Dropping a line in freshwater is a good way to fish in a comfort zone
Freshwater fishing in Rhode Island and Massachusetts is outstanding. Both states stock waterways with a variety of trout and salmon, which makes catching them easy this time of year. Freshwater fishing is a good way to start fishing as anglers of all ages can fish from the safety and comfort of a pond, lake or river shore.
The trout season in Rhode Island opens Saturday, April 13, while most waterways in Massachusetts are already open.
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management has stocked more than 60,000 brook, brown, rainbow and golden rainbow trout in select areas and Massachusetts stocks more than 500,000 fish each year.
More: Ready for trout season? Here's what to know about freshwater fishing in RI and Mass.
More: Ready for spring fishing? Here are 6 great early-season spots in Rhode Island to check out.
A 2024 fishing license is required for anglers 15 years of age and older. A Trout Conservation Stamp is also required for anyone wishing to keep or possess a trout or to fish in a catch-and-release or “fly-fishing only” area in Rhode Island. Trout Stamps are not required for people possessing trout taken from a lake or pond that shares a border with Rhode Island.
A complete list of stocked ponds, license information and a copy of the Rhode Island Freshwater Fishing Regulations and Guide are available online at dem.ri.gov and at mass.gov/freshwater-fishing.
Fly fishing expert Ed Lombardo honored
Ed Lombardo of Greenville, an expert fly fisherand tier, guide and instructor, was honored by Rhode Island Trout Unlimited (225) with their Lifetime Achievement Award at their annual banquet last Saturday. Lombardo was honored for his 40 years of service as a fly fisher and tying instructor for thousands of men, women and children.
Lombardo has worked with the Department of Environmental Management in Rhode Island for 35 years instructing freshwater and saltwater fly classes. Currently, he works with Kimberly Sullivan, principal biologist and aquatic resource education coordinator for the DEM, delivering multiple fly fishing programs each year. They conduct both saltwater and freshwater classes, programs for children, veterans, beginners and those more experienced with fly fishing and tying. Lombardo also has instructed fly fishing and tying for many area fishing clubs.
“This was a total surprise," Lombardo said after he had received the award. "They started to talk about some deserving person getting this award. And my friends at the table with me started to whisper, ‘Ed, that’s you’. And you know it was me. I did not know about the award. It is a great honor.”
Lombardo’s fly fishing credentials run deep nationally as well as in Rhode Island and the region. ESPN selected him as one of 12 national anglers to fish in their Great Outdoor Games Competition, their Olympic Games of fly fishing, which was held in Lake Placid, N.Y. Also, 35 five years ago, he founded The New England School of Fly Fishing at the W. Alton Jones Campus of the University of Rhode Island. He is also chief fly-fishing instructor for Addieville East Farm and Deer Creek Farm, both well-known shooting and fly-fishing preserves in Rhode Island.
Ed Lombardo taught me how to fly fish and tie flies about a year and half ago and it was not easy, particularly for him. He has great patience and is a great fly fisher and instructor. Hat’s off to Ed for a well-deserved Lifetime Achievement Award.
Where’s the bite?
Freshwater fishing. Anglers are encouraged to get out and fish in Rhode Island and Massachusetts as the season is open and many ponds have been stocked in the last week or two. “Anglers have been catching largemouth bass and now they are catching trout," said Dave Henault of Ocean State Tackle in Providence. "Early in the season, these freshly stocked trout seem to like Power Baits, which is more in turn to what they had been eating in the hatchery.”
Saltwater. Anglers continue to find holdover school striped bass in estuaries. “Anglers continue to find holdover bass in the Narrow River, Narragansett,” Henault said. Lombardo said: “We fished Narrow River Monday. Caught a nice, mid-20-inch fish that looked like a holdover fish. I believe once the water warms some, the bite will get better. I caught it on my Hot Pink Ed's fly.” Expert kayak angler Tom Houde of West Warwick said: “What a surprise I had Monday fishing for tautog with green crabs and a jig off Point Judith Light, Narragansett. I caught a plump 26-inch cod.” Anglers have been catching cod off Newport and Point Judith often for the past two to three years on a fairly regular basis when fishing for tautog in the spring and fall.
Dave Monti holds a master captain’s license and charter fishing license. He serves on a variety of boards and commissions and has a consulting business that focuses on clean oceans, habitat preservation, conservation, renewable energy and fisheries-related issues and clients. Forward fishing news and photos to dmontifish@verizon.net or visit noflukefishing.com.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Freshwater angling is a good way to fish in a comfort zone
