Within a 75-minute drive of Providence there are 16 fishing waters in our guide: 9 lakes, 6 reservoirs and 1 bay or estuary. The mix is 15 freshwater and 1 salt or brackish water. Across these waters, 29 fish species are on record.
The shortest drive: Norton Reservoir, 26 min
Norton Reservoir is the shortest drive from Providence: 26 min (19.1 mi). The drive time is measured to the ramp: Boat ramp — Norton Reservoir.
Also within a short drive:
- South Watuppa Pond (lake) — 26 min (19.6 mi)
- Lake Sabbatia (reservoir) — 34 min (22 mi)
- Manchaug Pond (reservoir) — 35 min (29.5 mi)
Largemouth Bass and 29 more species on record
The most widespread fish is Largemouth Bass, recorded in 9 of the 16 waters. It is followed by Northern Pike (8), Bluegill (7), Rainbow Trout (6) and Smallmouth Bass (5).
The nearest water for each of the leading species:
- Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Bluegill and Smallmouth Bass: South Watuppa Pond, 26 min (19.6 mi)
- Rainbow Trout: Beach Pond, 43 min (32 mi)
Leading the list: Long Island Sound
These 3 waters lead our list for Providence, ranked by distance, depth data, fish records and access:
- Long Island Sound (estuary): 801,802 acres, 9 fish species on record, max depth 383 ft (surveyed) and 354 ramps.
- Lake Quinsigamond: 604 acres, 7 fish species on record, max depth 85 ft (surveyed) and 2 ramps.
- South Watuppa Pond (lake): 1,450 acres, 4 fish species on record, max depth 20 ft (surveyed) and 6 ramps.
Deepest nearby: Long Island Sound, 383 ft
The deepest water in this guide is Long Island Sound: 383 ft at its deepest point (surveyed). It is followed by Lake Quinsigamond (85 ft), Beach Pond (60 ft) and Lake Chaubunagungamaug (45 ft). Maximum depths are known for all 16 waters.
5 stocked waters near Providence
5 waters here have stocked fish on record, led by Beach Pond (87,308 fish), Gardner Lake (7,015 fish) and Mashapaug Pond (6,649 fish).
Launching near Providence: 24 ramps
The waters within reach of Providence have 24 boat ramps, 5 fishing piers and 13 shore-fishing spots. The boat ramp closest to the city center is South Watuppa Pond on South Watuppa Pond, about 17.5 mi in a straight line, with 2 lanes. Without a boat, start at Stonington Town Dock Fishing Pier and Memorial on Long Island Sound, the nearest pier — about 42.5 mi from the center.
5 campgrounds near the water
5 campgrounds sit by the waters around Providence. The closest are Acorn Acres Campground (46.4 mi, by Gardner Lake), Laurel Lock Campground (46.7 mi, by Gardner Lake) and Pequot Ledge Campground (46.9 mi, by Gardner Lake).
