Wyoming Pond / Wood River in Rhode Island

Trip Overview

Started at the boat ramp on Wyoming Pond in Hope Valley. Wood River is slower moving where it enters Wyoming Pond and it is easy to paddle against the current going up river and allows you to leave your vehicle in one place. Very easy launch and recovery.

Paddled northeast towards the Wood River. Pond is filling with weeds but provides for sighting fish and turtles as you pass by. Wood River is a very clean river with excellent trout fishing although I went simply for the trip.

Soon after entering the river portion of the trip you will pass under a low bridge at Skunk Hill Road. I got a running start and coasted under to prevent hitting the concrete with my paddle. As you move farther up the river, navigating becomes a little more challenging due to fallen trees, however many of the limbs have been cut to allow passage. Some are underwater so you have to watch for water deep enough to pass over the submerged limbs. Heading up stream there are also several false splits which are dead ends you need to watch the current to figure out which way to go and maintain deep water.

As I got closer to the dam at Arcadia Road there were too many fallen trees to paddle upstream so I headed back to the boat ramp. I was close enough to hear the water going over the dam however.

This is a very nice trip and the water is relatively slow moving and clear.

Accommodations:

Dirt boat ramp, no other facilities.

Fees:

No fees/permits unless you fish

Directions:

Wyoming Pond boat ramp is right off of Rte. 138 onto Bridge Street and then take a quick right off of Bridge Street (you can see the parking lot from Rte. 138).

Resources:

Wood-Pawcatuck River Guide or visit: www.wpwa.org/index.php