Fishing Tarkiln Pond in Providence County, Rhode Island

• Overview

  This water sits in Providence County, Rhode Island. Salt water lies 14 miles off. Surface area runs to about 23 acres — small enough to read in one session. Start from North Smithfield, 2.3 miles down the road. For a city, Providence is 14 miles off. You are close to a county edge here; who manages the access can change within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Tarkiln Pond

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Fish documented in Providence County include bluegill, common carp and pumpkinseed. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. Read Tarkiln Pond before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, July reads 70°F and January reads 25°F. Mild ends to the year keep the season long. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. February into May fishes hardest as the water warms. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Tarkiln Pond. Wind on the bank for a day or two lifts the fishing there.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. No made access appears within a short radius, so plan to park on a verge and walk. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. Failing this one, try Nichols Pond, 0.8 miles away. None of that is settled for Tarkiln Pond in what we hold.