June is National Rivers Month. Over the next month we will feature some ways to spend time exploring on the Blackstone River and our other local waters. 

This weekend kicks off National Fishing & Boating Week; and with Father’s day just around the corner, we thought we would take a look at some spots to go fishing in the Blackstone Valley. 

Festival Pier in Pawtucket is a great place to launch a boat if you are looking to do some saltwater fishing, but even at the pier you will see locals gathered along the riverfront casting lines into the brackish waters below. 

Some saltwater fish you might find at Festival Pier include Striped Bass, Scup, and Menhaden. 

Central Falls Landing is a popular spot on the Blackstone River for launching a small boat. Freshwater fish in the Blackstone include Large Mouth Bass, Redfin Pickerel, Bluegill, and Chain Pickerel. Catfish and Carp may also be seen. Fish caught in the Blackstone are catch and release only. 

With construction still ongoing at Central Falls Landing, we recommend the following locations for freshwater fishing. 

• Abbott Run Brook, Cumberland
• Olney Pond at Lincoln Woods State Park – This is also wheel-chair accessible
• Chepachet River, Glocester
• Harris Pond, Woonsocket
• Peck Pond and Round Top Pond in Burrillville

Also the following areas are appropriate for our young fishermen/women 14 years or younger.

• Cass Pond, Woonsocket
• Sneech Pond, Cumberland
• Slater Park Pond, Pawtucket

For further reading and information download the 2021-2022 Rhode Island Freshwater Fishing Guide. It has a wealth of information and articles on freshwater fishing. 

If you are in need of supplies, Big Bear Hunting and Fishing in Glocester can hook you up with bait, fishing poles and any other resources you might need. Visit Store.

Pete’s Bait and Tackle in Woonsocket also carries fishing supplies. Call (401) 651-6178.