Description
Richards Reservoir is a 23-acre impoundment of Black Brook located to the west of Richmond Road in Warwick. The entire reservoir falls within Warwick State Forest and its shores are completely forested. Aquatic vegetation is common to abundant particularly as one moves north. Vegetation is less abundant near the dam to the south and in the former channel of Black brook where there is more depth and current.
Recreational access
The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) manages two unimproved boat launches suitable for cartop craft off of Richmond Road. The main launch has a gravel parking area for more than 20 cars and is located at the dam at the southern tip of the pond (get directions). The second is located in the northern portions of the reservoir underneath the power lines (get directions); parking is limited to just a few cars here. As the summer progresses, aquatic vegetation can become thick in the shallow northern end of Richmond Reservoir which can make passage more difficult at the northern launch. Shore fishing is possible throughout the reservoir via trails in Warwick State Forest. Please contact the DCR Offices of Warwick State Forest for additional information, fee structure, and/or restrictions pertaining to public access of Richards Reservoir.
The dirt cartop boat launch into Richards Reservoir near the dam at the southern tip of the reservoir off of Richmond Road.
Parking near the dam at Richards Reservoir off of Richmond Road.
Parking along Richards Road at the northern dirt cartop launch into Richards Reservoir. Keep an eye out for the powerlines, this spot is just below them.
This launch is just behind the small parking area under the powerlines in the northern portion of Richards Reservoir.
Fish populations
No sampling information exists for this pond.
Richards Reservoir is stocked each spring and fall with trout.
Fishing
Abundant access and natural beauty make Richards Reservoir a popular hiking, paddling and fishing destination, particularly around the spring and fall plantings of trout. Shore fishing will be best in areas near the dam and along the southern portions of the western shore where the old stream channel lies and there is deeper water. Stocked trout will remain in these deeper areas almost exclusively. If fishing from a boat situate, yourself on either side of the channel and retrieve across the interface of the two habitats; the channel and the shallow margin. larger chain pickerel and largemouth bass can be caught in this fashion. Alternatively, travel to the northern portions and catch sunfish in abundance. Richards Reservoir has produced chain pickerel that meet the minimum requirements for size to be recognized by the Freshwater Sportfishing Awards Program.
More fishing resources:
Stop aquatic hitchhikers
Prevent the transport of nuisance species; clean all recreational equipment. Visit ProtectYourWaters.net to learn more.