Rhode Island - Wood River
Rhode Island's trout fishing is generally overlooked but there's a surprising amount of it. The best is probably the amply stocked Wood River system in the southwestern towns of Exeter, Hopkinton, and Richmond, where slow-flowing deep pools sometimes produce holdover browns and rainbows that can top 5 pounds. This sort of habitat also favors big, burrowing mayfly nymphs, and I've heard of-"but not seen-"early-summer hex hatches that can pull awesome fish to the surface right at dark. Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife, 401-789-7481; dem.ri.gov/topics/fwtopics.htm

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Guide's Tips
Species: Trout
Guide: Blackstone Fly Company; blackstoneflies.com; 401-265-1396
Rig Specifics: 6- to 9-foot rod, 3- or 4-weight, with a 5X to 7X tippet. Typical flies include small dries, such as size 12 to 18 caddis and white cahills. The mayfly hatches off the mud and silt bottoms can be great.
Quick Tip: Look for the slow moving water, as that's where they'll be.
Where to Fish: There is easy access to the stream from Route 165.

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Photos From Wood River