Rhode Island Fishing Regulations
Not legal advice. Compiled from official government summaries. Regulations change each year — always check the official source before relying.
General Rules (barbless hooks are the #1 cause of fines)
- ⚠ Stocked trout waters have specific seasons and limits; check the DEM fishing guide.
- ⚠ Tidal/saltwater species have separate marine regulations.
Species Limits
| Species | Limit | Size / Season |
|---|---|---|
| Trout, salmon, charr | 5 combined (some waters 2) | Atlantic salmon min 11 in; Wood River 2-fish limit |
| Black bass (largemouth & smallmouth) | 5 combined | Min 12 in |
| Northern pike | 2 | Min 24 in |
| Chain pickerel | 5 | Min 14 in |
| American eel | 25 | Min 9 in |
| Yellow perch, panfish | Per RI regs (check digest) |
Waterbody-Specific Rules
Wood River (Route 165 to Barberville Dam)
- Trout/charr: 2 fish limit (2nd Sat May - last day Feb).
Falls River (Exeter, Austin Farm Rd to Brook Trail)
- No-kill/catch-and-release: artificial lures with single barbless hook only; all fish returned.
Beaver River (Richmond, Pawcatuck confluence to New London Tpke)
- No-kill/catch-and-release: artificial lures with single barbless hook; all fish returned.
Beach Pond
- Trout season 2nd Sat Apr - last day Feb; Atlantic salmon 1/day per CT regs; 6 lines ice fishing.
Killingly Pond
- RI regs for bass/pickerel; 6 lines with single hook for ice fishing (CT regs).
Hazard Pond
- RI regs for bass/pickerel; 6 lines with single hook for ice fishing (CT regs).
Wallum Lake
- RI regulations apply.
Pawcatuck River (below Potter Hill Dam)
- No Atlantic salmon may be taken.
Seasons
Most species open year-round; trout stocked waters seasonal.
Licence Fees
RI fishing license required (15+, resident/non-resident); trout stamp; fees per DEM.
Edition: 2026 RI Freshwater Fishing Regulations (DEM) · Effective: 2026 season · Source: RI Dept. of Environmental Management (dem.ri.gov/fishing)
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