Rhode Island

We may earn commissions when you buy through links on this page/post.

Rhode Island Fishing

Newport RI fishing charters

Castle Hill Lighthouse Newport, RI

For the avid angler located on the east coast of the United States or anyone looking for exciting action on the water, Rhode Island fishing, when given the opportunity, should not be missed.

The Ocean State may be the smallest state in the US, but it stands tall when it comes to its saltwater offerings thanks to its geographic proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.

Rhode Islanders can boast that they are no farther than a 30-minute drive from either the Atlantic Ocean or Narragansett Bay, no matter where they live. Here both veteran and novice fishermen alike regularly take to the waters to test their skill against huge, trophy-size RI Striped Bass.


With the Atlantic Ocean directly at its feet, the Rhode Island coastline, with its many large natural bays and estuaries, provides the perfect angling backdrop. Not surprisingly, saltwater fishing dominates the region – with the possibilities almost endless.

You can take to the waters off-shore in one of the many RI fishing charters for some big game fun, or take a more relaxed approach, setting up along the coastline to try your hand at some inshore and even surf fishing.

With over 400 miles of coastline across the entire state, there are many great fishing locations just begging to be taken advantage of! You will even find productive freshwater reservoirs, lakes, and ponds further inland, truly showcasing the vast opportunities to be had when fishing the Ocean state.

Regardless of the species, you want to catch or your preferred style of fishing, you will not be disappointed with the RI Fishing experience. Striped Bass is without a doubt the most sought-after species of fish found in the waters surrounding Rhode Island, but that’s not to say there are not lots of other species waiting to be snagged!

Fishing Narragansett Bay

This location has long been referred to by New Englanders as the best “fish trap” in the region and has, through the years, provided anglers with some exciting fishing. As a natural harbor, the bay is filled with amazing locations to cast a line, both offshore and inshore as well as surf fishing.

There are over 30 islands in this bay, meaning you can hire yourself a boat in the bay or one of the nearby Newport fishing charters and hop between them to see what is best for you.

The Striped Bass action in the bay starts to heat up in June, and they can be taken on soft plastic lures as well as on live and fresh cut baits. Bluefish also provide anglers with plenty of action, with few things being more thrilling than casting a spoon into a “boil” of blitzing Narragansett Bay Bluefish.

Whale Rock, at the mouth of the Bay (formerly the home of the Whale Lighthouse) it is not only a great spot to see remnants of where the old lighthouse once stood but is also a great location for catching Tautog (Blackfish). You can find other species such as Fluke, Scup (Porgy) and Black Sea Bass around this area of the Bay as well.

Block Island Fishing

Another fine area to catch the Striped bass, Block Island offers both offshore and surfcasting fishing in its waters. This popular tourist destination some 14 miles east of Montauk Point on Long Island, NY has 17 miles of coastline and is home to some of the best saltwater fishing in the Northeast.

May marks the start of Striper season here, with June/July being their peak months, and lasting until September/October. Fishing Block Island is made even more exciting by chartering one of the many boats available for some off-shore fun.

Other large species of fish regularly caught in these deeper waters, include Cod Fish, Albacore, Bluefin Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna, Bluefish and Mako Shark to name a few.

Colt State Park in Bristol, Sakonnet Point in Little Compton, Old Stone Bridge Fishing Pier in Tiverton, Scarborough State Beach in Narragansett, Quonochontaug Breachway in Charlestown and Goat Island in Newport round out some of the Ocean State’s more renowned saltwater locations.

RI Freshwater Fishing

The state has plenty of freshwater spots too if that is your preference. Beach Pond, covering some 430 acres and sitting between the borders of Rhode Island and Connecticut, offers some of the best freshwater fishing in RI. Expect to find several species including Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Perch and even the elusive Smallmouth Bass (one of the few locations in the state where this fish is found).

Other popular Rhode Island freshwater fishing holes worth visiting include Indian Lake, Johnson Pond and Tiogue Lake in Coventry. Each of these has fishing opportunities, whether from shore or boat, and notable fish species such as Brown Trout, Lake Trout, and Largemouth Bass.

Check the RI fishing report to find out where the fish are biting and plan your next trip to one of these great Rhode Island fishing holes!