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Pawtuxet River

Fishing spots, fishing reports, and regulations in

Rhode Island, United States

266 catches

Top fish species at Pawtuxet River

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Pawtuxet River fishing reports

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Striped bass

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Gray weakfish

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Bluefish

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Gray weakfish

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Bluefish

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Bluefish

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General info

Pawtuxet River is a stream located in Providence County, Rhode Island, United States. It is also intersecting with Kent County, Rhode Island. It is most popular for fishing Largemouth bass, Striped bass, and Smallmouth bass.

Location

41°44′35.2″N 71°26′45.7″W
Directions

When are Largemouth Bass biting on Pawtuxet River?

Learn what time of year and day to go fishing at Pawtuxet River. Download Fishbrain today to look for new fishing spots, scout new fishing access, or prep for your next trip.

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Fishing regulations at Pawtuxet River, RI

Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.

Fishing regulations in Rhode Island can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.

Regulations for top species

Season open: year-round
Largemouth bass

Largemouth bass

Regulation boundaryRhode Island State Waters
Bag limit5

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Min size12" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Aggregate limit5

The maximum number of individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.

Restrictions & requirements

Gigging

Harvest by gigging prohibited.

Snagging

Harvest of this species by snagging (snatch hooking) is prohibited.

Spears

Harvest of this species by "spearing" is prohibited. Spearing includes the catching or taking of a fish by bow hunting, gigging, spearfishing, or by any device used to capture a fish by piercing the body.

Additional information
See here for site specific regulations
Edibility
Very good Catch, Clean, Cook Largemouth Bass by BlueGabe
Synonyms
Micropterus nigricans
Season open: year-round
Striped bass

Striped bass

Regulation boundaryRhode Island State Waters
Bag limit1

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Min size28" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Max size31" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish greater than the maximum size except as permitted.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Additional information
No closed season.According to 2025 regulations, the recreational limit is one (1) fish per person per day, with a slot size of 28" to less than 31"  
Synonyms
Morone saxatilis
Season open: year-round
Smallmouth bass

Smallmouth bass

Regulation boundaryRhode Island State Waters
Bag limit5

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Min size12" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Aggregate limit5

The maximum number of individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.

Restrictions & requirements

Gigging

Harvest by gigging prohibited.

Snagging

Harvest of this species by snagging (snatch hooking) is prohibited.

Spears

Harvest of this species by "spearing" is prohibited. Spearing includes the catching or taking of a fish by bow hunting, gigging, spearfishing, or by any device used to capture a fish by piercing the body.

Additional information
See here for site specific regulations
Synonyms
Micropterus dolomieui
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Local laws and licenses

Rhode Island fishing license

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Cities nearby

Cranston

2.6 miles away

Warwick

2.6 miles away

West Warwick

4.7 miles away

Providence

5.7 miles away

East Providence

6.4 miles away

Barrington

6.8 miles away

Johnston

7.0 miles away

East Greenwich

8.0 miles away

North Providence

8.2 miles away

Seekonk

9.3 miles away

Pawtucket

9.8 miles away

Bristol

10.0 miles away

Central Falls

10.5 miles away

Greenville

11.1 miles away

Coventry

11.6 miles away

North Seekonk

11.7 miles away

Smithfield

11.8 miles away

Lincoln

12.0 miles away

Rehoboth

12.5 miles away

Clayville

12.5 miles away

Valley Falls

12.8 miles away

Harmony

13.4 miles away

Foster Center

15.1 miles away

Greene

15.2 miles away

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FAQ about Pawtuxet River fishing

📍 Where is the Pawtuxet River located?
the Pawtuxet River is a stream located in Providence County, Rhode Island, United States. It is also intersecting with Kent County, Rhode Island. Its coordinates are:
41°44′35.2″N 71°26′45.7″W
.
🎣 Where on the Pawtuxet River is it best to fish?
Find the best fishing spots on the Pawtuxet River by looking at where other anglers have caught fish. This can easily be done in the where it is also possible to see big fish potential and how good fishing is right now along with Garmin® depth maps.
🐟 What species are in the Pawtuxet River?
The most common species in the Pawtuxet River are:
📢 What are the latest Pawtuxet River fishing reports?
The latest Pawtuxet River fishing reports are:
🗓️ What species are in season at the Pawtuxet River right now?
According to fishing regulations at the Pawtuxet River, some of the species in season this October include: Summer flounder, Black sea bass, Atlantic cod, Tautog, and Atlantic bluefin tuna. For full details on other species — including bag limits, minimum and maximum size limits, and seasonal closures — download the .
🪪 Do I need a fishing license to fish at the Pawtuxet River?

Fishing in Rhode Island requires a valid state fishing license for anglers. Options include resident and non-resident, annual, short-term, and combination licenses, purchasable online or at licensed agents.

In Rhode Island, no fishing license is required for anglers under 15. Residents 65 and older qualify for a discounted license. A few other exceptions worth knowing:

  • Free fishing days — most states designate 1–2 weekends a year where anyone can fish without a license

  • Tribal waters — tribal members fishing on tribal land operate under separate tribal regulations

  • Private ponds — landowners fishing their own water typically don't need a license

Non-residents usually pay more for a license than residents. Some species also require an extra stamp or endorsement on top of your base license.

Get license
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