PORTSMOUTH — The state Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has stocked Upper Melville Pond and other waterways around Rhode Island with several thousand brook and rainbow trout for the winter trout fishing season.

Several thousand 1- to 1.5-pound hatchery-raised rainbow and brook trout went into ponds in Portsmouth, Burrillville, North Kingstown and Richmond last week.

“I hope anglers of all ages will take time this winter to venture out to a favorite fishing spot to reel in these beautiful, hatchery-raised trout," said DEM Director Janet Coit. “Fishing is a popular winter activity for people of all ages in Rhode Island and a great way to connect with the outdoors, unwind, and create memories with family and friends.”

A current fishing license and a Trout Conservation Stamp are required to keep or possess a trout. The daily creel and possession limit for trout is two through Feb. 28.

DEM advises anglers to check with individual communities about safe ice conditions on local ponds before ice fishing; DEM does not monitor ice conditions in local communities. 

Ice must have a uniform thickness of at least six inches before it is considered safe by DEM. It generally takes at least five to seven consecutive days of temperatures in the low 20s and is determined by a number of factors such as the size and depth of a pond, presence of springs or currents, and local temperature fluctuations. 

Visit www.riparks.com/IceSafe for safety tips, information on ice strength, and guidance on what to do if a person were to fall through the ice.