Wood River, Rhode Island

alanb_ct · 12-11-2008, 09:20 PM

Thank you "wwelz" for this great post. I gave it a more permanent home here.

The Wood River is the best stream fishing for trout in Rhode Island hands down. The state stocks it several times a year including a late fall stocking. There is also some wild trout reproduction in the upper sections ( brook trout). There are holdover fish.I fish the river about ten or fifteen times a year so I am no expert. The State puts big breeders in here . The regulars complain that they had to use 3x leaders dry fly fishing this year because the fish would break off anything smaller. The gradient of this river is slight so there is deep pool after deep pool where I fish it in the Acadia State Forest (Exeter ,Rhode Island) .The river is about 20 to 30 feet wide with lots of fallen trees and overhanging branches and trees on the bottom. The bottom is mostly sand . I have not fished above or below the Forest. The hatches are sporadic with the exception of the Hex hatch . I have not fished this hatch but the regulars go on about it.The best Hex fishing is alleged to be above a damed up portion of the River called "Frying pan pond ". People launch kayaks and fish from boats above the pond. The Narragansett chapter of TU is very active here. They maintain some excellent areas for fishermen . Including wooden steps into the river allowing easy access to this deep slow moving stream. TU stocks the entire stream by live car .The pressure from opening day ( second Saturday in April) through June is significant . One reason I don,t fish it more . This is a small steam and it does not take a lot of people to crowd it. Kayakers and Canoeist drift this stream so that can be a pain. The TU guys are friendly and informative. They are always present. My comments here are based on my limited experience. There are some very good fly fishermen who fish this steam on a regular basis that may disagree on some of my comments.

**AaronJasper** · 12-11-2008, 09:38 PM

Alain,

That can't be far from you! We must visit!

alanb_ct · 12-11-2008, 09:57 PM

Aaron,
Yes indeed...I've fished there are few times. The Hex hatch has legendary status. It will give us an excuse to buy a license from another state! We can also hit the Shetucket or the Quinebaug on the way.

**wwelz** · 12-12-2008, 07:04 AM

I found the hatch chart below on line along with this short narrative -The Wood River begins its journey at the confluence of Breakheart Brook and the Falls River in Arcadia Management Area just off route 165 in Exeter Rhode Island. It is a small stream varying from 20 to 30 feet wide as it travels through the state forest. This area is its most pristine section of the river where you will find small runs, riffles, and nice pools that hold Rainbow, Brown, and Brook Trout. With a substantial winter and its canopy of pine trees this section runs cool throughout the summer months. You will also find wild Brook Trout and an occasional Wild Brown Trout. (Please utilize barb-less hooks and practice catch and release whenever possible). The hatch chart below is specific to this area of the Wood River. As the River leaves the state forest at Barberville Dam it picks up velocity and grows considerably. you will find similar conditions only much larger and warmer water temps as it travels through the towns of Hope Valley, Richmond, Hopkinton, and eventually into Connecticut where it joins the Pawcatuck River and empties into the Atlantic Ocean.

Note: Many of the insect hatches below can be found throughout New England's Rivers, Streams, and Still waters.

Common Name
Size
Approximate Emergence
Quill Gordon
12 - 14
April 21 - May 18
Red Quill
12 - 14
April 25 - May 25
Hendrickson
12 - 14
April 25 - May 25
March Brown
12 - 14
April 15 - May 10
Gray Fox
10 - 12
April 15 - May 15
Black Quill
12 - 14
April 15 - May 15
Mahogany Dun
14 - 18
May 15 - July 31
Sulphur Dun
14 - 18
May 15 - July 10
Light Cahill
12 - 16
May 15 - July 15
Lil Black Caddis
16 - 18
April 25 - June 7
Tan Caddis
14 - 16
Sporadic Year Round
Trico
22 - 26
September 10 - Two Weeks
Hexagenia Limbata
6 - 8 L
June 15 - August 8 Evenings
Gray Drake
8 - 10
June 15 - August Early Evenings