Fishing Regulations in Rhode Island
Last updated: 2025-01-01
Regulations shown are approximate and may be outdated. Always check the official Rhode Island fish and game agency for current regulations.
Visit Official AgencyFishing License
Rhode Island requires a freshwater fishing license for anglers 15 and older. Resident and non-resident annual licenses are available, along with 1-day and tourist options. No license is required for saltwater fishing, but a free saltwater registration is needed through the state or federal program.
Get Your LicenseSpecies Regulations
| Species | Bag Limit | Size Limit | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| largemouth-bass | 5 per day | 12 inches minimum | Year-round | Check RIDEM regulations for specific water body rules. |
| rainbow-trout | 5 per day | No minimum | Second Saturday of April through November 30 | Catch-and-release only on some waters. |
| brown-trout | 5 per day (combined with trout) | No minimum | Second Saturday of April through November 30 | |
| brook-trout | 5 per day (combined with trout) | No minimum | Second Saturday of April through November 30 | |
| yellow-perch | 25 per day | No minimum | Year-round | |
| striped-bass | 1 per day | 28 inches minimum | Varies by year | Saltwater registration required. Check current season dates. |
| flounder | 4 per day | 19 inches minimum | Varies by year | Check current season dates and regulations. |
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: 12 inches minimum
Season: Year-round
Notes: Check RIDEM regulations for specific water body rules.
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Second Saturday of April through November 30
Notes: Catch-and-release only on some waters.
Bag Limit: 5 per day (combined with trout)
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Second Saturday of April through November 30
Bag Limit: 5 per day (combined with trout)
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Second Saturday of April through November 30
Bag Limit: 25 per day
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 1 per day
Size Limit: 28 inches minimum
Season: Varies by year
Notes: Saltwater registration required. Check current season dates.
Bag Limit: 4 per day
Size Limit: 19 inches minimum
Season: Varies by year
Notes: Check current season dates and regulations.
Top Fishing Waters
Worden Pond
pondSpecies: largemouth-bass, yellow-perch, crappie, bluegill
Wallum Lake
lakeSpecies: largemouth-bass, rainbow-trout, brown-trout, yellow-perch, crappie
Narragansett Bay
saltwaterSpecies: striped-bass, flounder
Block Island
saltwaterSpecies: striped-bass, flounder
Stafford Pond
pondSpecies: largemouth-bass, crappie, bluegill, yellow-perch
Wood River
riverSpecies: rainbow-trout, brown-trout, brook-trout
State Records
| Species | Weight | Year | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| largemouth-bass | 10 lbs 4 oz | 1991 | Johnson Pond |
| rainbow-trout | 10 lbs 8 oz | 1988 | Olney Pond |
| brown-trout | 14 lbs 4 oz | 2003 | Stafford Pond |
| brook-trout | 5 lbs 12 oz | 1998 | Breakheart Pond |
| striped-bass | 77 lbs 4 oz | 2006 | Block Island |
| yellow-perch | 2 lbs 5 oz | 1996 | Worden Pond |