RHODE ISLAND
Bass management decisions in the Ocean State are based on information gathered through angler surveys and electro-shocking surveys that provide catch rate and fish-growth data. The bass populations here are stable. The daily creel limit is five bass, with a 12-inch length limit.

“We are actively managing black bass in Rhode Island’s waters through a federal aid project,” said Philip Edwards, a Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management fisheries biologist. “This project includes monitoring largemouth bass populations throughout the state by sampling tournament weigh-ins, working with local bass clubs and by electro-shocking. Data collected is used to calculate catch rates and age-growth curves on selected systems.”

Based on recent data, Edwards predicts good largemouth bass fishing in 2007. For early-spring bass action, he recommends that anglers head to Watchaug Pond. Access may be had at a state-owned boat ramp in Burlingame State Park off Route 1 in Charlestown.

As the weather and the water heat up, try topwater fishing at Wilson Reservoir. There’s a state boat ramp off East Wallum Pond Road in Burrillville.

As cooler weather moves in during fall try Pascoag Reservoir (Echo Lake). Access via a state boat ramp is off Jackson Schoolhouse Road in Glocester.

Worden Pond offers hardwater anglers a bonus northern pike fishery. Bring plenty of live bait and spend the day pulling big bass and pike up through those auger holes!

For fishing regulations, destinations and more, visit Dem.RI.Gov.

For travel information, log on to VisitRhodeIsland.com.

VERMONT
Both largemouth and smallmouth bass are plentiful in the Green Mountain State. The bass season opens the second Saturday of June and closes Nov. 30. An early catch-and-release season with artificial baits runs from the second Saturday in April through the Friday in June before the opening of the regular season. The daily creel limit is five bass with a minimum length of 10 inches.

Be sure to check out the 2007 digest of fishing laws that is issued along with every fishing license, or go to VTFishAndWildlife.com.

Lake Champlain is the premier destination for tackle-busting bass action. The big lake is over 100 miles long with 587 miles of shoreline.

New England’s “Great Lake” is managed cooperatively by New York and Vermont fisheries agencies, and reciprocation agreements are in effect in many areas. A Vermont license is needed to fish Mallets Bay, the Inland Sea and Missisquoi Bay. Look for lunker largemouths in the lake’s bays and shallows. The Inland Sea has a variety of bays throughout the islands and along the Vermont shore.

“Prospects are excellent for largemouth and smallmouth bass in several Vermont lakes, with Lake Champlain leading the list for both species,” said John Hall, the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department’s information specialist.

“But Champlain’s spectacular bass opportunities tend to overshadow the great bass fishing we have on many other waters.”

Good spring smallmouth fishing may be had at Island Pond in Brighton. For access, follow Route 105, which becomes Derby Street. Travel east for 0.5 miles. Turn right onto Pleasant Street.

Travel south about 1.5 miles, taking the left turn so that you remain on Pleasant Street. Access is about one-quarter mile down on the left.