

cement trough leading into a body of water

Freshwater Fishing FAQs

The Freshwater and Diadromous Fisheries section of the RI Division of Fish and Wildlife is located at the Great Swamp Field Headquarters, Great Neck Road, West Kingston, RI 02892 (401) 789-7481. The staff is responsible for the research and management of the freshwater and diadromous fisheries resources of the state. This includes pond and stream fisheries surveys, restoration and management of diadromous fish runs, the operation of four freshwater hatcheries, the management of sound stocking programs, and the organization of execution of Aquatic Resource Education (ARE) programs.

Freshwater Fishing Season and Trout Stocking Updates

RI Freshwater Fishing Regulation Guide

RI Freshwater Fishing Regulation Guide Cover

Get the free AnglerCatch app. Fish better today. Protect fisheries for tomorrow.

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Reserve Parking at the Bowdish Reservoir Boat Ramp, Glocester

Due to its location within the George Washington State Campground, boaters who wish to park and launch a vessel from the Bowdish Reservoir boat ramp without a camping reservation must make a parking reservation by filling out a permit application form. Parking reservations are required from the second Friday in April through Oct. 31. Under the pilot plan, three parking spaces and one disabled placard parking space will be designated for non-campground users. Campground users may not reserve or use these spaces.

Submit a permit application

Trout Study at Upper Melville Pond, Portsmouth

DEM and the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) are partnering with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Roger Williams University (RWU), and the Town of Portsmouth on a new study to better understand how PFAS may accumulate in stocked trout. Learn more at dem.ri.gov/trout-study

Invasive snakeheadfish

⚠️ Invasive Species Alert

A Northern Snakehead, an extremely invasive freshwater fish species, was caught in Asa Pond, South Kingstown, in early summer 2026.  It’s currently unknown how the snakehead ended up in Asa Pond. Anglers should be on the lookout in the Tri-Pond Park area as Asa Pond is connected by streams to Rocky Brook Reservoir and California Jim’s Pond.

Named for their snake-like appearance and native to Asia, they were first discovered in Maryland in 2002 and have established themselves in the Chesapeake Bay as well as the Delaware and Hudson River drainages. An adept predator, snakeheads represent a risk to Rhode Island’s native freshwater fish. They can survive out of water for multiple hours due to a primitive lung and can travel to other bodies of water. Transporting or releasing live snakeheads in RI is prohibited.

If additional snakeheads are caught in RI waters, anglers should humanely kill them and immediately contact DEM’s Division of Fish & Wildlife at DEM.DFW@dem.ri.gov or 401-789-0281 to pick up the fish. DO NOT return caught snakeheads to the water. Anglers should take care when handling snakeheads, as they can bite.

Thank you for your help protecting RI’s freshwater ecosystems.

Stop Aquatic Hitchhiker Poster with "Wash em' Off. Wipe em' Out" headline

Stop the Spread of Invasive Aquatic Species

Aquatic weed infestation is a nuisance to anglers, boaters, and swimmers and can affect proper management of freshwater ponds for wildlife. Help prevent the transport of invasive species by boats, trailers, and equipment. Check and clean your boat and gear before and after launching watercraft in any waterbody. Learn more