Fishing Black Rock Reservoir in Kent County, Rhode Island

• Overview

  In Rhode Island, Black Rock Reservoir falls inside Kent County. The bank is 157 feet above sea level. Surface area runs to about 24 acres — small enough to read in one session. Head to West Warwick, 2.3 miles away, for anything you forgot. For a city, Providence is 11 miles off. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Black Rock Reservoir

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Across Kent County, recorded fish include bluegill, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and pumpkinseed. The county list is broader than any single water. The near bank of Black Rock Reservoir is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 72°F; by January the average is down near 27°F. The freeze here is occasional rather than annual. Some winters give nothing at all, so plan for open water. June to September is hot work, so the first and last hours are what count. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Black Rock Reservoir.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public sources are silent on who controls the bank. There is no mapped parking or launch nearby, which keeps numbers down. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. If the gate is shut, Pearce Pond at 0.9 miles is the nearest alternative. Signs at Black Rock Reservoir carry more weight than any list.