LivewellRhode Island · River
Pawcatuck River
Is the fish you caught here safe to eat? Below is every consumption advisory on file for Pawcatuck River, by species and size, in plain English — plus what's legal to keep.
1 species with advisories · contaminants: Mercury, PFAS
Rhode Island also has statewide guidance
Rhode Island publishes rules that apply to rivers across the state — 14 recommendations covering 8 species — in addition to anything listed for Pawcatuck River below.
Strictest statewide rule: All Other Species — For women who may become pregnant, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children under 15: do not eat due to elevated Mercury.
What's safe to eat from Pawcatuck River
All Other Species
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Limit to one meal per month due to elevated Mercury and PFAS. |
| Women who may become pregnant & children under 15 | For women who may become pregnant, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children under 15: do not eat due to elevated Mercury and PFAS. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-07-09
Is it legal to keep?
These are Rhode Island's statewide limits — a water-specific rule may override them. Always verify the current regulations before keeping a fish.
| Species | Size | Daily limit | Open season | Keep season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | 8" min | 5 | Year-round | 04-11 – 11-30 |
| Largemouth Bass | 12" min | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Smallmouth Bass | 12" min | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Northern Pike | 24" min | 2 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Chain Pickerel | 14" min | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| American Eel | 9" min | 25 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Walleye | — | — | Year-round | Same as open |
| Yellow Perch | — | — | Year-round | Same as open |
| Black Crappie | — | — | Year-round | Same as open |
| Bluegill | — | — | Year-round | Same as open |
Official rules: Rhode Island — Rhode Island DEM