Spiny Dogfish Fishing in Rhode Island
When spiny dogfish are caught across Rhode Island, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Spiny Dogfish 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 spiny dogfish in Rhode Island
Spiny Dogfish catches in Rhode Island run hardest around Jul-Aug, with the strongest two-month windows in Jul-Aug and May-Jun. Anglers keep about 1% 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 spiny dogfish in Rhode Island?+
Catches peak around Jul-Aug (July and August). The strongest two-month windows are Jul-Aug and May-Jun. 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 spiny dogfish in Rhode Island?+
Across Rhode Island, about 1% of the spiny dogfish caught are kept and 99% are released. That works out to roughly 782 kept and 116K released in 2024.
How many spiny dogfish are caught in Rhode Island?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 117K spiny dogfish caught by recreational anglers in Rhode Island in 2024, making it the #11 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this spiny dogfish data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
