Lawton Valley Reservoir Fishing Guide, Newport County, Rhode Island

• Overview

  This water sits in Newport County, Rhode Island. It sits at 33 feet above sea level. Surface area is around 80 acres, which gives you real water without needing a boat. Supplies mean a trip to Middletown, 1.5 miles off. The nearest city of size is New Bedford, 19 miles away. Rules here are straightforward: one county, one set of rules.

• Where to Fish on Lawton Valley Reservoir

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. Work the tide here — moving water feeds, slack water rests. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. County-wide records name striped bass, American eel, alewife and banded rudderfish. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. Anyone new to Lawton Valley Reservoir should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 72°F; by January the average is down near 29°F. Most months fish reasonably, given the right weather. In milder years the edges alone go, and the middle never sets. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to fish here. On Lawton Valley Reservoir the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public data does not answer the access question here. Public data records a boat ramp half a mile out. The nearest car park is half a mile from the water. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. If the gate is shut, Saint Marys Pond at 0.8 miles is the nearest alternative. Check the position at Lawton Valley Reservoir before loading the car.