PORTSMOUTH — Willy Wonka had his golden ticket, and the R.I. Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has its golden trout.

You’ll be able to search for the elusive fish — actually rainbow trout that are yellow except for a red stripe — during DEM’s “free fishing days” Saturday and Sunday, May 2 and 3 at the Upper Melville Pond.

During those two days, all Rhode Islanders and visitors can fish in freshwaters without a fishing license or trout conservation stamp. The free fishing weekend does not apply to saltwater fishing or saltwater licenses.

“Free fishing days offer local residents and visitors a special incentive to get outdoors and try something new,” said DEM Director Janet Coit. “I hope folks will take advantage of this opportunity to visit Rhode Island’s ponds and lakes this coming weekend and catch a beautiful golden rainbow trout or the brook, brown and rainbow trout raised in DEM’s hatcheries.”

The year the hatcheries have raised even more of the coveted golden rainbow trout and they have been stocked at six ponds throughout the state, including Upper Melville.

Any angler who catches a golden trout will be given a golden trout pin. Take a picture of your catch and send it to Kimberly Sullivan of DEM’s Aquatic Resource Education program at Kimberly.Sullivan@dem.ri.gov.

The free fishing program was established in Rhode Island about 20 years ago as an opportunity to encourage people to experience freshwater fishing as a new outdoor experience and highlight some of Rhode Island’s premier freshwater fishing areas.

All the usual freshwater fishing regulations on size and limits apply during the two free fishing days. Information about stocked freshwaters, size and creel limits can be found in the 2015 Freshwater Fishing Regulations, or by calling DEM's Great Swamp Field Office at 789-0281 or the Aquatic Resource Education office at 539-0037.

The regulations are available online on DEM's website here. For more information, visit DEM’s Facebook page.