Freshwater Boating Made Easy with RI DEM-Upgraded Access Points

Don’t underestimate the Ocean State’s lakes when plotting your water itinerary this summer Don’t underestimate the Ocean State’s lakes when plotting your water itinerary this summer

Photo courtesy of RIDEM

Posted Friday, June 30, 2023 12:00 pm

REEL VARIETY

Freshwater fishing is a year-round family fun activity that offers opportunities to catch a variety of species, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, or a variety of warm-water species and pan fish, such as black crappie, yellow perch, sunfish, and pickerel. Each of the lakes mentioned above is stocked with hatchery-raised trout. To experience the thrill of reeling in your first catch of the season, buy a fishing license at RIO.RI.gov. Need help tackling all this? Sign up for an outdoor education class at DEM.RI.gov/are.

By Emily Lynch

A long with being known as the Ocean State, Rhode Island is also home to hundreds of freshwater lakes and ponds covering over 20,000 acres. Beyond providing an important aquatic habitat and a reliable source of drinking water for most residents, these water bodies offer ample recreational opportunities. Recently, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) upgraded boat ramps at a few popular lakes to make summer fun on the water even easier.

The first established state park, Lincoln Woods has a rich history as a recreation hub because of its proximity to major population centers. At the heart of the park is Olney Pond, a prime location to launch a canoe or kayak, especially now that the recently completed boat ramp allows for the launch of trailered boats, as well as hand-carried ones. Its single-lane concrete ramp, floating dock, and adjacent concrete abutment make launching and retrieving vessels easy for boaters of all abilities. A second T-shaped dock anchored to the shore includes an ADA-compliant canoe and kayak launch, providing universal access for all paddling enthusiasts.

Other freshwater boat ramps that underwent similar improvements include Echo Lake in Glocester, also known as Pascoag Reservoir; Indian Lake, a 260-acre body of water with lots of natural shoreline in South Kingstown; and Watchaug Pond, one of the state’s largest freshwater lakes, covering 573 acres in Charlestown, much of it within Burlingame State Management Area. Each features a new concrete ramp and timber floating dock.

The design and construction of these boat ramp projects are part of a statewide effort and partnership between DEM and The Nature Conservancy (with funding from the US Fish and Wildlife Service Sport Fish Restoration Program) to improve the state’s most valuable freshwater boating and fishing access sites and promote their use and enjoyment for all.

Know Before you Boat

EARLY LAUNCH

The 325-acre Pascoag Reservoir is a popular lake in the summer, so plan to arrive with anglers in the morning if you’re looking for a quiet paddle. The reservoir is large enough that it can easily get windy, even in the summer.

OH ROW YOU DON’T

Both Echo Lake and Indian Lake restrict the use of motors over 10hp. No personal watercraft are allowed on Watchaug Pond, but motorboats and water-skiing are permitted and common.

SAFETY FIRST

New boating safety regulations require all operators and passengers of canoes, kayaks, sailboards, kiteboards, paddleboards, and any other paddle craft to always wear a USCG-approved personal flotation device while on the water per RIDEM.