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Rhode Island · Fishing
Newport gets most of its attention for sailing and surf, but the city has a handful of freshwater spots worth knowing about if you fish.
3 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 3 spots
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Newport gets most of its attention for sailing and surf, but the city has a handful of freshwater spots worth knowing about if you fish. Easton Pond and Almy Pond are the two most accessible lake fishing options, both sitting close to the main tourist corridor but quiet enough on a weekday morning to feel like you have them to yourself. Goose Neck Cove rounds out the local freshwater scene with a more sheltered, tucked-away character. None of these are large bodies of water, which means you're not covering miles of shoreline — you're learning a few productive banks and working them methodically. Expect panfish, largemouth bass, and whatever the state has stocked, depending on the season. Rhode Island DEM manages stocking schedules for waters like these, so checking their current listings before your trip is worth the five minutes. Access is generally straightforward on foot, and you don't need a boat to fish any of these effectively. A Rhode Island freshwater fishing license is required for anyone 15 and older. If you're visiting Newport primarily for the coastline and want to squeeze in a morning of fishing, these three spots make that easy without a long drive.
Yes. Rhode Island requires a freshwater fishing license for anyone 15 years of age or older. You can purchase one online through the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management or at licensed retailers. Out-of-state licenses are available as well.
Largemouth bass and panfish like bluegill and yellow perch are the most common targets at Easton Pond, Almy Pond, and Goose Neck Cove. Rhode Island DEM periodically stocks certain ponds with trout, so checking their current stocking report before your visit will tell you whether trout are in the mix during your trip.
Almy Pond
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near RI.
Saugatucket River
~19 min drive
Easy
Sakonnet River (Tiverton Access)
~21 min drive
Moderate
Goose Neck Cove
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near RI.
Easton Pond
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near RI.
Green End Pond
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near RI.
Nelson Pond
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near RI.
Great Creek
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near RI.
Fox Hill Pond
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near RI.
Cotton Swamp
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near RI.
Wesquage Pond
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near RI.
Long Pond
~12 min drive
A worthwhile stop near RI.
Early morning is consistently the most productive window at smaller ponds like these, particularly for bass, which tend to feed aggressively in low light before retreating to deeper or shaded water. Late afternoon into evening is a solid second option, especially in warmer months.
A light to medium spinning setup covers most situations at Easton Pond, Almy Pond, and Goose Neck Cove. Small soft plastics, spinners, and live bait like worms all work well on these kinds of ponds. None of these waters require specialized equipment, so if you're traveling light, a single versatile rod will do the job.
Yes, all three spots are well-suited to beginners and younger anglers. The ponds are small enough to navigate easily on foot, the fish are generally cooperative, and there's no need to wade or use a boat. Almy Pond and Easton Pond in particular have accessible shoreline that works well for casual outings.
