Guide To The Best Places To Fish in Rhode Island

The Five Best Fishing Lakes In Rhode Island
Most Popular Fish Species
Top Bass Lakes
Top Trout Lakes
Top Perch Lakes
Top Crappie Lakes
Top Sunfish Lakes

Rhode Island may be small, but it packs a big punch when it comes to fishing opportunities. The state is blessed with an abundance of coastal waters, estuaries, and saltwater marshes, making it a haven for anglers of all skill levels. One of the best places to fish in Rhode Island is Narragansett Bay, a large estuary that offers a diverse range of species and fishing experiences.

Narragansett Bay is home to several popular fish species, including striped bass, bluefish, fluke (summer flounder), black sea bass, and tautog (blackfish). Striped bass, in particular, is a prized catch among anglers in Rhode Island, known for its powerful fight and delectable flavor. Bluefish, on the other hand, provides exciting fast-paced action for those seeking an adrenaline-pumping fishing experience.

The best season to fish in Narragansett Bay varies depending on the species. Striped bass fishing is excellent during the spring and fall, as these fish migrate through the bay during these seasons. Bluefish are more prevalent during the summer months when they follow schools of baitfish along the coast. Fluke fishing is best in the summer as well, with these flatfish abundant in the bay's shallower waters.

Another great fishing spot in Rhode Island is Block Island, located a few miles off the mainland. Block Island offers excellent surf fishing for striped bass and bluefish, and its rocky shoreline provides ideal habitat for black sea bass and tautog. The island is a haven for anglers seeking a more remote and tranquil fishing experience.

Rhode Island's coastal waters and estuaries provide an array of fishing opportunities for anglers throughout the year. Whether you prefer surf fishing on Block Island or exploring the rich waters of Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island promises exciting and rewarding fishing experiences. From the thrill of catching striped bass to the culinary delight of black sea bass, fishing in Rhode Island is a true delight for anyone with a love for angling.

There are many great places to fish in The Ocean State. Fishing enthusiasts are happy to know that this small state offers a long list fishing locations and opportunities. Larger lakes, ponds, rivers and coastal waters all draw angler attention. This website covers fishing at major, fresh-water lakes in the state. The lists below represent the best places to fish among the lakes we cover.

Rhode Island's Top-Five, Amazing Fishing Spots

Watchaug Pond in southwest RI
Worden Pond in southeast RI
Stafford Pond in southeast RI
Indian Lake in southeast RI
Pascoag Reservoir in northwest RI

Local anglers typically agree that across the board, these are the best lakes in the state. Note that other lakes may be considered one year over the other, but these are a great place to start. Learn more...

Most Popular Fish Species In Rhode Island

Bass
Trout
Perch
Crappie
Sunfish

A mixed bag of fish species make this an interesting state in which to go fishing. Fishing enthusiasts have the opportunity to fish for two species of bass, channel catfish, black crappie, three species of trout, striped bass, landlocked salmon, bluegill, two species of perch, sunfish and others in Rhode Island waters. Learn more...

Best Bass Fishing Lakes In Rhode Island

Indian Lake in southeast RI
Watchaug Pond in southwest RI
Johnson Pond in north-central RI

Virtually any fishing lake in the state offers either largemouth or smallmouth bass, some offer both. The state record smallmouth is over 5 pounds and the state record largemouth tops 11 pounds. Learn more...

Top Places To Fish For Trout In Rhode Island

Beach Pond in western RI
Stafford Pond in southeast RI
Watchaug Pond in southwest RI

Rainbow, brook and brown trout are stocked in numerous fisheries across the state. These three destinations have proven, over time, to be among the best lakes to fish for trout in the state. Learn more...