FreshwaterFishing 2015-2016 REGULATION GUIDE

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Visit our website: www.dem.ri.gov State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Department of Environmental Management • Division of Fish & Wildlife

RHODE ISLAND FreshwaterFishing 2015-2016 REGULATION GUIDE State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Governor Gina M. Raimondo RI Department of Environmental Management Director Janet L. Coit Associate Director Larry Mouradjian Assistant Director for Natural Resources Catherine A. Sparks Division of Fish and Wildlife Freshwater Fisheries Section Christine A. Dudley, Deputy Chief of Freshwater and Anadromous Fisheries Phillip A. Edwards, Supervising Fisheries Biologist Alan D. Libby, Principal Fisheries Biologist Patrick McGee, Fisheries Biologist Table of Contents Peter M. Angelone, Principal Fisheries Biologist & Hatchery Manager 2...... Director’s Message 10������ Diadromous Fishing Veronica J. Masson, Federal Aid Coordinator 3...... License Information Regulations 3...... Free Fishing Days 10������ Freshwater Fishing Aquatic Resource Education Area Restrictions Kimberly M. Sullivan, 4...... Fishing Activities Requiring Principal Fisheries Biologist a Permit 11������ Saltwater/Freshwater Aquatic Resource Education Coordinator Boundaries RI DFW Education Center 4...... Prohibited Activities 1B Camp E-Hun-Tee 12������ Article - Restoring Migratory Exeter, RI 02822 4...... Catch a Golden Trout Fish to Rhode Island Rivers (401) 539-0019 5...... Seasons, Creel Limits, and and Streams [email protected] Minimum Size Limits 14������ Article - The American Eel RI Division of Fish and Wildlife 6...... Article - Aquatic Resource 16 ������  Boating Regulations Great Swamp Field Headquarters Education (ARE) Program 277 Great Neck Road 19A������ Award Programs West Kingston, RI 02892 8...... Fish Consumption Advisory (401) 789-7481 • [email protected] 20 ������ Sportfishing Records 9...... Designated Trout Waters Division of Law Enforcement Steven H. Hall, Chief 24hr Violation Line: (401) 222-3070 Our Mission Our mission is to ensure that the Freshwater, Marine, and Wildlife resources of the State of Rhode Island will be conserved and managed for equitable and sustainable use.

This guide contains a partial compilation of state laws and regulations pertaining to freshwater fishing and other related information. For more detailed information, refer to Title 20 of the General Laws of the State of Rhode Island or visit www.dem.ri.gov 1 Welcome Letter

On behalf of Governor Gina Raimondo, I am excited to introduce the first Rhode Island Freshwater Fishing Regu- lation Guide in magazine format. This publication compli- ments our Saltwater Recreational Fishing and Hunting and Trapping guides and is among the initiatives implemented by the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) to enhance customer service and satisfaction. This new guide is designed to inform anglers, boaters and other constituents about current regulations related to the harvest of Rhode Island’s freshwater fishery resources and highlight the research and survey work conducted by our dedicated freshwater biologists in the Division of Fish & Wildlife. The Division has a long history of effectively managing our state’s freshwater fisheries for the benefit of constituents today and for future generations. Rhode Island is well-known for its excellent and varied opportunities for freshwater fish- ing, whether it be the pursuit of bass, trout or northern pike - our largest freshwater gamefish. Freshwater fishing is a year-round sporting activity in Rhode Island that offers abundant About this Guide opportunities to catch hatchery-raised brook, rainbow and brown trout on Opening Day in April and enjoy excellent fall fishing and winter ice fishing. DEM’s hatchery program ensures This high-quality guide is offered to you by the that over 100 freshwater fishing areas across the state are stocked with trout several times Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife, through each year to accommodate the demand for these beautiful fish from resident and non-resi- its unique partnership with J.F. Griffin Publishing, dent anglers alike. LLC. DEM has revived the northern pike restoration program so that anglers can continue J.F. Griffin is an award winning publishing house to enjoy the thrill of catching these huge freshwater game fish. We invite those new to the that specializes in producing state fish & wildlife sport to try their luck during Free Fishing Weekend on May 2 and May 3, when anglers can regulation books. J.F. Griffin supports RIDFW’s staff fish without the purchase of a fishing license or trout stamp. This experience is bound to get in the design, layout and editing of the guides. They you “hooked on fishing,” especially if you’re lucky enough to catch a coveted hatchery-raised also manage the marketing and sales of advertising golden rainbow trout. to appropriate businesses within the book. The Division’s Aquatic Resource Education program, now in its 29th year, has introduced countless children and adults to the joys of recreational fishing through its training programs The revenue generated through ad sales signifi- and events. In addition to providing an opportunity for residents and visitors to engage in cantly lowers production costs and generates sav- outdoor recreation, fishing contributes to the economic health of the state. Residents and ings. These savings translate into additional funds tourists spend over $37 million annually in Rhode Island on trip and equipment-related for other important fisheries and habitat programs. expenditures for freshwater fishing, according to the American Sportfish Association’s 2011 If you have any feedback or are interested in adver- report, “Sportfishing in America.” tising, please contact us at 413.884.1001 or online This publication would not have been possible without the support of Rhode Island’s fish- at www.JFGriffin.com ing and boating community. It is funded by the US Fish & Wildlife Service Sport Fish Resto- ration Program through the sale of licenses, trout stamps, motorboat fuel and equipment. As Director, I extend a sincere thank you to all the anglers and boaters who have contributed to Designers: Jon Gulley, Erin Murphy, Evelyn Haddad, Chris Sobolowski this valuable conservation program. and Dane Fay We hope this guide enhances your fishing and boating experiences. Enjoy Rhode Island’s picturesque fishing areas and the tranquility and connection to nature that fishing provides. On the cover: Photos courtesy of Vinny Whether you have been fishing all your life, are getting back into the sport or trying it for the Deladdo, Chris Heal, and first time, we guarantee you won’t be disappointed. Tight lines, everyone! Kimberly Sullivan

Janet Coit 430 Main St. Suite 5 | Williamstown, MA 01267 Director

available online “It is the policy of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental in a new Digital Edition! Management to offer its services and accommodations to all orderly persons, and, Fully searchable Email pages as required, to all properly licensed persons, without regard to race, religion, color, Live hyperlinks to One-click printing national origin, ancestry, sex, age, or disability.” expanded content If you believe that you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, facil- ity, or if you desire further information, please write to the Office for Equal Opportu- www.eRegulations.com/RI/fishing nity, U.S. Department of the Interior. Office of the Secretary, Washington, D.C. 20240

2 2015-2016 Rhode Island2015-2016 Freshwater Rhode Fishing Island Guide Freshwater Fishing Guide License information

Fishing License Information 5. A Trout Conservation Stamp is NOT required of the following: a. Minors younger than fifteen (15) years of age. 1. A fishing license is required of any person 15 years of age or older b. Any resident over 65 years of age. wishing to catch or take fish in any freshwater stream or pond in the state (except as noted below). c. Any person with a 100% disability. 2. A fishing license can be obtained at any city or town clerk’s office or d. Landowners or members of their families when fishing from from authorized agents such as bait and tackle shops and some retail property on which they are actually domiciled. department stores. e. Any person possessing trout taken from a lake or pond which 3. RI fishing licenses are reciprocal with only for Beach shares a border with a neighboring state. Pond, Killingly Pond, Hazard Pond, and Peck Pond, and with Mas- f. Any person possessing privately-owned trout caught in sachusetts only for Wallum Lake and Harris Pond. privately-owned ponds. 4. The fishing license must be worn so that it is visible and must be shown upon request. 5. The fishing license expires on the last day of February annually. Methods of Fishing 6. The fishing license will be revoked for violation of fishing laws. 1. Unless otherwise specified, only a rod and reel or other hand-held 7. A fishing license is not required of minors younger than fifteen (15) and hand-operated device shall be used to catch fish in the fresh years of age. waters of the state. At no time shall a person place, operate, or super- intend more than two (2) of these devices for the purpose of catching 8. A fishing license is not required of any blind person. fish, except as noted below, and no more than three (3) hooks may be 9. A fishing license is not required of landowners or for members of their attached to each device. families when fishing from property on which they are domiciled. 2. Suckers, fallfish, and carp may be taken by snares, spears, or bow 10. A free, special, permanent license may be obtained by any veteran and arrow. of the armed forces who currently has a 100% disability rating or by 3. For the purpose of fishing through the ice, up to five (5) lines with a sin- any individual who is 100% permanently disabled. gle hook on each, personally attended, and held by any device designed 11. A free, special, permanent license may be obtained by any resident for that purpose (tip-up), may be used. See Exception #3 for Beach over 65 years of age. Pond, and Exception #11 for Killingly and Hazard Pond, page 5. 4. Freshwater minnows may be taken for bait with minnow traps, dip License Type Fee nets, and seines not greater than four feet (4 ft.) deep by eight feet (8 ft.) long and having a square mesh size not larger than one-fourth Resident (or current member of the armed forces) $18.00 inch (1/4 in.) unless otherwise licensed by the DEM. This regulation Combination (Hunting & Fishing) $33.00 does not supercede current alewife/blueback herring regulations as detailed in the Diadromous Fisheries section found on page 10. Non-resident $35.00 See also page 5, Exception #13. Non-resident tourist (three (3) consecutive days) $16.00 Trout Conservation Stamp $5.50

Trout Conservation Stamp

1. A Trout Conservation Stamp is required of any person wishing to keep or possess a trout, salmon, or charr caught in Rhode Island waters or to fish in a “catch & release” or in a “fly fishing only” area. 2. A Trout Conservation Stamp can be obtained from any city or town clerk’s office or from authorized agents such as bait and tackle shops and some retail department stores. 3. The Trout Conservation Stamp must be worn so that it is visible and must be shown upon request. 4. The Trout Conservation Stamp expires on the last day of February annually.

FREE Fishing Days May 2nd and 3rd, 2015 Neither a Freshwater Fishing License nor a Trout Conservation Stamp will be required by residents or non-residents on the 2nd and 3rd of May 2015.

2015-2016 Rhode Island Freshwater Fishing Guide 3 General information Fishing Activities Requiring a Permit

5. Chumming in any designated trout waters. REGULATION 1.16 UNDER REVIEW AND REVISION 6. Snagging fish in fresh waters. Changes are anticipated to go into effect during 7. Using any substance injurious to fish life in any stream or freshwater spring of 2015. Therefore, please refer to www.dem. pond within the state except by permit issued by the DEM. ri.gov for updates. 8. Detonating any explosive within any stream or freshwater pond within the state. 9. Selling trout, largemouth or smallmouth bass, pickerel, northern While Regulation 1.16 is currently under review and pike, Atlantic salmon, American shad, or yellow perch taken from revision, organized fishing and boating activities still any freshwater stream, river, or pond within the state. require a written permit issued through the Division 10. Stocking any freshwater stream or pond, public or private, within the state with ANY species of fish without having first obtained a of Fish and Wildlife. Changes are anticipated to go permit from the DEM. For more information, call (401) 789-0281. into effect during the 2015 fishing season. Please 11. Releasing any live bait into the freshwaters of the state. refer to www.ri.gov for the updated regulation. If 12. The use as bait of any variety of gold fishCarassius ( auratus) in the you have questions regarding whether or not your freshwaters of the state or the importation, sale, or possession of any variety of gold fish Carassius( auratus) for use as bait in the fresh fishing group requires a permit, please call the waters of the state. RIDEM Division of Fish and Wildlife at 401-789-7481. 13. Selling any live freshwater minnows for bait or possessing more than one hundred (100) live freshwater minnows without first having procured the appropriate license from the DEM. Prohibited Activities 14. Tagging, branding, marking, or otherwise willfully mutilating any fish which is to be released alive into any freshwaters of the state 1. Fishing in any freshwater stream or pond within this state without a except by special permit issued by the Division of Fish and Wildlife. valid fishing license (except as noted on page 3). 15. It is prohibited that any person use foot gear with external felt soles 2. Fishing in any stream, designated trout stream or designated trout or other natural or synthetic porous material capable of absorbing pond of the state, unless otherwise regulated, between March 1, 2015 liquid that is attached to the soles of wading foot gear in any fresh- and 6 AM April 11, 2015. waters of the state. This shall include any waters shared with adjacent 3. Possessing trout, salmon, or charr during the seasonal closure. states in which any RI Fishing regulations apply. See page 10 for more information. 4. Using corn for bait in any designated trout waters.

Catch a Golden Trout… Get a Golden Pin! Joe and Vinny RIDEM Division of Fish and Deladda at Wildlife hatcheries will again been stocking the golden rainbow trout Browning on our Free Fishing weekends, Mill Pond. May 2nd and 3rd, 2015! If you catch a golden trout in any of the Rhode Island ponds throughout 2015, send in your pictures and receive a golden trout pin. Contact Kimberly Sullivan at [email protected] or (401) 539-0037 for more information. RIDEM Fish and Wildlife has previously stocked golden trout in the following ponds: Silver Spring Lake in North Kingstown, Meadow Brook Pond and Carolina Trout Pond in Richmond, Round Top Ponds and Peck Pond in Burrillville, Brickyard Pond in Barrington, and Browning Mill Pond in Exeter. Stay tuned for our 2015 stocking locations!

4 2015-2016 Rhode Island Freshwater Fishing Guide Seasons, Creel Limits, and Minimum Size Limits Fish Exceptions* Season Creel Limit** Minimum Size

2-5, 7-10 Apr. 11 - Nov. 30 5 None Trout 3-5, 7-10 Dec. 1 - Feb. 29 2 None

Atlantic Salmon CLOSED see page 10

Domestic (landlocked) Atlantic Salmon 1-3, 5, 7-10 Apr. 11 - Feb. 29 2 15"

Northern Pike 1 No Closed Season 2 24"

Chain Pickerel 1, 3, 5, 11 No Closed Season 5 14"

Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass 1, 3, 5, 6, 11 No Closed Season 5 12"

American Eel 1, 13 No Closed Season 25 9"

River Herring (Alewives, Blueback herring), Shad & Smelt CLOSED

All Other Freshwater Fish 3, 5, 11 No Closed Season None None

Striped Bass 12 No Closed Season 2 28"

** Creel Limit: Number of fish per person per day * Exceptions as listed below:

Exceptions 1. All lengths are measured from the tip of the snout to the tip of the 8. Domestic (landlocked) Atlantic salmon may be taken from any tail. freshwaters of the state EXCEPT from the down- stream of Potter Hill Dam. The daily creel and possession limit for 2. Open fishing season begins on all species of trout, salmon, charr at domestic (landlocked) Atlantic salmon is two (2) fish (as part of the 6 AM on April 11, 2015 and closes at midnight February 29, 2016. daily trout limit). The minimum size limit for domestic (landlocked) 3. Beach Pond, Exeter—Fishing season will coincide with Connecti- Atlantic Salmon is fifteen (15) inches. cut’s trout season which is currently under review. Please refer to 9. The creel and possession limit for trout or charr taken in the Wood Connecticut regulations for updates. The daily creel and possession River between Route 165 and south to the Barberville Dam at Arca- limits for black bass shall be five (5) fish and the minimum size limit dia Road from May 9, 2015 through February 29, 2016 is two (2) fish shall be twelve (12) inches. In accordance with Connecticut Fishing (taken singularly or in aggregate). Regulations, six (6) tip-ups may be used while ice-fishing (taken ei- ther singularly or in aggregate). The daily creel limit and possession 10. With the exception of designated ‘catch and release’ areas, all legally of Walleye shall be two (2) fish and minimum size shall be eighteen caught trout, salmon, or charr taken from the fresh-waters of Rhode (18) inches. The daily creel limit for trout species (all species in ag- Island shall be immediately released alive into the waters from which gregate) shall be five (5) fish. All other RI size and catch limits apply. they were taken or shall be killed at once and become part of the daily creel limit. 4. That portion of the Falls River, Exeter, from the bridge at Austin Farm road downstream approximately 2 miles to the bridge off 11. Non-trout lakes (Killingly Pond and Hazard Pond) that share the Brook Trail is designated a ‘no kill’ or ‘catch and release’ area. Fish- boundary with Connecticut—Six (6) tip-ups may be used with a ing is permitted only with artificial lures equipped with a single bar- single hook each while ice fishing. RI size and catch limits apply. bless hook or a single barbed hook which has been crimped. All fish 12. Striped bass, although a regulated marine species, are often caught caught must be returned to the water immediately. The possession of in some freshwater rivers of the state recreationally. In these instanc- any trout while fishing in this section of the river shall be prima facie es, please note that marine regulations will apply. evidence that said trout were taken in violation of this regulation. 13. The creel or possession limit for American eel Anguilla( rostrata) 5. Wallum Lake—Rhode Island regulations apply. shall be twenty-five (25) fish per day, per person, either singular or 6. The daily limit for largemouth and smallmouth bass is five (5) fish in aggregate, and the minimum size shall be nine (9) inches (see (taken singularly or in aggregate). Exception 1). Please refer to page 10 for more information. 7. Trout Conservation Stamp—A Trout Conservation Stamp is required of an angler who wishes to (a) keep or possess a trout, domestic (landlocked) salmon, or charr or (b) fish in a designated ‘catch and release’ area or in a ‘fly fishing only’ area. 2015-2016 Rhode Island Freshwater Fishing Guide 5 Article: education

RHODE ISLAND’S Aquatic Resource Education (ARE) Program By Kimberly Sullivan, Principal Fisheries Biologist & ARE Coordinator - RIDEM Fish and Wildlife

In 1986, the Division of Fish and Wildlife intro- Group Freshwater Fishing: The ARE training to learn about the art of fly fishing, what they duced the Aquatic Resource Education program pond offers a safe and wheel-chair accessible need to get out on the water, how to tie a fly, to Rhode Islanders. Funded through the US Fish location to teach young and old to spin-cast. and how to cast. Trained volunteer instructors and Wildlife Service’s Sport Fish Restoration Trained personnel teach the basics of fishing and work with participants and then help them Program and supported by the Wallop-Breaux the location easily hosts groups of 10-25 people. apply their learned knowledge to fishing area Amendment of 1984, the program was designed The program is free of charge and we provide all waterways. Families with children over 10 are to “enhance the public’s understanding of aquat- bait, rods, and tackle. Reservations are necessary welcome. Registration is necessary and a fee ic resources and sport fishing, and to promote and no fee is required. may be required. the development of responsible attitudes and Surf Fishing: Rhode Island is the Ocean Fly Tying: As the weather turns cold, the ethics toward the aquatic environment.” Over State and with miles of coastline at our disposal ARE program offers chances to tie flies for the past 29 years, RI’s Aquatic Resource Edu- and migrating populations of striped bass and your spring time fishing ventures. The annual cation Program (ARE) has evolved to provide bluefish, the ARE program hosts evening surf Fall Fly Tying program allows beginner and Rhode Islanders with a chance to become casting programs during the summer and fall. intermediate fly tyers a chance to prepare for stewards of their waterways through a variety These workshops are designed to acquaint you the upcoming fishing season through a series of of teacher training workshops, fishing pro- with the various methods of marine fishing, evening classes. Registration is necessary and a grams, ecology, conservation, and aquaculture the type of equipment needed, the basic knots fee may be required. programs. This article serves as an overview of needed for fishing, and then provide a hands-on Rod Loaning Program: Would you like the various educational opportunities avail- casting and fishing experience. Families with to take your group fishing but on your own able through the Aquatic Resource Education children over 10 are welcome. Registration is schedule? The ARE program has a rod loaning program. If you would like further information, necessary and a fee may be required. program where you can borrow rods and tackle please contact Kimberly Sullivan, ARE Coordi- Ice Fishing: Too cold to fish? Not when there for your group. The ARE program also provides nator, at (401) 539-0037 or kimberly.sullivan@ is safe ice on the ponds. This winter program educational materials such as fishing brochures, dem.ri.gov. For upcoming ARE events, visit is a crash course in ice fishing covering all the coloring books and fish posters. www.dem.ri.gov/programs/bnatres/fishwild/fw- basics from ice safety to the equipment and bait Coming Soon: The ARE program will be events.htm. We can also be found on Facebook. needed for a fun day of fishing. Depending on introducing fishing to schools across Rhode ice conditions, participants will be able to fish Island during the 2015-2016 school year. Angler Training Programs a stocked pond. Families with children 6 and Whether you are interested in bringing a group older are welcome. Registration is necessary and Marine Ecology, Freshwater to fish or learning the art of fly tying, check out a fee may be required. Ecology & Conservation Programs what the ARE program has to offer. All of our Fly Fishing: The ARE program offers train- Beach Seine/Marsh Walk: For over 20 fishing programs focus on teaching stewardship ing in both freshwater and saltwater fly fishing. years the ARE program has been bringing through safe and responsible fishing techniques. The all day programs give participants a chance groups to Rhode Island’s coast for marsh

Children exploring the traveling tide-pool displayed at the annual Galilee Fishing Tournament and Seafood Festival.

6 explorations and beach seining. The 3-hour Salmon in the Classroom: The successful program provides ample time for students ‘Salmon in the Classroom’ and ‘Trout in the to get a first-hand look at a variety of Rhode Classroom’ programs offer middle and high Island’s marine organisms. school teachers a hands-on tool to teach the life Traveling Tide-pool: Stewardship begins at history and requirements to raise these cold a young age and the ARE program has a great water fish. Schools are given the equipment way for your pre-school class to learn about ma- to raise the fish eggs into fry and then, when rine life. The traveling tidepool is offered from ready, students travel to the stocking site, per- May to August and provides an opportunity form a variety of water tests to be sure the site is for young minds to explore marine life without suitable and then release their fish in the water. leaving the classroom. Raising Horseshoe Crabs: As a marine coun- Freshwater Ecology: If you are interested in terpart, the ARE program provides elementary your local freshwater stream, the ARE Coor- schools with an opportunity to raise horseshoe dinator can suggest safe spots for water testing crab eggs. This activity is accompanied by a field The ARE Training Pond with wheelchair and lead your group on an exploration of the trip to the Jerusalem Coastal Laboratory site accessible dock. various creatures that are burrowed deep in the where students can explore the marine environ- mud and explain how biologists can use them to ment and stock their hatched horseshoe crabs. new pre-school curricula Growing Up WILD. determine water quality. Hatchery Tours: The ARE program also pro- These 3 or 6 hour workshops offer teachers K-12 Fish Ladder Tours: In recent years, the vides group tours to Lafayette Trout Hatchery. free opportunities to teach their students about ARE program has add ‘Ladder Tours’ to its list The tour introduces students to the inner work- the environment through fun and engaging of available activities. The tour brings groups ings of a trout hatchery, discusses the needs of activities. down to a fish ladder and explains the history of the trout, and the benefits of the hatchery. Each Rhode Island dams, their role in the Industrial tour is tailored to the specific age group and Volunteer Opportunities Revolution and their detrimental effects on RI conforms to the needs of the instructor. The Aquatic Resource Education program fisheries. The tour details the steps RI has taken would not be able to offer it’s variety of pro- to restore the fisheries and delves into the pur- Teacher Training Workshops grams without the help of its many dedicated pose and operation of our local fishways. The ARE program offers free teacher training volunteers including specialty instructors, workshops to Rhode Island’s teachers, camp teacher volunteers, as well school and commu- Aquaculture Education: counselors, scout leaders, and other interested nity volunteers. Their time and effort provides From in-school programs to hatchery tours, the instructors in various internationally acclaimed match to the program and helps fund all of ARE program can help your students explore environmental curricula. These include the these programs. If you are interested in donat- the many possibilities of freshwater and marine popular Project WILD/ WILD Aquatic, WOW! ing your time, please contact the coordinator aquaculture. The Wonders of Wetlands, Project WET, and the for the next available volunteer training class.

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The FDA has issued warnings about mercury levels in swordfish since Protect Our Native Species 1986. Problems with mercury in freshwater fish are similar. The Rhode Island Department of Health wants all anglers to be familiar with the from Disease and Invansives following information. IT IS AGAINST THE LAW TO TAKE FISH OF ANY SPECIES Fish is Good - Mercury is Bad FROM ANY BODY OF WATER AND STOCK IT IN RHODE ISLAND WATERS! Mercury can exist in many forms; powders or liquids. It can enter ponds, lakes, and rivers through pollution and get into the fish that live there. By taking fish from either in-state or out-of-state and placing Mercury is commonly found at elevated levels in freshwater fish and it in another body of water in RI, you risk introducing disease in a few types of saltwater fish. The RI Department of Health advises and parasites to native fish. You also risk introducing invasive pregnant women to avoid eating freshwater fish caught in Rhode Island species to that waterway. Invasive species overtake the native waters (except stocked trout). Mercury can cross the placenta and impair species and significantly alter stream ecology. For more infor- the neurological development of human fetuses. Mercury exposure can mation or for stocking permits, please call (401) 789-7481. affect how a baby learns, moves and behaves. High levels of mercury in the body can cause harm to an adult’s kidneys and brain. Advice for those who fish: Check the stocking list on page 9. Choose stocked trout to eat. Vary where you fish, and the types of fish that you eat. Eat smaller fish (in accordance with RIDEM size limits). Avoid fish with the most mercury: Rhode Island bass, pike, and pickerel. Limit black crappie and eel from all ponds to one meal per month. Do not fish in private ponds without permission. Environmental Police Do not eat fish from private ponds, with no public access and those that The mission of the Environmental Police is to protect our nat- are not stocked by the state. Trout from private vendors stocked into ural resources and ensure compliance with all environmental private ponds may be eaten. conservation laws through law enforcement and education. With the exception of trout; do not eat any fish from: The history of the Environmental Police dates back to 1842 Yawgoog Pond, Windcheck Pond, Meadowbrook Pond, Quidnick Reser- when the first game wardens were appointed to the Com- voir, and the lower . mission of Shellfisheries. Limit fish, except for stocked trout, from: Today, Rhode Island’s Environmental Police Officers are sworn law enforcement officers who are responsible for Tucker and Watchaug Ponds to one meal per month. Preliminary data patrolling and enforcing all laws, rules and regulations per- from a Pan Fish Study completed in 1998 indicates relatively high levels taining to the state’s fish, wildlife, boating safety and marine of mercury in fish from Barber Pond, Bowdish Reservoir, Curran Reser- resources as well as all criminal and motor vehicle laws voir, Echo Lake, Indian Lake and Schoolhouse Pond. within the state parks and management areas. Officers patrol Preliminary assessments of fish from: over 60,000 acres of state land, 92 salt and freshwater boat launching and fishing areas, 300 miles of rivers and streams, Mashapaug Pond indicate high levels of several contaminants, warrant- and 417 miles of coastline. They are also cross-deputized with ing further study. For the Woonasquatucket River, Mashapaug Pond and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fish- other urban rivers and ponds, fishing can still be enjoyed by those who eries Service. During their patrols, they educate the public on catch and release. the protection of our natural resources and provide safety for For more information on mercury in fish: the public while enjoying Rhode Island’s outdoors. Visit www.health.ri.gov or call the Health Hotline at 1-800-942-7434. To report emergencies or violations, call (401) 222-3070, 24hr line. Natural Shorelines are Good for Fishing By keeping shorelines natural, you can help protect water quality and improve fish habitat. A shoreline without trees and shrubs can get washed away, making the water muddy and unsuitable for fish. If you live near a lake or a river, plant a buffer strip along the water’s edge using trees, shrubs, wild- flowers or other native plants. Trees and other vegetation filter pollution and provide shade, shelter, habitat, and food critical for bass, trout, and other fish to thrive and reproduce. Keep your favorite fishing spots well vegetated! For more tips and information, visit http://water.epa.gov/type/lakes/index.cfm

8 2015-2016 Rhode Island Freshwater Fishing Guide Designated Trout Waters

Name Location Name Location Abbots Run Brook Cumberland Melville Ponds 2 Portsmouth Adamsville Brook & Pond Tiverton & Little Compton Memorial Park Pond Lincoln Aldrich Brook (Butterfly Pond) Lincoln Meshanicut Brook Cranston 2 Alton Pond 2 Richmond & Hopkinton Coventry 1 2 Ashaway River Hopkinton Mowry, A.L. Pond Smithfield Olney Pond 2 Lincoln Woods Ashville Pond 2 Hopkinton Parris Brook 2 Exeter Barber Pond South Kingstown 2 Hopkinton, Richmond, Charles- 2 Pawcatuck River Beach Pond Exeter town, Westerly Beaver River 2 Richmond (north branch) 2 Scituate & Cranston 2 West Greenwich Pawtuxet River (south branch) Coventry & West Warwick 2 Cumberland & Lincoln Peck Pond Burrillville Branch River Burrillville Peeptoad Brook Glocester 2 Foster Brandy Brook Glocester Pondarosa Park Pond 3 Little Compton Breakheart Brook 2 Exeter Roaring Brook & Ponds 2 Exeter Breakheart Pond 2 Exeter & West Greenwich Round Top Brook 2 Burrillville Brickyard Pond Barrington Round Top Ponds 2 Burrillville Browning Mill Pond Exeter Saint Mary’s Pond Portsmouth Brushy Brook Hopkinton South Kingstown Bucks Horn Brook Coventry Seidel’s Pond 3 Cranston California Jim’s South Kingstown Shippee Saw Mill Pond 2 Foster Carbuncle Pond 2 Coventry Silver Spring Lake 2 North Kingstown Carolina Trout Pond 2 Richmond Silvy’s Brook 2 Cumberland Cass Pond 3 Woonsocket Silvy’s Pond 2, 3 Cumberland Glocester & Burrillville Simmons Mill Pond 2 Little Compton Chickasheen Brook 2 South Kingstown Slater Park Pond 3 Pawtucket Clear River Burrillville Spring Grove Pond Glocester Deep Pond (Arcadia) 1, 2 Exeter Stafford Pond2 Tiverton Dexter Pond Scituate Sylvester’s Pond Woonsocket Dolly Cole Brook Foster Tarbox Pond 2 West Greenwich Dunderry Brook (including Little Compton Tarkiln Pond Burrillville & North Smithfield Wigwam Pond) Tiogue Lake Coventry Eight Rod Farm Pond Tiverton Tiverton Trout Pond 2 Tiverton Falls River 2 Exeter & West Greenwich Tucker Pond 2 South Kingstown Flat River 2 Exeter Upper Rochambeau Pond 1 Lincoln Foster Green Acres Pond Foster Wallum Lake Burrillville Frenchtown Park Pond East Greenwich Watchaug Pond 2 Charlestown Frosty Hollow Pond 2, 3 Exeter Willett Pond East Providence Geneva Brook & Pond 3 North Providence Winsor Brook Foster Harris River Woonsocket Wood River 2 Exeter, Hopkinton & Richmond Hopkins Mill Pond 2 Foster Woonasquatucket River Smithfield Hunt River E. Greenwich & N. Kingstown Wyoming Pond 2 Hopkinton & Richmond J.L. Curran Reservoir 2 Cranston 3 All designated trout waters are stocked prior to the opening day of trout Lapham Pond Burrillville season. Numbers following area names refer to the following: 3 Lloyd Kenney Pond Hopkinton 1 Fly fishing only. Log House Brook Hopkinton 2 State-owned or controlled public access. 3 Meadow Brook 2 Richmond Minors fourteen (14) years of age and younger, only. Meadow Brook Pond 2 Richmond

2015-2016 Rhode Island Freshwater Fishing Guide 9 General information Diadromous Fish Regulations Freshwater Fishing Area Restrictions

1. No person shall land, catch, take or attempt to catch or take any river 1. FLY FISHING ONLY: The following waters are restricted to the use herring, which includes alewives, Alosa pseudoharengus or blueback of artificial flies, a conventional fly rod, and a single action reel: Deep herring, Alosa aestivalis, from any freshwater or marine waters of Pond (Arcadia), Exeter; A.L. Mowry, Smithfield; Upper Rochambeau the state of Rhode Island. Possession of any alewives or blueback Pond, Lincoln herring, at any time, is prohibited and shall be evidence, prima facie, 2. CHILDREN ONLY: The following waters are restricted to fishing that said herring was taken in violation of this regulation. by persons fourteen (14) years of age and younger: Lloyd Kenney 2. No person shall erect any artificial obstruction to fish passage in any Pond, Hopkinton; *Slater Park Pond, Pawtucket; Lapham Pond, stream or in any way alter the natural stream bottom to hinder the Burrillville; Silvy’s Pond, Cumberland; *Ponderosa Park Pond, Little passage of fish. Compton; Seidel’s Pond, Cranston; *Cass Pond, Woonsocket; Frosty Hollow Pond, Exeter; Geneva Brook and Pond, N. Providence. Shad: Please note the following: No person shall take any American shad (Alosa sapidissima) from the * Cass, Slater Park, and Ponderosa Park Ponds are restricted only for fresh waters of the state or possess any American shad taken from the the first two days of the season, the 11th & 12th of April 2015, FOR freshwaters of the state. CHILDREN ONLY. Salmon: No person shall take any Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) from the Pawcatuck River downstream of the Potter Hill Dam. Porous Sole Wader Ban in Smelt: No person shall take any smelt (Osmerus mordax) by any means Rhode Island Freshwaters: from any stream or river system in the state with the exception of the Pawcatuck River in Westerly. Stop the Spread of Didymo! American Eel: What is Didymo? The creel or possession limit for American eel Anguilla( rostrata) shall be Didymosphenia geminata, also known as ‘Didymo’ or ‘Rock twenty-five (25) fish per day, per person, either singular or in aggregate, Snot’, is an invasive, one-celled, colonial diatom (algae) and the minimum size shall be nine (9) inches from tip of snout to tip of notorious for the destruction of trout waters in the United tail. No person shall take am eel from the freshwaters of the state unless States and in other parts of the world. This microscopic alga in possession of a valid RI Freshwater Fishing License. No American eel reproduces prolifically and produces large quantities of stalk may be commercially harvested from the freshwaters of the state and of- material that can cover a stream bed up to eight inches deep! fered for sale without a valid commercial license per RI Marine Fisheries (RIMF) regulations. If harvesting commercially with a valid commercial How can Didymo spread? fishing license from the freshwater of the state, fishermen must adhere to regulations as set forth in RIMF regulations Part VII (Minimum Sizes of It has been discovered that the principle means of infestation Fish/Shellfish), section 7.16.1. is through contaminated fishing gear. The chief culprit is felt wading foot gear, which has the ability to retain water Fish Ladders: deep inside its fibers. It only takes one cell for the diatom to 1. Trespass within or any obstruction of the entrance or exit of any fish reproduce. ladder in the state is prohibited. Where is it found? 2. For the purpose of regulating anadromous fishes, all fish ladders owned and operated by the state are set aside as fish cultivation facil- Not in Rhode Island, yet. However, there is cause for concern ities pursuant to Chapters 20-12-1 and 20-12-5 of the General Laws since Didymo was found recently in nearby Connecticut of the State of Rhode Island. waters. The diatom has already infested freshwater systems in Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, Maryland and Penn- 3. No person shall catch or attempt to catch any fish within one-half sylvania. Western and mid-western states are also infested. mile (1/2 mile) from the outlet of any fish ladder unless otherwise Many anglers travel between states to fish for trout and permitted. The areas below each fish ladder where fishing will be salmon increasing the chance of contaminating Rhode Island permitted shall be designated with an official boundary marker or waters. informational sign. What is Rhode Island DEM doing to prevent Didymo’s spread? Turner Reservoir Denil Fishway on Ten Mile River. With increased angler traffic among the states, Didymo’s threat to our waters is severe. Therefore, to prevent this dia- tom from spreading into our premier fishing waters, Rhode Island has instituted a ban on the use of foot gear with ex- ternal felt soles or other natural or synthetic porous material capable of absorbing liquid that is attached to the soles of wading foot gear in any freshwaters of the state. Where can I get more information? For more information, contact us at (401) 789-7481.

10 Saltwater/Freshwater Boundaries

River Town Interface Pawcatuck River Westerly Bridge crossing US Route 1 Mastapuxet Brook Westerly Point at which Brook empties into Mastuxet Cove King Tom / Ninigret Ponds Charlestown Spillway at the South end of King Tom Pond Factory Pond Outlet South Kingstown Seaward opening of culvert under Teal Road Bridge on Moonstone Beach Road crossing west neck of Mill Pond Outlet to Cards Pond South Kingstown Card Pond Smelt Brook South Kingstown Bridge closest to the outlet into Saugatucket River South Kingstown Downstream side of the Main Street Bridge in Wakefield Point at which brook empties into the Pettaquamscutt Gilbert Stuart Brook North Kingstown (Narrow) River Wesquage Pond Narragansett Culvert at the outlet to Bonnet Shores Beach North Kingstown Point at which river empties into Bissel Cove Cocumscussoc Brook North Kingstown Bottom of the first riffle upstream of Wickford Cove North Kingstown/ East Greenwich Forge Road spillway East Greenwich Boston Post Road (US Route 1) spillway Gorton Pond Outlet Warwick West of the Amtrak Railroad Bridge Tuscatucket Brook Warwick Downstream side of the West Shore Road Bridge Old Mill Creek Warwick Entirely tidal Warner Brook Warwick Draper Avenue Bridge Buckeye Brook Warwick Point at which the stream empties into Lockwood Brook Warwick Downstream side of West Shore Road Bridge Downstream side of the Warwick Avenue (RI Route 117A) Spring Green Pond Outlet Warwick Bridge Pawtuxet River Warwick/ Providence Narragansett Parkway spillway Woonasquatucket River Providence Downstream side of US Route 1N Bridge Providence Point of confluence with the Woonasquatucket River Blackstone/ Pawtucket Main Street spillway Ten Mile River East Providence Omega Pond spillway Annawomscutt Brook Barrington Piling Chain Company spillway on Bay Spring Avenue Mussachuck Creek Barrington Downstream side of the Washington Road Bridge East Providence/ Seekonk, MA Downstream side of Mink Street (RI 114A) Bridge Warren Warren Reservoir spillway Sin and Flesh Brook Tiverton Downstream side of the Highland Avenue Bridge Nonquit Pond Tiverton Bridge at Pond Bridge Road Downstream side of the West Main Road (RI Route 77) Pachet Brook Tiverton Bridge Dunderry Brook Little Compton Downstream side of Swamp Road Bridge Cold Brook Little Compton Point at which the brook empties into Quicksand Pond Middletown Downstream side of Paradise Avenue Bridge Goose Neck Cove Newport Entirely tidal Lily Pond Newport Outlet Almy Pond Newport Outlet Prince Pond (Tiffany Pond) Barrington Point at which the stream enters the Barrington River.

2015-2016 Rhode Island Freshwater Fishing Guide 11 Article: fishways

RESTORING MIGRATORY FISH TO Rhode Island Rivers and Streams By Phillip Edwards, Supervising Biologist - Freshwater and Anadromous Fisheries, RIDEM Fish and Wildlife

In Rhode Island, one of the early signs of spring restoration projects, conducting anadromous sizes are still well below the estimated run sizes is the arrival of anadromous fish to our coastal fish stocking, providing seasonal adjustments recorded prior to the decline in the early 2000s streams, rivers, and ponds. Two species of and maintenance to existing fishways, setting (Figure 1). The RI river herring moratorium anadromous fish that spawn in our freshwaters harvest regulations and representing the state will continue in Rhode Island through 2015. are American shad and river herring (river at regional meetings. The primary goal of this Prior to the closure in 2006, the freshwater herring is the collective term for alewife and program is to create self-sustaining runs of daily river herring limit was twelve fish per day blueback herring). These fish hatch in freshwa- anadromous fish to selected river systems in and closed Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday with ter and mature in marine waters. Once the eggs Rhode Island without the aid of stocking or lift- no marine regulations in place. During this hatch, the larval fish remain in the freshwater ing. A secondary goal is to create river connec- time, river herring were primarily harvested for until summer and fall when, as juveniles they tivity by providing continuous unobstructed bait, but were also consumed. migrate to sea. They spend three to four years at passage for aquatic organisms and resident fish There are many theories for the drastic sea before returning to their native freshwater such as trout, catfish, and bass. decline in run sizes prior to 2006, including systems to spawn, completing the life cycle. Each spring the Division of Fish and Wild- overfishing, an increase in predators, an ocean Rhode Island river herring and American shad life monitors returning adults by installing by-catch fishery and a degradation or loss stocks are iteroparous, meaning they are capa- electronic fish counters and conducting direct of freshwater nursery and spawning habitat. ble of repeat spawning in successive years. count methods. Direct count methods include Many state and federal agencies, marine fishery During the industrial revolution many dams monitoring at fishway traps and working with councils, and private organizations are looking were built to harness energy. These dams also volunteers from local watershed groups to at a variety of issues, and considering future prevented anadromous fish from reaching valu- monitor run sizes throughout the state. The management measures to protect river herring able spawning and nursery habitat. In many run size estimates are important in develop- stocks. In addition, the Atlantic States Marine cases fish runs diminished or disappeared en- ing recommendations for future river herring Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) Amendment 2 tirely. River herring and shad are not capable of regulations. The 2006 river herring closure (2009) of the River Herring Fisheries Manage- jumping, so even the slightest obstruction may in RI marine and freshwaters was imposed ment Plan (FMP) requires states to submit an be impassable. Since the passage of the Anad- due to drastic declines in spawning stock size. approved sustainability plan for recreational romous Fish Conservation Act of 1965, the Di- During this same time period, neighboring and commercial river herring fisheries. States vision of Fish and Wildlife has worked towards states Massachusetts and Connecticut also that did not provide approved plans were restoring anadromous fish to Rhode Island. experienced declines in run sizes and imposed required to close their river herring fisheries on These efforts include monitoring anadromous closures. Preliminary results in recent years January 1, 2012. All east coast states are cur- fish populations throughout the state, part- show there has been some improvement in RI rently closed with the exception of Maine, New nering with various organizations on habitat run sizes since the closure, but current run Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, and

Pawcatuck River fishways. On the left is the Kenyon Mill rock ramp, a natural fishway. Inset on the right is the Horseshoe Falls fishway, a concrete Denil fish ladder.

12 2015-2016 Rhode Island Freshwater Fishing Guide Figure 1. Rhode Island River Herring 300,000

South Carolina which have approved ASMFC 250,000 sustainable plans in place, as required under Amendment 2 to the Shad and River Herring 200,000 Size FMP, which allow for some retention of river Mora torium herring from state water fisheries. The Ameri- Stock 150,000 can shad FMP has similar provisions in place to protect shad stocks along the east coast. 100,000

The Division also monitors juvenile river Spawning herring exiting freshwater systems and the marine section monitors juveniles and adult 50,000 river herring in marine waters. Juvenile river herring surveys include seine surveys, trapnets, 0 and electrofishing techniques. Marine time 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 19 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 series include the RI Trawl Survey (since 1979), Gilbert Stuart Nonquit Buckeye Brook Woonasquatucket the Narragansett Bay Seine Survey (since 1988), and the RI Coastal Pond Survey (since 1993). Juvenile abundance indices and growth rate data are collected during these surveys. fish passage alternative for a particular site. The systems and reintroduce fish to a restored area. Currently, throughout Rhode Island many selection process depends on watershed size, site Fish are acquired from out-of-state sources and fish passage restoration projects are planned, conditions, access, obstruction height, target existing Rhode Island systems. Ripe adult river underway, or just-recently completed. The species, and cost of alternatives. In most cases herring and shad are loaded onto tank trucks Department of Environmental Management the first option for fish passage is dam removal, and transplanted to restored areas. Adults supports and partners with many government which includes removing the barrier and creat- spawn in the new systems, juveniles imprint agencies, non-government organizations, ing a free flowing river system. Unfortunately, and three to four years later the juveniles return local watershed groups, and private owners in some cases, dam removal is not feasible as adults to spawn in the new system. In the on a variety of these tasks. Projects include and installing a new traditional or nature-like anticipation of a future fish passage project the construction of new fishways, dam removals, fishway, may be the preferred alternative. Rhode Division may transplant adults, before com- collapsed culvert repairs, and installing juvenile Island Rivers that are benefiting from these pletion, to jump-start the restored system. In chutes and diverters. Prior to construction, collaborative efforts include the Annaquatucket, addition to stocking adults, the Division has most projects require studies or applications Blackstone, Kickemuit, Pawcatuck, Pawtuxet, partnered with the USFWS North Attleboro of feasibility, design, planning and permitting. Saugatucket, Ten Mile, and Woonasquatucket. Fish Hatchery to stock American shad fry Project management teams consist of engineers The Division stocks anadromous fish to sup- raised at the hatchery into the Pawcatuck and and biologists who design and select the best plement existing runs, reestablish extirpated Pawtuxet River each year since 2010.

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SPOTLIGHT ON The American Eel By Patrick McGee, Biologist - Freshwater and Anadromous Fisheries, RIDEM Fish and Wildlife

The American eel is an often overlooked, yet spectacularly interesting animal that has become the focus of widespread conservation efforts throughout the eastern United States, particularly here, in Rhode Island.

The American eel Anguilla( rostrata) has a Adult eels migrate to the Sargasso Sea, located Now called silver eels, they will leave their broad distribution throughout the Atlantic in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean, and freshwater homes, and begin their journey to seaboard. Its northern range stretches up to spawn. The eggs spawned in the Sargasso will spawn in the Sargasso, where a new generation Greenland, and down throughout eastern develop into a larval phase, known as lepto- will begin this complex life cycle all over again. Canada, the United States and Central Amer- cephali. From here, they drift on ocean currents ica. The southern range stretches across the until they are strong enough to actively swim Why are eels so important? northern coast of South America to the island and cross the continental shelf as glass eels. As Eels play an important biological role in both of Trinidad. Adult and juvenile eels inhabit these tiny eels disperse into the coastal rivers freshwater and marine habitats. Adult eels are freshwater ponds, streams and lakes, as well and estuaries, beginning to feed and become predators in freshwater habitats, helping to as brackish coastal waters and estuaries. They pigmented, they begin their next life stage and keep other fish populations in check. Larval, can live and grow in these habitats for up to are called elvers. The elvers develop into yellow juvenile, and adult eels are also an important 30 years before making a remarkable, ocean eels where they will remain in freshwater forage source for marine, freshwater, and avian bound journey to reproduce. anywhere from 5 to 30 years. Once the yellow predators alike. They are also of commercial What makes the American eel truly unique eels are ready to spawn, they will undergo their importance. While once a staple of US fisher- is that they are the only catadromous fish in all last major transformation. At this stage, as they ies, eel harvests have been on the decline over of North America. That is, while they live, for- prepare for their long, final migration, their di- the last several decades. However, there is still age, and grow in freshwater habitats, the Amer- gestive tract begins to dissolve, requiring them demand both locally and internationally for ican eel will migrate thousands of miles to sea to function solely on stored energy. They begin American eel. Additionally, they remain an to spawn. While the exact location remains a to shift to a silvery-gray coloration, making important bait fish, especially recreationally for mystery to scientists, we know this amazing life them more difficult to see by marine predators. sport fish such as striped bass. cycle begins somewhere in the Sargasso Sea.

Yellow Eel. Exit of eel ramp at Rising Sun Fishway on the Woonasquatucket River. Routine daily monitoring of gravity fed eel ramp at Hamilton Fishway on the Annaquatucket River.

14 2015-2016 Rhode Island Freshwater Fishing Guide Juvenile American eel. Largemouth Bass Virus RIDEM, in collaboration with the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, first began testing bass from Rhode Island lakes and ponds in 2006 for Largemouth Bass Virus (LMBV). To date, only two sites in Rhode Island have tested positive for LMBV: Olney Pond in Lincoln Woods State Park (2011) and Echo Lake in Pascoag (2014). The virus itself is specific to bass and does not impact any other species of fish. Common symp- toms of the virus include hyper-buoyancy, spiral swimming and lethargy, which are attributed to damage to the swim bladder. Infected fish may not exhibit any signs What’s happening to the American eel? of the virus until it is The American eel is an extremely adaptive species, and therefore still in- activated by stressful en- habits most of its historical range. However, they are much less abundant vironmental conditions than they once were going back as recently as the 1970s and early 80s. such as high water tem- Stressors on eel populations include habitat fragmentation due to dams, peratures, low oxygen overfishing, predation, and water pollution. Dams and other natural and levels, droughts, second- man-made barriers not only fragment habitat, but can prevent or hinder ary injuries, or bacterial both upstream and downstream migrations. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife infections. These are Service and National Marine Fisheries Service were petitioned in 2004, conditions that could seeking listing for the American eel under the U.S. Endangered Species trigger LMBV and potentially cause fish kills. While fish health Act. At that time, the agencies determined listing was unwarranted. biologists have indicated that LMBV is a naturally-occurring However, they were petitioned again in 2010, at which time a more fish virus that does not pose a human health risk for people extensive review was ordered. This review is still underway, with an who eat or handle infected fish, all freshwater fish should be agreement that USFWS will publish its ruling by September 30, 2015. thoroughly cooked before being consumed. What are we doing to help? DEM’s Division of Fish and Wildlife advises anglers to mini- mize the spread of LMBV by not transplanting bass from one The Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife has increased efforts to water body to another; draining, cleaning and drying boats, protect and manage eel populations within the state. Most notably has motors and fishing gear between each use; not releasing been the installation and monitoring of eel ramps throughout the state’s bait fish into any water body; minimizing the stress to bass watersheds. These ramps, which are modified Irish elver ramps, have caught and released as much as possible during periods of been installed at a number of fish ladder sites to aid glass eels and elvers high water temperatures; and reporting all fish kills to the in their upstream migrations. In addition to installing ladders, RIFW Department at (401) 222-3070. DEM and its federal partners conducts annual young-of-the-year glass eel surveys in two locations. In will continue to test Rhode Island lakes and ponds for LMBV. accordance with Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), and Federal Aid Sports Fish compliance requirements, a 12 week mon- itoring program takes place each year on both the Pettaquamscutt and Annaquatucket Rivers. This sampling occurs from early spring through July, and is meant to monitor glass eel migrations and recruitment levels through these river systems. In addition to the existing ramps, the Divi- Fluorescent Orange sion has been busy planning eel ladders for new fish passage projects as well as at existing fish ladder sites. Currently, work is being planned or is Requirement already underway on the Pawcatuck, Saugatucket, and Ten Mile Rivers. Once complete, the goal is for these ladders to aid in the migration and All users of State Management Areas are required to wear dispersal of young eels throughout these freshwater systems. 200 square inches of solid daylight flourescent orange, worn Effective January 1, 2014, RIDEM passed emergency regulations above the waist and visible in all directions from the second decreasing creel possession limits of American eel from 50 to 25, while Saturday in September to the last day of February and the increasing the minimum length from six inches to nine to comply with third Saturday in April to the last day of May annually, and ASMFC requirements. Rhode Island continues to be closed to the har- during established mourning dove season and wild turkey vest of glass eels. season. 500 square inches is required by all users of manage- Rhode Island continues to advance its American eel programs by ment areas and undeveloped state parks during all portions including new ramp technology in its fish ladders and applying new sur- of shotgun deer seasons. Flourescent camouflage does not veying techniques to its monitoring programs. With the American eel meet these requirements. The hunter orange must be worn gaining increased attention both nationwide and internationally, hopes above the waist and be visible in all directions. Examples are are high that we can be a part of the effort to conserve eel populations for a hat that covers 200 square inches or a combination of a hat generations to come! and vest covering 500 square inches.

2015-2016 Rhode Island Freshwater Fishing Guide 15 Boating Regulation guidelines General Boating Regulation Guidelines

The following is a brief summary of Rhode Island’s boating regulations. For detailed information, please refer to Division of Enforcement’s The Handbook of RI Boating Laws and Regulations, Title 46 of the General Laws of the State of Rhode Island or contact the Division of Enforcement. 1. DEM Conservation and Boating Safety Officers, harbormasters, and police officers have authority to enforce state laws and regulations on all state tidal and non-tidal waters. 2. It shall be a misdemeanor for any person operating a vessel on Rhode Island waters to refuse to stop or move on the oral command of a DEM Conservation or Boating Safety Officer, a harbormaster, or a police officer. 3. Every motorboat operating on the waters of the state must be num- bered in accordance with the laws and regulations of this state, with applicable federal law, or with an approved numbering system of another state. The number must be prominently displayed on each side of the bow of the boat. 4. Required Safety Equipment: a. Personal Flotation Devices (PFD’s) - All vessels must have at least one approved type I,II,III, or V PFD for each person on board. For vessels 16 feet long or longer, one additional, throw able type IV PFD is required. b. Fire Extinguishers -All mechanically-propelled vessels except those that are less than 26 feet long and powered by outboard motors, must carry one B-I USCG-approved fire extinguisher. Motorboats 26 feet to 40 feet in length and longer must carry either two (2) B-I USCG-approved fire extinguishers or one B-II extinguisher. Vessels 40 feet to 65 feet must carry three B-I or one B-I and one B-II. c. Visual Distress Signals (VSD) - Vessels used on RI waters must be equipped with proper visual distress signals that are USCG approved, in serviceable condition, and readily accessible. Vessels under 26 ft. require 3 night VSDs while those 26 feet or longer require both 3 day and 3 night VSDs. d. Whistle (horn) and Bell - All vessels must carry an efficient sound-producing device (whistle or horn). Vessels 12 meters (36 feet) in length or longer must also carry a bell. 5. All motorboats must carry and display the proper navigation lights for their size class when operating between sunset and sunrise and during daylight periods of reduced visibility. 6. All vessels equipped with an engine must have a factory-type muffler or exhaust water manifold installed on the engine or another effec- tive muffling system for noise reduction purposes. 7. No person shall operate any motorboat or vessel or manipulate any water skis, surfboard, or similar device in a reckless manner so as to endanger the life, limb, or property of another. 8. Any person transporting a child under thirteen (13) years of age in a recreational vessel less than 65 ft. in length on the waters of this state, shall require that the child wear a personal flotation device approved by the USCG when underway unless below deck or in a closed cabin. 9. No person shall operate any motorboat or vessel in any harbor or inlet or any pond or other confined body of water in this state in excess of forty-five (45) miles per hour during the hours from sunrise drugs such that his/her thought or actions are impaired causing to sunset and twenty-five (25) miles per hour during per ods of dark- danger to others. RI law sets blood alcohol limit for boating while ness or other periods of restricted visibility. intoxicated at 0.08% or greater. 10. RI law prohibits anyone from boating while intoxicated (BWI). This 11. Any person SCUBA diving, skin diving, or snorkeling in any area includes the operation of any powerboat, sailboat, personal water- where power or motorboats are operated shall place a diver’s warning craft, water skis, sailboard, or similar device. Intoxicated means a flag on a buoy at a place of his or her submergence. No person shall person is under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance or operated a motorboat within fifty (50) feet of a displayed diver’s flag.

16 2015-2016 Rhode Island Freshwater Fishing Guide Tips for Releasing Live Fish If fish are to be taken as part of the daily creel limit, they should be killed immedi- ately and kept cool until they can be prepared for the table. If an angler wishes to release a live fish, either because it is undersized or because they are practicing catch and release fishing, the following procedures are recommended: 1. Land the fish as quickly as possible to minimize stress to the fish. Playing a fish to the point of exhaustion will lessen its chance for survival.

2. Wet your hands before handling the fish; dry hands will remove the fish’s pro- tective slime layer and leave the fish open to bacterial and fungal infections.

3. Handle the fish carefully. Do not use excessive force when grasping the fish. Do not put fingers into the gill cavities or eye sockets. A wet glove can be a useful aid in grasping the fish because it reduces the amount of pressure needed to hold the fish securely.

4. Gently remove the hook to minimize damage. A pair of long-nose pliers will make the job easier.

5. If you are intentionally practicing catch and release fishing, use artificial lures with single, barbless hooks, or circle hooks to minimize damage to the fish.

6. Do not attempt to remove a hook that is deeply embedded in the gullet. Instead, cut the line off as close to the hook as possi- ble and release. The fish will have a better chance of survival if the hook is left in place; the hook will eventually disintegrate.

7. Return the fish to the water as quickly as possible. Lower it back into the water in an upright position and move it back and forth in the water to force water across its gills. Once the fish revives, allow it to swim away.

The Ethical Angler: Share your exciting 1. Keeps only the fish he needs. product or service 2. Does not pollute, properly disposes of trash or packs it with the Rhode Island back. sporting community! 3. Hones angling and boating skills.

Tracking with eLogbook – Pg. 8 2014 Recreational Regulations – Pg. 12 Properly Handling Shellfish – Pg. 24 4. Observes angling and boating safety regulations. 2014 RHODE ISLAND RECREATIONAL 5. Respects other anglers’ rights. Saltwater Fishing Get out and fish 6. Respects property owners’ rights. Rhode 7. Passes on knowledge and angling skills to friends and Island! family.

8. Supports local conservation efforts.

9. Does not release live bait, non-native plants, fish or inver-

tebrates, into RI waters. It’s against the law. The official regulations provided by the Rhode Island Division of Fish & Wildlife Rhode Island Department of Environmental - Marine Fisheries Management Section 10. Does not leave offal from cleaning fish at fishing sites, on land or in the water; instead, packs it back or buries it out of sight. For advertising inquiries, please call 11. Promotes the sport of angling. (413) 884-1001 12. Does not transport any invasive plant, fish, or inverte- brate from one water body to another.

17 Management Area boating regulations

5. The launching, hauling, and operation of boats with motors of any Management Area Boating Regulations kind, except electric trolling motors, is prohibited from state-owned Pond Town Regulation and/or operated ramps on the following bodies of water: Spring Lake & A.L. Mowry Pond Smithfield 1, 3 Union Pond, Burrillville; Clarkville Pond & Lake Washington, Gloces- Alton Pond Hopkinton 4, 13-16 ter; Shippee Saw Mill Pond, Foster; Pawtuxet River (Hope), Scituate; Asa Pond South Kingstown 4, 13-16 Carbuncle Pond, Coventry; Silver Spring Lake, North Kingstown; Barber Pond, South Kingstown; Blue Pond, Hopkinton; Simmons Mill Ashville Pond Hopkinton 6, 13-16 Pond, Little Compton, and Browning Mill Pond, Richmond. Barber Pond South Kingstown 5, 13-16 Blue Pond Hopkinton 5, 13-16 6. The use of motors in excess of ten (10) horsepower on boats Bowdish Reservoir Glocester 6, 13-16, 17 launched, hauled, or operated from state-owned and/or operated Breakheart Pond Exeter 12, 13-16 ramps is prohibited on the following bodies of water: Wilson Res- ervoir, Burrillville; Keach Pond, Smith and Sayles Reservoir (Sand Browning Mill Pond Richmond 5, 13-16 Dam) & Bowdish Reservoir, Glocester; Woonasquatucket Reservoir Carbuncle Pond Coventry 5, 13-16 (Stump Pond), Smithfield; Indian Lake & Tucker Pond, South Kings- Carolina Trout Pond Richmond 1, 3 town; Ashville Pond, & Locustville Pond, Hopkinton; and Chapman Chapman Pond Westerly 6, 13-16 Pond, Westerly. Clarkville Pond Glocester 5, 13-16 Deep Pond (Arcadia) Exeter 3 7. No person shall use a motor in excess of ten (10) horsepower from state-owned and/or operated ramps on Stafford Pond, Tiverton and Frosty Hollow Pond Exeter 1, 3 Wilson Reservoir, Burrillville, with the exception that the use of motors Great Swamp Dike West Kingston 2, 13-16 in excess of ten (10) horsepower on boats launched, hauled, or operated Gristmill Pond Glocester 3 from state-owned and/or operated ramps on Stafford Pond, Tiverton, Indian Lake South Kingstown 6, 13-16 and Wilson Reservoir, Burrillville, is permitted for organized fishing John L. Curran Reservoir Cranston 12, 13-16 activities possessing a valid permit from RIDEM-Fish & Wildlife; as Keach Pond Glocester 6, 13-16 described in Section 1.16, Freshwater and Anadromous Fishing Regula- Lake Washington Glocester 5, 13-16 tions and on page 4 of this 2015 Freshwater Fishing Abstract. Little Round Top Pond Burrillville 1, 3 8. The use of motors in excess of ten (10) horsepower on boats launched, Locustville Pond Hopkinton 6, 13-16 hauled, or operated from the state-owned ramp on Wakefield Pond, Lower Roaring Brook Pond Exeter 3 Burrillville, is prohibited at all times. The use of any motor on a boat Olney Pond Lincoln 10,11, 13-16 from this state-owned ramp, except electric trolling motors, is pro- Pascoag Reservoir Glocester 9, 13-16 hibited from 20 June to 20 September of any year, inclusive. Pawtuxet River (Hope) Scituate 5, 13-16 9. No person shall launch any motorboat with a motor in excess of Peck Pond Burrillville 3 ten (10) horsepower from state-owned and/or operated ramps on Round Top Pond Burrillville 3 Pascoag Reservoir at the state-owned launching ramp on School- Shippee Saw Mill Pond Foster 5, 13-16 house Road, Glocester, with the exception that permitted organized Silver Spring Lake North Kingstown 5, 13-16 fishing activities, i.e. tournaments, shall be allowed to use motors in Simmons Mill Pond Little Compton 5, 13-16 excess of ten (10) horsepower on the waters of Pascoag Reservoir at Smith and Sayles Reservoir Glocester 6, 13-16 the state-owned launching ramp on Schoolhouse Road, Glocester, Spring Lake Burrillville 5, 13-16 between the Saturday before Memorial Day and Labor Day of each Stafford Pond Tiverton 7, 13-16 year, inclusive. Tucker Pond South Kingstown 6, 13-16 10. The operation of boats with motors of any kind, except electric troll- Union Pond Burrillville 5, 13-16 ing motors, are prohibited on the waters of Olney Pond in Lincoln Upper Roaring Brook Pond Exeter 4, 13-16 Woods State Park on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays between the Wakefield Pond Burrillville 8, 13-16 Saturday before Memorial Day and Labor Day of each year, inclusive. Wilson Reservoir Burrillville 6, 7, 13-16 11. The operation of boats with motors of any kind, except electric troll- Woonasquatucket Reservoir Smithfield 6, 13-16 ing motors, owned by persons other than the State of Rhode Island (Stump Pond) with motors in excess of ten (10) horsepower are prohibited upon Olney Pond in Lincoln Woods State Park except with official written 1. Definition: Float Tube—any device manufactured and sold for use as permission from the Department of Environmental Management. a fishing float tube. Float tubes are prohibited on the following ponds: 12. The use of motors in excess of ten (10) horsepower on boats Little Round Top Pond, Burrillville; A.L. Mowry Pond, Smithfield; launched, hauled, or operated on the waters of Breakheart Pond in Frosty Hollow Pond, Exeter; and Carolina Trout Pond, Richmond. Exeter and John L. Curran State Park is prohibited. 2. Boating is prohibited within the impoundment created by the Great 13. Only vehicles launching or landing a boat will be permitted to park Swamp dike, except with official written permission. Official written in designated boat trailer parking areas. permission is not required from 15 July through 15 October. All motors are prohibited at all times. 14. The mooring of boats, the parking of vehicles, or engaging in any other activity on land or water so as to obstruct the use of a boat 3. Boats are prohibited on the following ponds: Carolina Trout Pond, launching ramp by others, is prohibited. Richmond; Deep Pond (Arcadia) & Frosty Hollow Pond, Exeter; Peck Pond, Round Top Pond & Little Round Top Pond, Burrillville; 15. Boats shall be launched only at designated areas. A.L. Mowry Pond, Smithfield; Lower Roaring Brook Pond, Exeter; 16. Boats shall be tied up at state boat ramps for no longer than 30 minutes. Gristmill Pond, Glocester (no public access, no longer stocked). 17. Gated access to the boat ramp located within the George Washing- 4. The launching, hauling, or operation of boats with motors of any ton Management Area Campground (Bowdish Reservoir) is limited kind is prohibited from state-owned and/or operated ramps on the daily between 7:30 AM to 10:00 PM from Memorial Day to Labor following ponds: Asa Pond, South Kingstown; Alton Pond, Hopkin- Day. Persons using the reservoir or boat ramp prior to 10:00 PM for ton; and Upper Roaring Brook Ponds, Exeter. authorized uses may exit the area unrestricted by gate access times. 18 2015-2016 Rhode Island Freshwater Fishing Guide Award programs Rhode Island Game Fish Gamefish Award Qualifying Weights/ Award Program Lengths (Except First Fish Awards)

Annually, RIDEM-Division of Fish & Wildlife recognizes anglers who have caught freshwater and saltwater game fish of notable size. Game Qualifying Freshwater Weights or Lengths Fish Awards are presented to anglers for each species of game fish caught Smallmouth Bass 4 lbs. White Catfish 4 lbs. that meet the minimum size requirements listed below. Only one award will be presented to an angler for each species per year. State Record Largemouth Bass 6 lbs. Chain Pickerel 4 lbs. Game Fish Awards are presented to the angler whose game fish catch Bluegill 9 in. Northern Pike 10 lbs. is the largest to date of a species, as determined by Division records. To receive an award, an angler must catch a qualifying fish by rod and reel, Pumpkinseed 8 in. Brook Trout 2 lbs. tie-up or handline by legal means in Rhode Island waters. To apply for Black Crappie 12 in. Brown Trout 3 lbs. a Game Fish Award or State Record Game Fish Award, an angler must bring his or her legally-caught fish to an official weigh-in station, such as Yellow Perch 12 in. Rainbow Trout 3 lbs. a bait and tackle shop, sporting goods store or grocery fish department. White Perch 15 in. Brown Bullhead 13 in. The fish must be identified, measured, and weighed on a digital scale. The station operator will fill out a Game Fish Award Application and sign it. If keeping a fish, legal sizes must be adhered to in all cases. Game Qualifying Saltwater Weights Fish Awards and State Record Game Fish Awards are mailed out in the the spring of the following year the fish are caught. Send completed Striped Bass 50 lbs. Pollack 15 lbs. applications to: RIDEM- Fish & Wildlife, 1B Camp E-Hun-Tee Place, Exeter, RI 02822, for verification and processing. Applications can be Sea Bass 3 lbs. Scup 2½ lbs. obtained on the DEM website. For questions on the Game Fish Award Bluefish 18 lbs. Hickory Shad 5 lbs. Program, email [email protected] or call (401) 539-0037. Bonito 10 lbs. Blue Shark 80 lbs. First Fish Award Program Cod 20 lbs. Mako Shark 150 lbs. Winter Flounder 2 lbs. Swordfish 200 lbs. First Fish Awards are available for children catching their first fish. To Summer Flounder 8 lbs. Squeteague 8 lbs. receive an award, an angler must have caught a qualifying fish by rod and real, tie-up or handline by legal means in Rhode Island. First Fish King Mackerel 3 lbs. Tautog 10 lbs. Awards can be processed with information on the child’s catch with- Mackerel 1 lbs. Bluefin Tuna 450 lbs. out official weigh-in station verification. If keeping a fish, legal sizes must be adhered to. Applications can be downloaded using this link: Yellowfin Tuna 125 lbs. White Marlin 70 lbs. www.dem.ri.gov/topics/fwtopics.htm. First Fish Awards are sent as soon as possible. Please send completed applications to RIDEM Division of Fish and Wildlife, 1B Camp E-Hun-Tee Place, Exeter, RI 02822. For questions pertaining to the First Fish Award program, please contact Kimberly Sullivan at [email protected] or (401) 539-0037.

Hatchery employee, Allen Williams, helps return a largemouth bass at an ARE children’s program. Seasonal researchers, Bob Greco and Caitlin Satchwill, holding Northern Pike caught during electro-fishing sampling. 2015-2016 Rhode Island Freshwater Fishing Guide 19 Sportfishingrecords RI Sportfishing Records 2014 - Freshwater

Species Weight Length Date Location Angler

Smallmouth Bass 5 lbs. 15 oz. 22.5" 9/77 Wash Pond B. Ferris - Wakefield, RI Largemouth Bass 10 lbs. 6 oz. 24.5" 5/91 Carbuncle Pond N. Finamore - Johnston, RI Bluegill 2 lbs. 1 oz. 12" 8/87 — C. Rizzo - Pascoag, RI Pumpkinseed 12.5 oz. 10" 5/01 Indian Lake J. Hall - Wakefield, RI Black Crappie 3 lbs. 15" 7/76 Watchaug Pond R. Sevegny - Pawtucket, RI Yellow Perch 2 lbs. 4 oz. 13.5" 2/87 Pascoag Reservoir D. LaRochelle - Glendale, RI White Perch 2 lbs. 0.25 oz. 15.5" 12/09 Narrow River P. Warner - Narragansett, RI Carp 32 lbs. 8 oz. 37" 6/01 Tiogue Lake S. Wasilewski - Hope Valley, RI Brown Bullhead 9.44 lbs. 18.5" 8/98 — H. Laramee - Cumberland, RI White Catfish 16 lbs. 12 oz. 33" 8/94 Tiogue Lake L. Angell - Coventry, RI Chain Pickerel 6 lbs. 14 oz. 27.75" 8/05 Beach Pond T. Egan - Hope Valley, RI Northern Pike 35 lbs. 47.5" 10/87 Hundred Acre Pond D. LaRose - Coventry, RI Brook Trout 3 lbs. 12 oz. 21" 10/84 Wyoming Pond R. Boucher, Jr. - Warwick, RI Brown Trout 7 lbs. 9 oz. 26" 4/00 Wallum Lake R. Groleau - Blackstone, MA Rainbow Trout 11 lbs. — 4/91 Pawcatuck River M. Wencek - Wakefield, RI Atlantic Salmon 21 lbs. 9 oz. 41" 1/04 Barber Pond R. Maldonis - Arlington, MA Domestic, stocked (landlocked)

Hypothermia Hypothermia is a condition in which the body loses heat faster than it can be produced. This causes a dangerous reduction of the body’s inner temperature. Hypothermia results from exposure to wind and wetness. A victim of hypothermia may become blue- gray in color. Violent shivering develops which may give way to muscle spasms and even loss of the use of arms and legs. Confu- sion and drunken-like behavior also indicate that a person may be hypothermic. To protect yourself, avoid the conditions that cause hypothermia. Dress warm and stay dry. Know the effects the wind has on cold weather. It may be 40 F (7 C) outside with the sun shining, but a 10 mph wind lowers the wind-chill temperature to 28 F (-2 C). Refer to the Hypothermia Table to see the general effects cold water temperatures have on the body. When a person falls into cold water, there are ways to increase the chances of survival. Don’t discard clothing; it helps trap the body’s heat. Minimize movement; thrashing around in cold water only leads to exhaustion, and swirling water takes heat from the body more rapidly than still water. Wear a personal flotation device (PFD) which will help for two reasons: it lessens the need to move around in the water and it helps to insulate against heat loss. When wearing a PFD, a person should draw their knees into a position known as Exhaustion or If the water Expected survival HELP (Heat Escape Lessening Posture). If there are unconsciousness temperature (F) is... time is... several people in the water, huddling together occurs within... with arms around each other’s shoulders is the best survival technique. less than 32.5 less than 15 minutes less than 45 minutes Treatment for hypothermia involves getting heat 32.5-40.0 15-40 minutes 30-90 minutes back into the body and raising the inner tempera- ture. Skin-to-skin contact and mouth-to-mouth 40-50 30-60 minutes 1-3 hours resuscitation (even when the victim is conscious) are 50-60 1-2 hours 1-6 hours excellent ways to transfer heat. Do not give alcohol or massage a person vigorously to treat hypother- 60-70 2-7 hours 2-40 hours mia; a hot bath is fine for mild cases but never if 70-80 3-12 hours 3-indefinitely the victim is unconscious. For further information, contact your local Red Cross Chapter. over 80 indefinitely indefinitely

20 2015-2016 Rhode Island Freshwater Fishing Guide RI Sportfishing Records 2014 - Saltwater

Species Weight Length Date Location Angler Sea Bass 8 lbs. 7.25 oz. 26" 10/81 Block Island K. McDuffie - Pascoag, RI Striped Bass 77 lbs. 6.4 oz 52" 6/11 Block Island P. Vican - E. Greenwich, RI Bluefish 26 lbs. 39" 8/81 — D. Deziel - Woonsocket, RI Bonito 13 lbs. — 10/95 Westerly R. Gliottone - Exeter, RI Cod 71 lbs. — 6/65 — M. Deciantis - Warwick, RI Summer Flounder 17 lbs. 8 oz. — 1962 Narrow River G. Farmer - Warwick, RI Winter Flounder 6 lbs. 7 oz. 23" 8/90 Galilee A. Pearson - Cranston, RI King Mackerel 12 lbs. 3 oz. 40" 8/00 Point Judith A. Camilleri - Chester, CT Atlantic Mackerel OPEN Pollack 28 lbs. 8 oz. — 5/95 — A. Jacobs - Lincoln, RI Scup 5 lbs. 20.25" 10/90 — J. Yurwitz - Block Island, RI American Shad (Closed) 6 lbs. 8 oz. 25" 4/85 Runnins River W. Socha - Warren, RI Hickory Shad 2 lbs. 11 oz. 20” 11/89 Narrow River M. Pickering - Lincoln, RI Blue Shark 431 lbs. 2 oz. 12’6" 11/06 Cox Ledge G. Gross - Fairfield, NJ Mako Shark 718 lbs. 10’6" 6/93 S. Block Island W. Alessi - Boston, MA Swordfish 434 lbs. 13’6" 8/11 Hydro. Canyon L. DeFusco - W. Warwick, RI Squeteague 16 lbs. 8.72 oz. 36" 5/07 Greenwich Bay R. Moeller - N. Kingstown, RI Tautog 21 lbs. 4 oz. — 11/54 Jamestown C.W. Sunquist Bluefin Tuna 1142 lbs. — 9/71 Block Island J. Dempsey Yellowfin Tuna 265 lbs. 6' 10/97 The Dip R. Hughes - Arlington, MA White Marlin 125 lbs. 8' 0.5" 8/87 S. Block Island J. Luty, Sr. - Preston, CT

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