Rhode Islands "Other" Fishery !

[eelman]

Striped bass certainly are the main reason I fish! but before I got the salt taste, I was an avid trout fisherman.

Rhode Island has the best stocking program on the east coast bar none! The average trout are 15 inch fish and weigh 1 to 2lbs.On ultra-light tackle they are a handfull in a roaring spring river. Up until about 1986 I never missed an opening day.It was a blast,we would camp out the night before and have one hell of a cookout,play cards all night and shoot the breezz.Then, early in the AM We would put on the gear and wade into the wood river,It was peacfull and relaxing,The steam rising up off the river and the crisp spring air.It would only take about 30 minutes to limit out on some hefty trout! After that it was catch and release until we had enough.

Then we would head over to the nearest country breakfest spot and chow down!! Tasted great! After an afternoon nap it was time to cook the trout for dinner.

I have freinds that work at the state hatchery's and they tell me the fish are healthier and bigger than ever! Two weeks after opening day all the class A Trout ponds and streams get "stocked" again.It makes for some greta fishing.

Why am I saying all this? Because it is a great way to kill time between the school bass arrivals,especially with the cold spring we are having.

Depending where you go for trout,the secenery is fantastic! and it certainly beats the view's at the providence river.I gurantee you wont be reeling in someones septic-tank overflow baby ruth bars in the wood river or the carolina trout pond (Carolina was my favorite pond)

Rhode islands trout fishery is 1st Class!! All the way.The fish are big and hungry and the fresh air is great! Im not saying there better then bass but , they are as fun to catch as any micro-bass from the "crowded" west wall...........