Best Times & Seasons to Fish in Rhode Island (Full Guide)

Rhode Island offers some of the best fishing in the Northeast. Understanding the best seasons and times to fish can greatly impact your success.

The best times to fish in Rhode Island are early morning and late evening. Summer and fall are the best months for most species in RI.

Month	Rhode Island Fishing Location
January	Pawcatuck River – Trout
February	Ten Mile River – Trout
March	Wood River – Trout
April	Saugatucket River – Striped Bass
May	Narrow River – Striped Bass
June	Pawtuxet River – Smallmouth Bass
July	Providence River – Bluefish
August	Narragansett Bay – Fluke
September	Sakonnet River – Scup (Porgy)
October	Charlestown Breachway – False Albacore
November	Watchaug Pond – Chain Pickerel
December	Blackstone River – Walleye

In this article, we will discuss the best times and seasons to fish in Rhode Island. We will also talk about where some of the best fishing in the state is on a month-by-month basis.

Best Sections of Creeks/Rivers to Fly Fish in Rhode Island

Wood River – Arcadia Management Area: Best Months: April-June, September-November, Targeted Fish: Trout, Smallmouth Bass

Pawcatuck River – Alton Pond Dam: Best Months: May-September, Targeted Fish: Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass

Woonasquatucket River – Sprague Park: Best Months: April-June, Targeted Fish: Trout

Ten Mile River – Slater Park: Best Months: April-June, Targeted Fish: Trout

Big River – Big River Management Area: Best Months: May-June, Targeted Fish: Trout, Smallmouth Bass

Saugatucket River – Yawgoo Pond Dam: Best Months: May-September, Targeted Fish: Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass

Narrow River – Middlebridge: Best Months: April-June, Targeted Fish: Striped Bass

Kickemuit River – Bristol Narrows: Best Months: May-September, Targeted Fish: Striped Bass

West Branch Pawtuxet River – Horgan Preserve: Best Months: April-June, Targeted Fish: Trout

Usquepaug River – South Kingstown: Best Months: April-June, Targeted Fish: Trout

Flat River – Coventry: Best Months: May-June, Targeted Fish: Trout, Smallmouth Bass

Quonochontaug Pond – Charlestown Breachway: Best Months: May-September, Targeted Fish: Striped Bass

Watchaug Pond – Burlingame State Park: Best Months: May-September, Targeted Fish: Largemouth Bass, Pickerel

Palmer River – Warren: Best Months: May-June, Targeted Fish: Striped Bass

Chepachet River – Glocester: Best Months: April-June, Targeted Fish: Trout

Slatersville Reservoir – North Smithfield: Best Months: May-June, Targeted Fish: Trout, Smallmouth Bass

Pocasset River – Tiverton: Best Months: May-June, Targeted Fish: Striped Bass

Queen River – Exeter: Best Months: May-June, Targeted Fish: Trout, Smallmouth Bass

Blackstone River – Lincoln: Best Months: April-June, Targeted Fish: Trout

Matunuck Beach – South Kingstown: Best Months: May-September, Targeted Fish: Striped Bass

Best Sections of Saltwater to Fish in Rhode Island

Narragansett Beach: July and August are the best months to fish for striped bass and bluefish here.

East Matunuck State Beach: May and June are the prime months for striped bass, while August is best for fluke.

Charlestown Breachway: May and June are the best months to fish for striped bass and bluefish here.

Watch Hill Beach: July and August are the best months to fish for striped bass and bluefish here.

Block Island: May through October are prime months for striped bass, bluefish, fluke, and black sea bass.

Point Judith: July and August are the best months to fish for striped bass and bluefish, while September is great for false albacore.

Newport: May through October are prime months for striped bass, bluefish, and fluke.

Brenton Point State Park: August and September are the best months to fish for striped bass, bluefish, and false albacore here.

The Dump (offshore): May through September are prime months for tuna, mahi-mahi, and marlin.

Coxes Ledge (offshore): May through September are prime months for tuna, mahi-mahi, and marlin.

Recommended Fishing Guides in Rhode Island

These Rhode Island-based charters are some of the best at putting you on great fishing action. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.

Recommended Fishing Charters	Location
Reel To Reel Sportfishing	Narragansett, RI
Bragaboutit Charters	Newport, RI
JL Charters	Narragansett, RI
Spear-It Charters	Narragansett, RI
Days Work Charters	South Kingstown, RI
Captain Cook Charters	Warwick, RI
Drifter Too Charters	Narragansett, RI
Reel Addiction Charters	Portsmouth, RI
Narragansett Bay Sportfishing	North Kingstown, RI
Double Trouble Sportfishing	Westerly, RI
Persuader Charters	Narragansett, RI

Species Seasonal Breakdown

Striped Bass

The best time to fish for striped bass in Rhode Island is from May to October, with early morning and evening being the best time of day to catch them. The top locations for striped bass fishing in Rhode Island include the Providence River, Newport Harbor, Narragansett Bay, and Block Island Sound, among others.

Cod

Cod fishing in Rhode Island is best during the winter months, from December to February, and early spring, from March to April, with the best time of day being in the morning or late afternoon, and the best locations being around Block Island, Sakonnet Point, and the Cox’s Ledge area.

Haddock

Haddock fishing is best in Rhode Island during the late fall and winter months, with the best time of day being early morning or late afternoon. The best locations for haddock fishing in Rhode Island include Coxes Ledge, the Southwest Ledge, and the East Grounds.

Marlin

Marlin fishing in Rhode Island is best during the summer months, with July and August being prime time for catching these elusive fish. Early morning or late afternoon are the best times to fish for marlin.

Mahi-Mahi

Mahi-mahi can be caught in Rhode Island during the summer months of July and August, with the best time being mid-morning to mid-afternoon. Some of the best locations for mahi-mahi fishing in Rhode Island include the Block Island Sound, Cox Ledge, and the Southwest Ledge.

Bluefish

The best time to catch bluefish in Rhode Island is summer, particularly from June to August. The best time of day to catch them is early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Block Island, Narragansett Bay, and the Sakonnet River are some of the best locations to catch bluefish in Rhode Island.

Bluefin Tuna

Bluefin tuna can be found in Rhode Island from late summer to fall, with September and October being the prime months for fishing. The best time of day to catch them is during the early morning or late afternoon. The most popular locations for bluefin tuna fishing in Rhode Island are Block Island, the Southwest Ledge, and the Cox Ledge.

Flounder

Flounder are most abundant in Rhode Island waters during the spring and summer, with May through August being the best times to fish for them. Early morning and late afternoon are typically the best times to fish, and some of the best locations include Point Judith Pond, Narragansett Bay, and the Sakonnet River.

American Shad

American shad is best fished for in Rhode Island during the spring months of April and May, with peak activity occurring during the first two weeks of May. Early morning and late evening are the best times to fish for American shad, and some of the best locations to catch them include the Pawcatuck River, the Blackstone River, and the Ten Mile River.

Brook Trout

Brook trout in Rhode Island are best fished for during the year’s cooler months, typically from April to June and September to November. They can be found in streams and small ponds throughout the state, especially in the western part of the state in areas such as the Wood River and Pawcatuck River.

Brown Trout

Brown trout in Rhode Island are best fished for in the spring and fall months, with early morning and late afternoon being the prime time of day. Some of the best locations to fish for brown trout include the Wood River, the Pawcatuck River, and the Clear River.

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout are usually stocked in Rhode Island waters during the spring and fall, making these seasons the best time to fish for them. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to fish for rainbow trout. Some of the best locations for rainbow trout fishing in Rhode Island include the Wood River, the Pawcatuck River, and the West Branch of the Pawtuxet River

American Eels

American eels are available in Rhode Island’s estuaries, rivers, and ponds throughout the year, but the best time to fish for them is from April to October. They are usually caught at night using eel pots, hook, line, or dip nets, and some of the best locations for eel fishing in Rhode Island include the Blackstone River, Woonasquatucket River, and Seekonk River.

Largemouth Bass

The best time to fish for bass in Rhode Island is typically from late spring through summer. June and July are usually the peak months for bass fishing in Rhode Island, and early morning and late afternoon are the best times to fish. Some top locations for bass fishing in Rhode Island include Stafford Pond, Worden Pond, and Olney Pond in Lincoln Woods State Park.

Carp

Carp can be caught year-round in Rhode Island, but the best time is spring and fall. The best time of day to fish for carp is early morning or late afternoon. Some of the best locations to fish for carp in Rhode Island include the Pawcatuck River, Wood River, and the Woonasquatucket River.

Yellow Perch

Yellow perch can be caught year-round in Rhode Island, but spring and fall are the best times to fish for them. They are most active during the early morning and late afternoon. The Pawcatuck River and Worden Pond are good locations to fish for yellow perch in Rhode Island.

Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Michigan. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Pennsylvania. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Ohio. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Connecticut. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Massachusetts. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Maine.

Best Fishing in Rhode Island on Seasonal Basis

Winter

Point Judith: Point Judith is a great place to catch Atlantic cod and haddock during winter. You can also find winter flounder and cusk in this area.
Block Island: Block Island is another great spot for catching winter flounder. You can also find Atlantic cod and haddock here.
Newport: In Newport, you can catch Atlantic cod, winter flounder, and blackfish during the winter months. You may also find sea bass and tautog.
Narragansett Bay: Narragansett Bay is an excellent place to catch winter flounder and blackfish. You may also find Atlantic cod and tautog in this area.
Watch Hill: Watch Hill is a popular location for catching winter flounder and Atlantic cod during the winter months. You may also find blackfish and sea bass in this area.

Spring

Narragansett Bay – Striped Bass and Flounder: In the spring, the waters of Narragansett Bay start to warm up, and this attracts Striped Bass and Flounder. You can find Striped Bass near rocky shorelines, while Flounder can be found in sandy areas.
Block Island – Tautog: Block Island is a great place to catch Tautog in the spring. They can be found near rock formations and are known for their fighting spirit.
Watch Hill – Black Sea Bass: Black Sea Bass is another popular fish to catch in Rhode Island in the spring, and Watch Hill is a great place to find them. They can be found near rocky areas and artificial reefs.
Newport – Bluefish: Newport is a popular destination for Bluefish in the spring. They can be found near jetties and rock piles and are known for their aggressive nature.
Point Judith – Scup: Point Judith is a great place to catch Scup in the spring. They can be found near rocky outcroppings and are known for their delicious taste.

Summer

Narragansett Bay: Known for striped bass and bluefish, Narragansett Bay is one of the best places in Rhode Island to fish in the summer.
Block Island: This popular fishing spot is home to various fish species, including striped bass, bluefish, and fluke.
Watch Hill: A great place to fish for flounder, Watch Hill is also a popular destination for striped bass and bluefish.
Sakonnet Point: This location is ideal for catching striped bass, bluefish, and fluke, as well as sea bass and scup.
Newport Harbor: This harbor is home to various fish species, including striped bass, bluefish, fluke, and tautog, making it a great spot for summer fishing in Rhode Island.

Fall

Narragansett Bay: This bay is known for its abundance of striped bass in the fall season. Fishermen can also catch bluefish, tautog, and flounder.
Block Island: This island is located 13 miles off the coast of Rhode Island and is a popular spot for fishing. In the fall, fishermen can catch striped bass, bluefish, and black sea bass.
Watch Hill: This area is located on the southwestern tip of Rhode Island and is known for its rocky coastline. Fishermen can catch striped bass, bluefish, and false albacore in the fall.
Charlestown Breachway: This area is located in southern Rhode Island and is a popular spot for fishermen. Fishermen can catch striped bass, tautog, and bluefish in the fall.
Point Judith: This area is located on the southern coast of Rhode Island and is a popular spot for fishermen. Fishermen can catch striped bass, bluefish, and tautog in the fall.