Silver Spring Lake among areas stocked with trout for ice fishing


The state is stocking trout in ponds across Rhode Island in advance for ice fishing, including Silver Spring Lake, located 10 minutes west of Jamestown.

With no freshwater fishing holes on Conanicut Island, the North Kingstown site is the closest body of water stocked with rainbow and brook trout for local anglers. Upper Melville Pond in Portsmouth also was stocked.

A fishing license and a trout conservation stamp are required for anglers at least 15 years old. The daily creel limit is two through February. The closest sales agents to Jamestown to purchase licenses are Quaker Lane Bait & Tackle and Walmart, both in North Kingstown, or the town clerk’s office at 80 Boston Neck Road in Narragansett.

In Newport, the clerk’s office and Walmart are licensed agents. They also are available online through the Department of Environmental Management.

While the state is encouraging anglers to visit these ponds during the winter, fishermen are advised to check with municipal officials about safe ice conditions on local ponds. Ice must have a uniform thickness of at least 6 inches before it is considered safe. It generally takes at least five to seven consecutive days of temperatures in the low 20s.

Anglers also are reminded to protect themselves from hypothermia. When outdoors, especially in low temperatures, dress in layers and wear a warm hat and gloves.

Hypothermia is caused by exposure to cold weather, wind, rain or submersion in cold water. It can set in when the body core temperature reaches 95 degrees and is marked by shivering, dizziness, trouble speaking, lack of coordination, confusion, faster heartbeat and shallow breathing.