Town(s):
Johnston RI
County:
Providence
Size:
105
acres
Average Depth:
5
feet
Maximum Depth:
10
feet
Boating Allowed:
Kayaks, Canoes, Sail Boats, Electric Motor Boats, Power Boats
Swimming:
Swimming Allowed, No Restrictions
Almost due south of Waterman Reservoir, in Johnston, anglers will find Oak Swamp Reservoir to be another interesting largemouth bass lake. This 105-acre hotspot has a maximum depth of 10 feet with an average of about 5 feet. Much of the lake bottom is made up of sand and gravel. Weed growth is mainly confined to the shallower shoreline areas. Oak Swamp Reservoir may be fished in two different fashions. Anglers who prefer the traditional spring bass methods of casting tube lures and soft-plastic grubs can concentrate their efforts on the steep banks near the dam at the eastern end of the lake. Fishermen who would rather twitch jerkbaits and weedless topwater lures can migrate to the eastern end of the lake to work the weedy shoals. Don’t overlook the large point in the center of the horseshoe-shaped pond. According to the Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife, Oak Swamp Reservoir has one of the highest populations of golden shiners in the state. While this bait makes good forage for adult largemouth bass, the excessive minnow population has adversely affected the growth and survival rates of young bass and panfish species. Because of this phenomenon, don’t expect to catch too many quality yellow perch or chain pickerel when fishing this reservoir. Largemouth bass will be your main take. You will also find some shoreline fishing available near the dam off Reservoir Avenue.
Water Quality:
No Known Issues
Vegetation Growth:
Moderate
Non-native Species:
Unknown
Fishing Comments:
See comments above
Fish Species:
Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Chain Pickerel, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, Brown Bullhead, Sunfish, Golden Shiner, Bridle Shiner
Boat Access:
Primarily Car-top boats & Canoes
Ramp Comments:
Shoreline and cartop boat access to the reservoir may be found along Route 6 about three miles west of Providence.
Parking Spaces:
Less than 10
Shoreline Development:
25-50%
