Great Fishing In Rhode Island

Guide to fishing in the Ocean State

Major Lakes & Species
Lake Sizes & Locations
Rhode Island Fish Species & State Records

Rhode Island may be small, but it boasts a variety of fishing opportunities thanks to its diverse water bodies, including ponds, lakes, and rivers. The state's coastal location also offers access to marine fishing opportunities. Anglers can find a wide variety of fish species in Rhode Island's waters, making it a popular destination for both recreational and sport fishermen.

In the warm water fisheries, popular species include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, white perch, and sunfish. These warm water lakes and ponds provide excellent fishing experiences for anglers of all skill levels, and many are easily accessible for fishing from the shore or by boat.

Rhode Island also offers some fantastic cold water fisheries, particularly in its rivers and streams. Brown trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout are frequently stocked in rivers like the Wood River and the Pawcatuck River, providing ample opportunities for trout fishing enthusiasts.

One of the highlights of fishing in Rhode Island is the excellent striped bass fishing in its coastal waters. The state's saltwater fisheries offer opportunities for catching striped bass, bluefish, fluke (summer flounder), tautog (blackfish), and other saltwater species.

With numerous ponds, lakes, rivers, and coastal waters, Rhode Island provides a diverse range of fishing experiences for anglers. Whether you prefer freshwater or saltwater fishing, warm water or cold water species, Rhode Island has something to offer every fishing enthusiast. From beginners to seasoned anglers, everyone can find their favorite fishing spot and enjoy the abundance of fish that the state's waters have to offer.

Rhode Island offers a variety of fishing including lakes, ponds, streams and rivers. Here, you can fish for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, white catfish, black crappie, rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, bluegill, white perch, yellow perch, Atlantic salmon, stripers, chain pickerel and northern pike in local waters. Many of these species can be caught while ice fishing at lakes and ponds across the state.

Major Rhode Island Lakes & Species

Lake & Fish Chart

Top angling destinations, along with the major fish species found in each of the lakes or ponds. For a detailed list of primary fish species in RI, plus state fish records, see the list below.