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Rhode Island · Fishing
Lincoln, Rhode Island is not a destination that shows up on fishing highlight reels, but that is part of the appeal. The town sits in the Blackstone Valley corridor and holds a handful of quiet stillwater spots that reward anglers who do a little homework before showing up.
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Lincoln, Rhode Island is not a destination that shows up on fishing highlight reels, but that is part of the appeal. The town sits in the Blackstone Valley corridor and holds a handful of quiet stillwater spots that reward anglers who do a little homework before showing up. Town Line Swamp, Scott Pond, Barney Pond, Bleachery Pond, and Woonsocket Reservoir Number 3 are the fishable waters here, and all five are lake or pond fisheries — meaning you are working structure, weed edges, and drop-offs rather than reading current. Expect warm-water species typical of southern New England ponds: largemouth bass, yellow perch, and pickerel are common across this type of water in the region. Access points vary by site, so it is worth checking Rhode Island DEM's public access listings before you load the car. A valid Rhode Island freshwater fishing license is required for anyone 15 and older. The fishing is generally low-pressure compared to better-known spots in the state, which means less competition on the water and fish that have not been worked over all season. If you are coming from out of town, Lincoln is compact enough that you can reasonably fish two or three of these waters in a single day.
All five waters in Lincoln are classified as lake or pond fisheries, and southern New England ponds like these typically hold largemouth bass, yellow perch, chain pickerel, and bluegill. Rhode Island DEM stocks some ponds in the state with trout in spring, but you should check the current DEM stocking report to confirm whether any Lincoln waters are on that list for the season.
Yes. A valid Rhode Island freshwater fishing license is required for anyone 15 years of age or older. Licenses can be purchased online through the Rhode Island DEM Division of Fish and Wildlife or at authorized local vendors. Non-resident licenses are available if you are coming from out of state.
New Pond
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near RI.
Olney Pond
~5 min drive
Easy
Barney Pond
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near RI.
Georgiaville Pond (Smithfield)
~8 min drive
Easy
Bleachery Pond
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near RI.
Woonasquatucket River (North Providence)
~8 min drive
Easy
Scott Pond
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near RI.
Mashapaug Pond
~12 min drive
Easy
Valley Falls Pond
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near RI.
Town Line Swamp
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near RI.
Happy Hollow Pond
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near RI.
Woonsocket Reservoir Number 3
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near RI.
Also worth it near here
Late spring through early summer is generally the most productive window for bass and pickerel in Rhode Island ponds, as water temperatures rise and fish move shallow to feed and spawn. Fall is a solid second option when fish feed aggressively before winter. Perch can be caught reliably from ice-out through late fall, and some anglers target them through the ice in winter if conditions allow.
Early morning and the hour before sunset are the most consistent windows for bass and pickerel, when light levels are low and fish move to shallower water to feed. Midday fishing in summer slows down as water temperatures climb, though perch and bluegill tend to be less affected by heat and can be caught throughout the day.
A medium-light to medium spinning setup covers most situations across these stillwater fisheries. Soft plastics, small spinnerbaits, and topwater lures work well for bass and pickerel, while small jigs and live worms are reliable for perch and bluegill. A kayak or canoe will open up more water at spots like Town Line Swamp and Barney Pond, but bank fishing is possible at several of these sites.
