BURRILLVILLE – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management will begin stocking trout in freshwaters across Rhode Island next week in advance of Columbus Day weekend, including Burrillville’s Round Top Ponds.
The ponds are among around two dozen across the state being stocked in advance of the holiday weekend, a popular time for recreational fishing. They are located in the Round Top Recreational Area off of Brook Road.
A 2019 fishing license is required for anglers 15 years of age and older. A Trout Conservation Stamp is also required of anyone wishing to keep or possess a trout or to fish in a catch-and-release or ‘fly-fishing only’ area. Trout Stamps are not required for persons possessing trout taken from a lake or pond that shares a border with Rhode Island.
Fishing licenses can be purchased online at www.dem.ri.gov/huntfish. Online fishing licenses and the Trout Conservation Stamp can also be obtained via an authorized agent. Visit the DEM website for a current list of licensed vendors. Anglers are encouraged to check the list prior to visiting a vendor to purchase a license.
License fees are $18 for Rhode Island residents and current members of the Armed Forces, $33 for a combination hunting and fishing license, $35 for non-residents, and $16 for a tourist three-consecutive-day license. Licenses are free for anglers over 65 and a trout stamp is not required – as well as for those with a 100-percent disability.
The daily creel and possession limit for trout is five from April 14, 2019, through Nov. 30, 2019; and two from Dec. 1, 2019, to Feb. 29, 2020.
State law requires that boaters always have personal flotation devices for each person, and that they do not drink and operate a boat. Boaters should also be sure their craft is seaworthy before going out on the state’s waterways.
In order to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive organisms such as Didymo algae and other harmful aquatic “hitch hikers,” Rhode Island strictly prohibits the use of external felt soled or any natural or synthetic porous material capable of absorbing water in any freshwaters in the state. This includes any waters shared with adjacent states in which Rhode Island fishing regulations apply. Anglers are advised to remove all vegetation clinging to all types of boats, motors, and gear before leaving and or entering freshwaters to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic plants to other areas.
For a list of designated trout waters and information of interest to anglers visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow DEM on Twitter @RhodeIslandDEM or Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM for timely updates.
Anyone spending time outdoors should be aware that this has been a year with significantly elevated Eastern Equine Encephalitis activity in Rhode Island and southeastern New England.
For daily stocking updates, follow DEM’s outdoor education page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RIFishwildlife/ If possible, people should limit their time outdoors at sunrise and sunset. If they are going to be out, people should wear long sleeves and pants and use bug spray. The risk from mosquito-borne disease will continue until the first hard frost.
