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News Release
RI Department of Environmental Management
235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462
For Release: March 24, 2005
Contact: Gail Mastrati 222-4700 ext. 2402
Stephanie Powell 222-4700 ext. 4418

DEM ANNOUNCES APRIL 9 OPENING DAY OF FISHING SEASON
More Than 70,000 Trout Being Stocked Throughout State

PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management announces that the 2005 trout and general freshwater fishing season will begin at 6 a.m. on Saturday, April 9. More than 20,000 anglers are expected to turn out at dawn on opening day.

Approximately 70,000 two-year old brook, brown, and rainbow trout with an average individual weight of about one pound are being stocked in more than 80 ponds and streams for opening day. This year, as last, more brown trout are being stocked. A number of breeders in the five to eight pound range are being stocked again, as well.

Many ponds are still iced over, but DEM staff have not let that get in the way of stocking. Peter Angelone, principal fisheries biologist at DEM's Lafayette Trout Hatchery, says he has cut through as much as 13 inches of ice to allow stocking to proceed. "This is the first year in the 27 years I have been stocking ponds that I have seen so much ice this late in the season," Angelone said. "But, the ponds are opening up. I've seen a change just in the past week. They should definitely open up for opening day, unless temperatures stay below freezing."

Lake Tiogue in Coventry, Browning Mill Pond in Exeter, and Branch River in Burrillville remain included in the regular stocking program. Biscuit City Pond in Kingston remains off the stocking program at the request of the Biscuit City Neighborhood Association, the owners of that area.

In addition to the regular ponds that are restricted to children 14 years of age and younger, Cass Pond in Woonsocket and Slater Park Pond in Pawtucket will be open for children only for the first two days of the fishing season.

A 2005 fishing license is required for anglers 15 years of age or older wishing to catch fish. A Trout Conservation Stamp is also required of anyone wishing to keep or possess a trout or to fish in a catch-and-release or 'fly-fishing only' area. Fishing licenses and the $5.50 Trout Conservation Stamp can be obtained at any city or town clerk's office or authorized agent, such as most bait and tackle shops. 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 do not need a trout stamp.

A list of stocked ponds and other information of interest to anglers can be found on DEM's website, www.dem.ri.gov, by clicking on "Fish and Wildlife" under "Programs", and then choosing "Freshwater Fisheries".

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