Trout Unlimited • Rhode Island

fishing

Fishing in Rhode Island

We are passionate about fishing for wild and native cold water fishes, and proper catch and release.

LOCAL WATERS

Northern Rhode Island

USGS Data Flow
If it is a big river you prefer, The Blackstone River flows through the states of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. It is 48 miles long with a drainage area of 540 sq mi and drains into the Seekonk tidal river at Pawtucket. Trout stocking is done on the Blackstone River twice a year along the river at different locations. We look forward to a good hatch of early black winter stone-fly on the river in the spring every year. There is a great stretch of river along the Lower River Road with the Kelly House Museum being one of our favorite locations. You’ll find a bike path that runs parallel to the river with many access points and easy wading. Use caution when fishing early spring as spring showers bring high water levels. As April passes varying techniques such as nymphs under strike indicators and subsurface leach/streamer patterns are key techniques to producing good days on the river. Late May and early June can bring tremendous Black Caddis hatch for surface feeding trout. As summer progresses water temperatures rise quickly due to power plant releases in Massachusetts, this is when our focus should shift to cooler waters allowing trout to seek out deeper and cooler pools along the river.
The Clear River flows approximately 10.1 miles with five dams along the river's length. The river rises from a swamp southeast of Wallum Lake in Burrillville and flows roughly east past the villages of Pascoag and Harrisville. The confluence of the Clear River and the Chepachet River forms the Branch River at Oakland. The Branch is a difficult river to wade and mostly done by canoe or small boat for the best-isolated trout fishing.
The Chepachet River is in Glocester. It flows 5.2 miles. There are eight dams along the river's length. It's a beautiful river mostly isolated with good trout fishing in the spring. The Hendrickson hatch is prolific on the river, and many enjoyable days fishing it bring back some fond memories.
Casimir Pulaski State Park is located within the 4000-acre George Washington Management Area. The 100-acre Pulaski Memorial Recreation Area is a "day use" facility offering users a multitude of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. From the first class trout fishing in the spring to enjoying a picnic, a short hike, or a cool swim in the 13-acre Peck Pond in the summer, to cross-country skiing on the 10 miles of groomed trails into the adjacent George Washington Management area in the winter, Pulaski provides year-round enjoyment for all ages. What to say about Pulaski park, it holds the state record for a rainbow trout 15 lbs. 12 oz. This is top-notch fly fishing in the spring and fall!
Thanks to Wes Wyatt for his contributions to Northern Rhode Island.

southern Rhode Island

USGS Flow Data - Arcadia
USGS Flow Data - Hope Valley
The Wood River begins just north of Route 165 in the town of Exeter in the Arcadia Management Area with the confluence of the Falls and Flat Rivers. The river is easily accessed at the check station and canoe launch area right off Route 165. Nearby is Mount Tom Road to Blitzkrieg Trail which takes you to the High Banks and Pines accesses. There are trails that follow the west bank of the river (river right) to some of the named pools (Major Pools), while others will require some wading to reach. Besides the named pools, there are many pockets and riffles for the angler to explore. The Wood River is well known for its early-season hatches.
The river is stocked during the season by the State and also has a healthy population of colorful Wild Brook Trout. The river from the Route 165 bridge to the Barberville Dam at Arcadia Rd. is managed with a 2 fish limit from the 2nd Saturday in May to the end of February. The Wood River and its tributaries are part of the nationally designated Wild and Scenic Rivers and TU’s Priority Waters Program. A number of habitat restoration projects have been completed in the watershed with the “Trees For Trout” program, which is a partnership effort between RIDEM Fish and Wildlife and Rhode Island TU. This effort has improved the habitat for the Wild Brook Trout and more are planned for in the future. Wood River and its headwater tributaries, (upper Wood) the Falls River, Flat River, Breakheart Brook and Parris Brook offer many opportunities for all anglers to enjoy!
For additional information about the lower section of the Wood River, check (lower Wood).
The Falls River can be reached from Midway Trail off Route 165. From the bridge at Brook Trail to the bridge at Austin Farm Rd. (Plain Rd on some maps) is catch-and-release fishing with single barbless hooks and artificial lures only. The stream is managed as a Wild Brook Trout Fishery with no stocking. The lower catch and release area has several accesses along Brook Trail, while the upper section requires some hiking. Above the bridge on Austin Farm Rd. up to Stepstone Falls and beyond is open under General Fishing Regulations and is stocked in the Spring. There is a popular hiking trail here to Stepstone Falls that provides some access to the stream. The Falls River and the other tributaries are small streams with tight casting conditions so shorter rods would be a good choice here.
Flat River can be accessed from Midway Trail from Route 165 and the bridge on Austin Farm Road. Breakheart Brook is accessed at the bridge crossing on Frosty Hollow Rd. from Route 165 and below Breakheart Pond on Austin Farm Rd.. Parris Brook has two bridge crossings at Mount Tom Rd. off Route 165 and Blitzkrieg Trail. The Mount Tom Trail follows the brook here with good access.
These streams are all stocked by the state in the Spring and are under General State Fishing Regulations. There are also Wild Brook Trout present. There are some trails along these streams but be prepared to bushwhack!
This watershed is in a beautiful area! It’s a place to slow down, listen, look around, and breathe in the scents of the river and surrounding forest, and if you do, you will be rewarded.
Thanks to members Rich Benson & John Genovesi and the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association for their contributions.
USGS Data Flow
This small second order stream starts at James Pond on the Exeter/West Greenwich line. It primarily flows through Richmond to its confluence with the Pawcatuck River. Much of the Beaver River passes through protected areas such as the RIDEM Hillsdale Conservation Area and The Nature Conservancy’s Beaver River and Grassy Pond Preserves. The Beaver River is an excellent brook trout habitat and is not a water designated for trout stocking by RIDEM Fisheries and Wildlife. Accordingly, fishing in this river not restricted to trout season only. The southern portion of the river is fairly flat, supplying irrigation water for agricultural fields. Wetlands dominate the surrounding land as the stream nears the Pawcatuck River.
Additional information about the Beaver River .
USGS Flow Data - Westerly
USGS Flow Data - Wood River Junc.
The Pawcatuck River starts at the outlet of Worden Pond and flows from east to west 35 miles to its mouth at Little Narragansett Bay.
Additional information about the Pawcatuck River
USGA Flow Data
The river is divided into two sections by the Glen Rock Dam at the Usquepaugh Village. Above this dam is considered the Queen River. The Nature Conservancy and Audubon Society of RI own several key properties along the river. The Queen-Usquepaugh River is an excellent brook trout habitat and is not a water designated for trout stocking by RIDEM Fisheries and Wildlife. Accordingly, fishing in this river is not restricted to trout season only.
Additional information about the Queen-Usquepaugh River.
The Shunock River watershed, a major river basin in North Stonington, CT, covers an area of 10,590 acres and a length of 8 miles. The major flow is North-west to South-east. As one of the town’s two river corridors, the Shunock is narrow and winding, hidden away from hustle and bustle, while its sister, Green Fall River, runs narrow and straight, deep within its dark and green geologic fault. Both rivers are an integral part of this rural, mostly forested town and within the quiet and dark skies of The Pawcatuck Borderlands.
Additional information about the Shunock River.
Thanks to the Wood-Pawcatuck Wild and Scenic Rivers Stewardship Council for the Beaver, Pawcatuck, Queen-Usquepaugh and Shunock Rivers information.

Fly Fishing

Interested in fly fishing in Rhode Island? We have pulled together some helpful resources and external entities that can help you learn how to fly fish in no time.

Also, check out our events page to see when our next fly-tying and learn-to-cast events will be available.