DEM ANNOUNCES FREE FISHING DAYS MAY 7 AND 8
Anglers Will Have Opportunity to Catch a Golden Rainbow Trout at Little Round Top
and Big Round Top Ponds in Burrillville
PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management announces that Saturday, May 7 and Sunday, May 8 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 days provide local residents and visitors a special incentive to get outdoors and try something new while enjoying their natural surroundings.
Anglers will have an opportunity to catch a prized Golden Rainbow trout on Saturday, May 7 during a fishing tournament sponsored by DEM’s Division of Fish & Wildlife at Little Round Top and Big Round Top Ponds in Burrillville. This is the second year for this annual Hatchery-sponsored fishing event. DEM’s hatchery staff will stock the Rhode Island hatchery-raised Golden Rainbow trout at these two fishing access areas for the event, and prizes will be awarded to the lucky anglers who catch a Golden Rainbow. There will also be loaner fishing rods and bait available for those who need them. DEM hatchery staff and volunteers from fishing clubs will be on hand to assist families during the fishing event.
The Coventry and Lincoln libraries also have a fishing rod loan program, available through the CLAN network to people throughout the state with library cards. DEM's aquatic resource education program and the RI Saltwater Anglers Association sponsor the fishing rod loan program.
The free fishing program was established nationally about 20 years ago as an opportunity to encourage people to experience new recreational opportunities outdoors, and therefore become more active stewards of the environment.
All usual regulations on size and limits apply during the two free fishing days. Information about size and limits can be obtained at bait and tackle shops, or by calling DEM's Great Swamp Field Office at 789-0281. The regulations can also be found on DEM's website at www.dem.ri.gov by clicking on “Fish and Wildlife” under “Offices and Divisions.”
A list of stocked ponds and other information of interest to anglers 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.”
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