Atlantic Menhaden Fishing in Rhode Island
When atlantic menhaden are caught across Rhode Island, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Atlantic Menhaden catch through the year
Recreational catch in Rhode Island by two-month season. The peak window is highlighted.
Seasonal catch and conditions for Rhode Island
Seasonal catch, tides, and the day's conditions worth knowing for your spots, plus the occasional Pathr update. No spam.
Catching atlantic menhaden in Rhode Island
Atlantic Menhaden catches in Rhode Island run hardest around May-Jun, with the strongest two-month windows in May-Jun and Sep-Oct. Anglers keep about 96% of what they catch and release the rest. All of this comes from NOAA’s recreational catch survey, so it maps the season rather than any single day.
To turn the season into a trip, line the peak window up with the daily bite. Check the Rhode Island fishing times for the solunar windows, the tide charts for moving water, and the sunrise and sunset times for first and last light.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to catch atlantic menhaden in Rhode Island?+
Catches peak around May-Jun (May and June). The strongest two-month windows are May-Jun and Sep-Oct. This is based on NOAA's 2024 recreational catch survey, so it reflects the typical season rather than a live report.
Do anglers keep or release atlantic menhaden in Rhode Island?+
Across Rhode Island, about 96% of the atlantic menhaden caught are kept and 4% are released. That works out to roughly 81K kept and 3,094 released in 2024.
How many atlantic menhaden are caught in Rhode Island?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 84K atlantic menhaden caught by recreational anglers in Rhode Island in 2024, making it the #14 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this atlantic menhaden data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
