Watchaug Pond

Boat Ramps: 2
Access Points: 2
Species: 7

Watchaug Pond is widely regarded as one of Rhode Island's premier fishing destinations, particularly for bass anglers. This 570-acre kettle pond is located in the southwest part of the state near Charlestown, with approximately 4 miles of shoreline largely surrounded by Burlingame State Park. With an average depth of 8 feet and a maximum depth of 36 feet, this fertile fishery offers diverse underwater habitats that support a variety of gamefish. Watchaug Pond's reputation as Rhode Island's best bass fishing lake is well-earned, but it also provides excellent opportunities for crappie, perch, and pickerel fishing throughout the year.

Rhode Island licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Watchaug Pond and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Largemouth Bass

Micropterus salmoides

Smallmouth Bass

Micropterus dolomieu

Rainbow Trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Black Crappie

Pomoxis nigromaculatus

Chain Pickerel

Esox niger

White Perch

Morone americana

Yellow Perch

Perca flavescens

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Watchaug Pond. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Breachway Bait & Tackle

Shop

Know where you can legally fish on Watchaug Pond

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Rhode Island licenses and regulations

Rhode Island Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

Learn more

Rhode Island Fishing License

Recreational Freshwater Fishing Licenses are required of anglers fifteen (15) years of age and older. Recreational Saltwater Fishing Licenses are required of anglers sixteen (16) years of age and older.

Learn more

Rhode Island Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

Learn more

Rhode Island Stream Access Laws

Rhode Island’s public trust doctrine opens all waters of the state, up to the high water mark, to public use. The state doesn’t have its own navigability test.

Learn more

Take Watchaug Pond with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around Watchaug Pond to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Watchaug Pond to find where and when fish are biting for you.
HD depth charts from Garmin
Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.