Fishing at Lincoln Woods

Fishing at Lincoln Woods State Park centres on Olney Pond, which RI DEM lists as a designated trout water and stocks in both spring and fall. DEM marks the pond wheelchair accessible and runs an accessible shoreline fishing area from the second Saturday in April to Columbus Day. Anyone 15 or older needs a Rhode Island freshwater fishing licence, and you need a Trout Conservation Stamp to keep a trout.

Where to Fish

DEM's map puts the fishing and universal-access symbol on the east shore of Olney Pond, north of the boat ramp, and the boat ramp itself is a common starting point for anglers in canoes and kayaks. The Blackstone Heritage Corridor notes that you will usually see fishermen at the dam at the eastern end of the pond. With the Les Pawson Loop running round the water, most of the shoreline is a short walk from a parking spot. Keep clear of the swimming area at the beach in summer.

Trout Stocking at Olney Pond

DEM's designated trout waters list includes Olney Pond, Lincoln Woods State Park, with the code for wheelchair accessible. In the 2026 season, DEM's stocking updates named Olney Pond on April 24, April 28, May 5 and May 18, and again on October 2 for the fall. DEM posts each stocking on its trout waters page, so check it before a trip.

Accessible Shoreline Fishing

DEM lists accessible shoreline fishing at Lincoln Woods from the second Saturday in April to Columbus Day. The map marks the spot with the universal-access symbol on the east shore, with parking nearby. DEM's photos of the park show anglers fishing the shoreline for trout.

Licence and Trout Stamp

DEM's rules for freshwater fishing in Rhode Island:

• Who needs a licence: everyone 15 and older. Carry it and show it on request.
• Resident licence: $21 or $23, depending on where you buy it (online at DEM's licensing portal or from a licence agent).
• Non-resident licence: $38 or $41; a three-day non-resident tourist licence is $18 or $21.
• Trout Conservation Stamp: $6 online or $5.50 in person. You need it to keep or possess a trout, salmon or char, or to fish in catch-and-release or fly-fishing-only waters.
• Seniors: Rhode Island residents over 65 can get a free, permanent licence and do not need a trout stamp.
• Expiry: licences expire at midnight on the last day of February each year.

Season

Rhode Island's trout season opens on the second Saturday in April and runs through the last day of February. For 2026/27 that is April 11, 2026 to February 28, 2027. Fishing in the park is limited to the park's hours: sunrise to sunset.

Fishing From a Boat

You can fish from a canoe, kayak or small boat. Motors are not allowed on Olney Pond on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from the Saturday before Memorial Day through Labor Day, except electric trolling motors, and must be under ten horsepower the rest of the time. DEM's own photo of the park shows anglers fishing from a boat on Olney Pond. See kayaking and boating.

Ice Fishing

DEM tests the ice at Lincoln Woods each winter, one of three state parks where it does. Its winter safety page lists ice fishing as a state-park winter activity, but warns there is no such thing as 100 percent safe ice. Go out only when DEM has announced safe ice at Lincoln Woods, and never alone.

More Trout Water Nearby in Lincoln

DEM's list also includes the Blackstone River in Cumberland and Lincoln, Upper Rochambeau Pond in Lincoln (fly fishing only), Memorial Park Pond in Lincoln, and Slater Park Pond in Pawtucket (children only at set times). The Blackstone River Bikeway and Slater Park pages cover those places.

Good Habits

• Don't feed the waterfowl. State rules forbid feeding wildlife.
• Take your line and hooks home. Rhode Island state parks are carry in, carry out.
• Leave by sunset, when the park closes.