Rhode Island · Fishing
Fishing in New Shoreham, Rhode Island
New Shoreham sits on Block Island, roughly 13 miles off the Rhode Island coast, and its fishing options are quieter and more self-reliant than what you find on the mainland.
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View on mapFishing · 7 spots
New Shoreham sits on Block Island, roughly 13 miles off the Rhode Island coast, and its fishing options are quieter and more self-reliant than what you find on the mainland. The island's freshwater spots are all inland ponds and swamps — Mill Tail Swamp and Pond, Fresh Swamp, Great Swamp, Ambrose Swamp, Franklin Swamp, Coonimus Swamp, and Middle Pond — spread across the island's interior and managed conservation lands. These are walk-in, carry-your-own-gear situations. None of them have boat launches or bait shops nearby, so you plan accordingly before you get on the ferry. The fishing here is low-pressure and genuinely peaceful, which is the draw. Expect warm-water species typical of shallow, vegetated ponds and swamp edges — bass and pickerel are reasonable targets, though conditions vary by season and water level. Access to several of these areas runs through the Block Island Land Trust and Nature Conservancy properties, so it pays to check current trail and access conditions before you go. This is a good fit for anglers who want a fishing trip that doubles as a nature walk, and who are comfortable fishing without a crowd or a guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a Rhode Island fishing license to fish on Block Island?
Yes. Block Island is part of Rhode Island, so standard Rhode Island freshwater fishing license requirements apply. You can purchase a license online through the Rhode Island DEM before you leave the mainland, which is the practical move since there is no place on the island to buy one.
What species can I realistically expect to catch at these ponds and swamps?
The freshwater bodies listed here — including Mill Tail Pond, Great Swamp, and Middle Pond — are shallow, weedy, and warm in summer, which suits largemouth bass and chain pickerel. None of the waters in this listing are designated gold medal or wild trout waters, so don't plan a trip around trout.
How do I get to spots like Fresh Swamp or Coonimus Swamp once I'm on the island?
Most of these areas are accessible on foot or by bike from the main roads, which fits well with how most people get around Block Island anyway. Several of the conservation properties have marked trail access, but signage can be minimal, so downloading a Block Island Land Trust trail map before you arrive saves a lot of guesswork.
What gear should I bring, and can I buy tackle on the island?
Pack light and bring everything you need from the mainland. A medium-light spinning rod with a small tackle selection — soft plastics, small spinnerbaits, and a few weedless rigs for the swampy edges — covers most situations here. Tackle availability on the island is limited and oriented toward saltwater fishing, not freshwater.
When is the best time of year and time of day to fish these spots?
Late spring through early summer is the most productive window before water temperatures peak and vegetation gets thick. Early morning is consistently better than midday, especially in July and August when the shallows warm quickly. Fall can also be solid as fish feed more actively before winter, and the island is far less crowded after Labor Day.
