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State of Rhode Island, Department of Environmental Management ,
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Agency Announcements

HOLIDAY - DÍA FERIADO

In celebration of Thanksgiving Day, our offices and call centers will be closed on Thursday, November 28, 2024. Regular business hours will resume on Friday, November 29 at 8:30 a.m.

En celebración del Día de Acción de Gracias, nuestras oficinas y centros de llamada estarán cerrados el jueves, 28 de noviembre de 2024. El horario laboral regular se reanudará el viernes, 29 de noviembre a las 8:30 am.

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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

Slide 1 Slide 2 Slide 3 Slide 4

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
  • Aquatic Education Program
  • Fishing Licenses
  • Freshwater Fishing FAQ
  • Trout-Stocked Waters and Trout Stocking Updates
  • Herring Identification Key
  • Fishing Awards Programs
    • Game Fish Awards
    • State Sportfish Records
    • Children's "First Fish" Certificate Program
    • Go for the Gold
  • 2015 Wildlife Action Plan Revision

2024-25 RI Freshwater Fishing Regulation Guide

2024-25 RI Freshwater Fishing Regulation Guide Cover

Dec 2

Project WILD Facilitator Training

Location: DFW Outdoor Education Office at E-Huntee, Exeter

8:30am 3:00pm

Dec 4

Project WET Facilitator Training

Location: DFW Outdoor Education Office at E-Huntee, Exeter

8:30am 3:00pm

Dec 4

Public Workshop re: Proposed Wildlife and Hunting Regulations

Location: DFW Outdoor Education Office: 1B Camp E-Hun-Tee Place Exeter, RI 02822

5:30pm 7:00pm

Dec 5

Annual Fall Fly Tying

6:30pm 8:30pm

Dec 12

Annual Fall Fly Tying

6:30pm 8:30pm

Dec 19

Annual Fall Fly Tying

6:30pm 8:30pm

Notice of Pilot Program at Bowdish Reservoir Boat Ramp in 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

 

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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

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Rhode Island boat registrations and renewals are moving to a new online system.

Please take a few minutes to create an account in our new system so you can save time when your renewal becomes due. Get started today!

dem.ri.gov/boating

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RI Hunting & Fishing Regulations

View Rhode Island Regulations

Contact Division of Fish & Wildlife

Phillip Edwards, Chief
Christine Dudley, Deputy Chief, Freshwater & Diadromous Fisheries
Jay Osenkowski, Deputy Chief, Wildlife
Sarah Riley, Chief Implementation Aide

Phone: 1-401-789-0281
Fax: 1-401-783-7490
[email protected]
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