Outdoors in RI: Free Fishing Weekend, Fish Parade, Farmers’ Markets, 2A in RI update, more…

Photo, above: RI DEM, Free Fishing Weekend has become a popular spring pastime

Free Fishing Weekend

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announces its annual Free Fishing Weekend Saturday, May 3, and Sunday, May 4. On both days, residents and visitors can fish all species of freshwater fish without a fishing license or a trout conservation stamp. A complete list of stocked waters can be found here.

The program, started in 1995, promotes   freshwater fishing as a new outdoor experience and highlights some of the state’s top fishing spots. Free Fishing Weekend does not include saltwater fishing or saltwater licenses.

Freshwater Fishing Regulations on size/creel (possession) limits still apply. Information about stocked freshwaters, size and creel limits for all freshwater fish species is available in the 2025-2026 Freshwater Fishing Abstract. 

• The daily creel/possession limit for trout and/or landlocked domestic salmon singly or in aggregate, is five from April 12, 2025, through November 30, 2025, however, only two salmon are allowed per day. The number is reduced to two December 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026. 
• The creel/possession limit for trout or charr, taken in the Wood River between RT. 165 Arcadia Check Station and Barberville Dam at Arcadia Road is two fish from the second Saturday in May 2025 through the last day of February 2026.  
• There is an 8-inch minimum size for any trout, stocked or wild caught in any state waters. 
• The minimum size limit for domestic, (landlocked) Atlantic Salmon is 11 inches. 
• That portion of the Falls River, from the bridge at Austin Farm Rd. to the bridge at Brook Trail is a catch and release area. 
• That portion of the confluence of the Beaver River and the Pawcatuck River, upstream to New London Turnpike is designated as a catch and release area.  

Anglers are also reminded to obey all boating regulations. For information on Rhode Island boating laws, please visit http://www.dem.ri.gov/safeboating. The following activities are prohibited: 

• The use of external felt soled waders or boots or those soled with any natural or synthetic porous material capable of absorbing water in any freshwaters in Rhode Island is strictly prohibited. This includes any waters shared with adjacent states in which Rhode Island fishing regulations apply. 

• It is strictly prohibited to enter or exit a state boat ramp with any vegetation attached to any type of boats, motors, boat trailers, or any other conveyance or equipment in order to curtail the spread of invasive aquatic plants or invertebrates.

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Join the 3rd Annual Community Fish Migration Parade

Central Falls is hitting the water in 2025! Be The Voice of Kittacuck/Mishkittakooksepe to bring Herring back to the Blackstone River  The event will be held on Sunday, May 18th from 10:30 to 1pm at the Central Falls Landing, 15 Madeira Avenue. All are welcome to join us for the third annual community fish migration parade!

The Spring Migration Parade celebrates the Blackstone River and raises public awareness of our shared work to restore migratory species such as herring and shad by constructing a way for fish to get around the lowest four dams on the Blackstone River. Thereby, creating a sustainable population of migratory fish with access to key spawning habitat at Valley Falls Marsh. This is critical not only for local ecology, but also tourism, economy, and cultural connection for tribal communities. 

This year is an exciting year as we take to the river in kayaks, canoes and aboard the 40- passenger riverboat Explorer, provided by the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council. Register today to save your spot at blackstonecollaborative.org/events/2025parade. 

Participants can make their own fish hat, get their face painted, and hear from local speakers on the importance of this work. Then, we’ll paddle or take a boat ride together about 1 mile round trip from Central Falls Landing (15 Madeira Ave, Central Falls, RI 02863) to Lonsdale Marsh to explore the eventual spawning grounds for migratory fish. 

All are welcome! Registration is required to reserve a kayak or a seat on the Explorer, but others are welcome to join and listen to the speakers and watch from shore – either at Central Falls Landing or across the River at Blackstone River Glass Center at 30 Meeting St in Cumberland. 

Organizing partners include Save the Bay, Blackstone River Watershed Council/Friends of the Blackstone, Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, Blackstone Heritage Corridor, and members of the Blackstone River Commons Project. 

Coffee, snacks, and other special treats generously provided by Apothica Cafe in Cumberland. Parking is available on site and next door – generously supplied by Club Madeirense, Central Falls. 

AGENDA 

10:30 AM Check In, sign your paddling waiver, and craft a fish hat craft to take with you, or get your face painted! 

11:00 AM Speaking portion, including representatives from the RI Federal Delegation, local Mayors, Narragansett Indian Tribe, Hassanamisco Nipmuc Band, and the RI Dept. of Environmental Management highlighting the importance of this work to restore migratory fish to the Blackstone River

11:30AM – 12:30PM Floating Fish Parade hits the water! We’ll paddle together from CF Landing to Lonsdale Marsh (or enjoy a trip aboard about the Explorer) for about 1 mile total ( anticipated route attached), while listening to renowned singer and drummer Jeff Pegram, a contemporary Native Tsalagi Nation (Cherokee) singer and composer with local roots in RI who will be aboard the Explorer.

1:00 PM Event ends

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Farmers’ Markets OPEN!

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) kicks off the weekly 2025 RI Grown Farmers Market Season this weekend, running through early autumn. Starting this weekend, shoppers can visit the RI Grown farmers market at Goddard Memorial State Park, held every Friday from 9 AM – 1 PM through Oct. 10, or the RI Grown farmers market at Fishermen’s Memorial State Park, every Sunday from 8:30 AM to 12 PM through Oct. 12, for locally grown, fresh food.

Early season offerings include plants, flowers, RI Seafood, spring vegetables, honey, and maple syrup. More vendors and summer crops will be added as the season progresses. Consumers should keep a lookout for the RI Grown label, which certifies that a product was grown right here in the Ocean State. For more information on what locally grown foods are in season, follow RI Grown on Instagram @rigrown or Facebook @RIGrown. 

“Going to a RI Grown farmers market is a great opportunity for consumers to buy fresh, delicious food directly from local farmers and food businesses,” said Governor Dan McKee. “I encourage all Rhode Islanders and visitors alike to support our state’s vibrant agriculture and food sector by enjoying our state’s abundance of sustainable, colorful, and locally grown produce.”

“Farmers markets support access to healthy food and resilient local food systems,” said DEM Director Terry Gray. “Each farmers market season, DEM is thrilled to offer opportunities to purchase fresh and delicious RI Grown foods and support local farmers and food businesses at some of our beautiful state park locations.”

Shopping at a local farmers market supports Rhode Island’s economy and a sustainable food system by connecting communities directly with farmers. There are many opportunities for consumers to find RI Grown products year-round, and DEM’s RI Grown webpage is chock-full of resources to help find Rhode Island grown products.

DEM supports RI’s green economy by helping local farmers and fishers grow their businesses, invest in critical infrastructure, provide farm incubation space to new farmers at Urban Edge Farm and Snake Den Farm.

Rhode Island has a vibrant farming network, with more than 1,000 farms and the highest percentage of beginning farmers in the country, according to the 2022 Census of Agriculture. From 2017 to 2022 both the number of farms and farmland grew, demonstrating strong support for local agriculture and food throughout the state. Supporting local farms boosts our economy, protects the environment, and strengthens food security.

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JAYCEES 28th Annual ECOLOGY DAY Ceremony

The JAYCEES have been kicking-off their season-long Open Space projects and programs with EARTH Day Month events, Arbor Day activities and of course, holding their 28th Annual Day Festival & Peace Ceremony on  Saturday May 10th, 10am – Rain will bring the event under the pavillion.

The venue is the Riverpoint COMMUNITY Park 110 Hay Street (Rts. 115/w & 33/e) in W. Warwick, the central quadrant (Coventry, Cranston, Warwick & W. Warwick) along & within the Pawtuxet River Valley and Watershed.

They welcome guests to attend and/or offer personal reflections, including Scouts & Color Guards. Community Service Credits awarded –  CONTACT: [email protected] 

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Cruise ships are returning to Providence!

American Cruise Lines will add Providence as a port of call – India Point area – for their New England itineraries. This will bring visitors to our capital city, support local businesses, and boost Rhode Island’s growing tourism economy.

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Cumberland after school program saved

As a construction project could no longer wait, the summer school program in Cumberland located there was canceled – but at the last minute the Northern RI Boys & Girls Club has stepped up to offer their building – and cooperative natures prevail as it looks like the Cumberland kiddos will have a program this summer.

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2A in Rhode Island

On Wednesday, May 14th, the Rhode Island Senate Judiciary Committee will hold hearings on proposed gun control legislation including the senate version of the ban on almost all semi-auto firearms. This is the next critical moment, and we need to show up in even greater numbers.

This is our chance to show lawmakers that we’re not going away, we’re growing stronger.

Mobilize for Gun Rights: Rhode Island Senate Judiciary Hearing After a powerful turnout at the House Judiciary hearing, the fight moves to the Senate on May 14th. We need you to be part of the response that lawmakers can’t ignore.