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March 21, 2008

R.I. fishing season opens in three weeks

Fishing season in Rhode Island opens Saturday, April 12.

The 2008 trout and general freshwater fishing season will begin at 6 a.m. More than 20,000 fishermen are expected to turn out, the Department of Environmental Management's fish and wildlife division announced today.
About 70,000 trout -- brook, brown and rainbow -- are being stocked in more than 100 ponds and streams for the opening day. The trout have individual weight of one and a half pounds.

Along with six regular ponds that are restricted to people age 14 and younger, Cass Pond in Woonsocket and Slater Park Pond in Pawtucket will be open only to children for the season's first two days.

A fishing derby for children in Woonsocket will be held at Cass Pond on April 12.

Anglers who are age 15 or older are required to have a 2008 fishing license. A Trout Conservation Stamp is required for anyone who wants to keep trout or fish in a catch-and-release or "fly-fishing only" area. A person can get licenses and the $5.50 Trout Conservation Stamp at city or town clerk's offices or from an authorized agent including most bait and tackle shops, Wal-Mart, and Benny's.

Licenses can also be obtained at the Department of Environmental Management's Boat Registration and Licensing Office at 235 Promenade St., Providence.

Anglers may also buy fishing licenses online at www.ri.gov.

License fees remain at $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 non-resident tourist three-consecutive-day license.

Anglers over 65 must have a license, which for them is free, but they do not need a trout stamp. The license is also free for anyone with a 100 percent disability.

A list of stocked ponds and other information of interest to anglers is at www.dem.ri.gov, by clicking on "fish and wildlife" under "offices and divisions," then choosing "freshwater fisheries," then "trout stocked waters."

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney

Posted by Mike McKinney  at 3:35 PM | Permalink

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Tony Antonelli | April 12, 2008 3:28 AM link

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