Though Rhode Island is the smallest state in the union, it has lots of fishing. Visitors enjoy fishing in Rhode Island, all along the coastline and into the upper reaches of the hills beyond. Stream and lake fishing are popular as well. The coastline is a mix of environments, with crashing waves in some areas and protected bays in others. Anyone fishing in Rhode Island waters must have a valid fishing license, whether they are fishing in fresh or salt water. However, Rhode Island considers licenses from New York, Connecticut, Maine, and Massachusetts as valid.
Fishing Spots in Rhode Island
Here are some of the best fishing spots in Arizona. You’ll find plenty of bass fishing in the state, along with a variety of other fish to catch.
Watchaug Pond
Watchaug Pond is a 573-acre lake surrounded by 3,100-acre Burlingame State Park. Located near Charlestown, RI, about 41 miles south of Providence, the park is one of the largest in the state, with 700 primitive campsites. Though RV camping in the park does not include any hookups, there are restrooms with flush toilets, bathhouses with hot water, a playground, a freshwater beach, hiking trails, an arcade, and canoe rentals. Species most often caught in the pond include largemouth bass, rainbow trout, and chain pickerel. But you might also catch species like smallmouth bass, northern pike, black bullhead, and yellow perch.
Beavertail State Park
Beavertail State Park is a day-use area on the point protecting Narragansett Bay. The nearest campground is Fort Getty Park, located four miles north and offering 83 seasonal RV sites with full hookups. Because of the sharp drop-off along the Beavertail shoreline, striped bass fishing is excellent from the rocky shore. Fishing from boats might nab you bluefish, blackfish, bonito, and false albacore.
Colt State Park
The central feature at Colt State Park is Mill Gut, a body of water linking Narragansett Bay and Bristol Bay. The Gut includes an ADA-accessible fishing pier and several miles of shoreline. Fishing along the shores of the Gut is permitted. Boats, kayaks, and canoes are allowed in the Gut. You can fish for stripers, bluefish, and scup. When fishing from the bank, look for areas with offshore boulders where scup like to hide and feed. The nearest RV park is Melville Ponds, which is six miles south. The campground includes 101 RV sites, some of which offer full hookups.
Olney Pond
Olney Pond is a 128-acre reservoir located five miles north of Providence. Much of the shoreline is accessible from Lincoln Woods State Park, a 627-acre day-use area. The nearest RV campground is Holiday Acres Campground, located eight miles west of the park. Providing over 100 RV campsites, Holiday Acres offers a choice between full hookups and electric and water hookups. Lincoln Woods State Park is extremely popular because of its proximity to Providence and the swimming beach on Olney Pond. Anglers fish for trout either from the bank or from a boat, so there are a ton of good fishing spots here. The trout of Olney Pond appear to prefer flies over bait.
Brenton Cove
Brenton Cove is a section of Narragansett Bay just off Fort Adams State Park. Fort Adams was constructed on a point jutting out at the mouth of Narragansett Bay in 1820 to protect the town of Newport from invasion by sea. Though there are no campsites at Fort Adams, Fort Getty is only 10 miles away with 83 RV campsites. The cove is protected from heavy surf by the jutting peninsula, making it the perfect spot to fish from boats, canoes, or kayaks. Striped bass, black seabass, and scup are the main fish species caught in this cove. However, other fish species such as bluefish, tautog, striped searobin, summer flounder, and tub gurnard are sometimes landed in these calm waters.
Where to Fish in Rhode Island
Fishing in Rhode Island can be a year-round event. Cities like Newport, Portsmouth, Bristol, and Charlestown lie alongside the bay, and are great spots for fishing. Several rivers run into the waterway, and 20 islands sit inside its waters. These physical factors combine to create a mix of winds and tides that influence where to fish in the bay. Each species has its own preferences for water temperatures, environments such as reefs or wide ocean floors, and preferred foods. In the end, the mad mix of fish habitats in the bay means a fishing area filled with various species and a range of opportunities.
Camping and Fishing in Rhode Island
Great angling locations do not always have an RV campground nearby in Rhode Island, but there is usually one within a reasonable distance. Look up information on the state’s website for each campground near where you plan to fish. Make a reservation to be sure you can get a campsite.
The weather can change quickly in Rhode Island. Make sure to pack layers, and clothing for all weather conditions. Pack up your pots and pans, organize your tackle box, and look for bait shops to grab fresh bait. Before you head out on your trip, always check out our blog for all you need to know about RV fishing.
With an RV rental, your fishing trip will be a little more comfortable! After you’ve spent a long day fishing, grill up your catch right at your campsite. Then, retire inside to enjoy all the comforts of home on board your RV. Plan your perfect fishing getaway with an RV rental from RVshare.
