Delaware, known for its picturesque landscapes and abundant waterways, is a haven for anglers looking for an unforgettable bass fishing experience.
With a diverse range of fish species, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and brown trout, this small East Coast state offers both novice and seasoned anglers a wealth of opportunities.
Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Delaware Bay, and numerous rivers and lakes, bass fishing in Delaware promises an adventure like no other. The best time to cast a line in the state’s pristine waters is during the late spring and early summer months.
This period shows increased activity among fish like white perch, rainbow trout, and the much sought-after striped bass. Fishing enthusiasts will find great spots at popular locations such as Lums Pond, Becks Pond, and Killens Pond State Park.
These parks offer freshwater fishing experiences that can rival any in the region, with state-record catches and the chance to encounter species like chain pickerel, black crappie, and American shad.
In Kent County, deeper water locations such as Silver Lake and Wagamons Pond are known to be excellent bass fishing spots. Anglers need a valid fishing license to participate in the sport, which can be easily obtained from the Delaware Division of Fish.
With many fishing trip options available, a fishing adventure in Delaware will create memorable moments for visitors and locals alike. Whether on the Nanticoke River or the Indian River Bay, Delaware is truly a must-visit destination for bass fishing enthusiasts.
Best Bass Fishing Spots in Delaware
Lums Pond State Park
Lums Pond State Park, located in Bear, Delaware, is a popular destination for bass fishing enthusiasts. The pond is known for its excellent largemouth bass population, found in high concentrations in the deeper water.
Anglers who visit the park during late spring and early summer are likely to have the most success, as this is when the bass are most active.
Aside from largemouth bass, Lums Pond also offers a variety of other fish species for anglers to catch. Yellow perch, white perch, and chain pickerel can be found in the pond, making it a great spot for multi-species fishing.
The park offers convenient access to the pond with a boat ramp and several public access points for visitors. The park offers a variety of other recreational activities, including hiking, camping, and boating, making it a perfect destination for a weekend getaway.
| Fish Species | Availability | Best Time to Catch |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Abundant | Late Spring to Early Summer |
| Yellow Perch | Common | Fall to Winter |
| White Perch | Common | Spring to Summer |
| Chain Pickerel | Common | Year-round, but best in Spring and Fall |
Silver Lake
Silver Lake is a picturesque lake and park in the beautiful city of Dover, Delaware. The lake is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, and it serves as the primary source of the St. Jones River.
The lake is home to many fish species, including largemouth bass, carp, crappie, striped bass, white perch, bluegill, catfish, and many others.
Silver Lake boasts a boat ramp, which is perfect for boaters who want to explore the serene waters of the lake. However, it’s worth noting that a permit is required by the City of Dover Parks and Recreation Department to fish at the lake.
Boats must also display a permit, regardless of the size of the craft.
One of Silver Lake’s most popular spots for bass fishing is the North Market Street Bridge. This area provides access to deeper water areas where the bass are likely to be found, making it an ideal location for anglers seeking a big catch.
| Fish Species | Availability | Best Time to Catch |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Abundant | Early morning or late evening |
| Smallmouth Bass | Abundant | Late spring through early fall |
| Black Crappie | Common | Spring and fall |
| Yellow Perch | Common | Late fall through early spring |
| Bluegill | Common | Summer |
| Channel Catfish | Rare | Nighttime during summer |
| Walleye | Rare | Early morning or late evening during spring and fall |
| Northern Pike | Rare | Early morning or late evening during summer |
Red Mill Pond
Red Mill Pond is a scenic and serene lake in the southern part of Delaware, near Rehoboth Beach.
It is a popular destination for bass fishing enthusiasts, especially those looking for smallmouth bass. The pond is surrounded by lush greenery and provides a perfect setting for a peaceful day of fishing.
The pond offers a mix of shallow and deep water habitats, attracting various fish species. Anglers can expect to catch smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and other panfish.
The pond’s water is clear and relatively calm, making it an ideal spot for fishing with lures or live bait.
Apart from the pond, the nearby Nanticoke River provides additional opportunities for anglers seeking a diverse fishing experience.
The river is known for its abundance of largemouth bass, catfish, and other game fish. It is also a popular spot for kayaking and canoeing, which provides a unique perspective for anglers to explore the river’s various fishing spots.
Red Mill’s Pond, near Rehoboth Bay and the Nanticoke River, and its diverse fish species make it an excellent spot for a day of fishing and outdoor recreation.
| Fish Species | Availability | Best Time to Fish |
|---|---|---|
| Smallmouth Bass | Common | Spring and Fall |
| Largemouth Bass | Abundant | Spring and Summer |
| Crappie | Common | Spring and Fall |
| Bluegill | Abundant | Summer |
| Catfish | Abundant | Summer and Fall |
Noxontown Pond
Noxontown Pond is located in New Castle County, Delaware. This pond has diverse fish species, including largemouth bass, yellow perch, and rainbow trout, making it a favorite among local anglers. The pond is easily accessible to the public, with several access points and a boat ramp.
Fishing in Noxontown Pond is most successful during the summer when the fish are most active. Anglers can expect to catch various fish during their trip, with largemouth bass being one of the most sought-after species. Yellow perch and rainbow trout are also commonly caught in the pond.
| Fish Species | Availability | Best Time to Fish |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Abundant | Summer |
| Yellow Perch | Common | Winter |
| Rainbow Trout | Common | Spring and Fall |
| Bluegill | Abundant | Summer |
| Channel Catfish | Common | Summer |
| Carp | Abundant | Summer |
| Crappie | Common | Spring and Fall |
Garrisons Lake
Garrisons Lake is a popular destination for bass fishing enthusiasts in Delaware. Located in Kent County, this lake is known for its high population of largemouth bass, which can weigh up to 10 pounds.
Aside from bass, the lake is also home to other fish species, such as yellow perch and striped bass.
The best time to fish in Garrisons Lake is during late spring and early summer when the water temperature rises, and the fish become more active.
During this time, anglers can expect to catch many bass and other fish species. However, fishing can also be productive during other times of the year, depending on the weather conditions and water temperature.
A boat ramp is available at Garrisons Lake for easy access to the water. Anglers can launch boats and explore lake areas to find the best fishing spots.
Fishing from the shoreline is also a popular option. The lake has several areas where anglers can fish from the shore, and some of these spots are known to be productive for catching bass.
Whether you prefer fishing from a boat or the shore, this lake is worth checking out.
| Fish Species | Availability | Best Time to Fish |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Abundant | Late Spring to Early Summer |
| Yellow Perch | Common | Fall and Winter |
| Striped Bass | Rare | Spring and Fall |
| Bluegill | Abundant | Summer |
| Crappie | Common | Spring and Fall |
| Catfish | Abundant | Summer and Fall |
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Delaware Bass Fishing Seasons
Spring
Spring is a great time for bass fishing in Delaware. As the water temperature rises, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass become more active and start to feed.
Fishing for yellow perch, striped bass, and white perch in Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean can also be productive during late spring.
In particular, the Nanticoke River is a good spot for smallmouth bass fishing during this season.
Summer
Summer is another excellent season for bass fishing in Delaware. Lums Pond, Becks Pond, Killens Pond State Park, and Chain Pickerel are some of the best places to target largemouth bass.
Silver Lake and Wagamons Pond are also popular spots for bass fishing. In the warmer months, you can find other fish species, such as American shad, black crappie, and brown trout in Delaware’s waters.
Delaware Seashore State Park offers great opportunities for striped bass fishing in the early mornings and late evenings.
Fall
As the leaves change color, Delaware bass fishing remains rewarding. Cooler water temperatures during the fall bring a variety of fish species, including brook trout and rainbow trout, making it an excellent time for anglers looking to catch diverse species.
Northern Delaware spots like White Clay Creek State Park and the Christina River are known for their healthy bass population during this time. In New Castle County, the Brandywine Creek State Park has seen good bass fishing in recent years.
Winter
While winter may not be the best time of year for bass fishing in Delaware, there are still opportunities for hardy anglers looking for a challenge.
Some spots like the Delaware Water Gap and Delaware County’s Chipman Pond can still hold bass in deep holes and ledges throughout the cold months. In winter, anglers might also target yellow perch, black crappie, and channel catfish in deeper water.
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Fishing Techniques and Tips
Delaware offers a variety of fish species, from largemouth bass and smallmouth bass to yellow perch and brown trout. Fishing in Delaware can be done throughout the year, but the best time for bass fishing is during the late spring and early summer months.
Here we will discuss bait selection, casting techniques, and lure presentation to help you make the most of your fishing trip.
Bait Selection
Choosing the right bait is essential for a successful fishing trip. Some popular baits in Delaware include:
- Live bait: This is an excellent option for targeting fish such as yellow perch, white perch, and striped bass. Small fish and live worms are commonly used for this type of fishing.
- Artificial lures: These are commonly used for largemouth and smallmouth bass. Topwater lures, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics are a few examples of artificial lures.
Casting Techniques
When fishing in Delaware’s waters, it’s essential to employ different casting techniques depending on the target fish species and the fishing spot:
- Overhead cast: This is the most common casting technique used for bass fishing in places like Lums Pond, Killens Pond State Park, and Becks Pond.
- Flip cast: This technique is perfect for fishing shallow rapids in the Nanticoke River and Christina River, where keeping a low profile is essential.
- Roll cast: This is a great casting technique for fly fishing in areas like White Clay Creek State Park, where there’s minimal room to perform a traditional overhead cast.
Lure Presentation
The success of your fishing trip in Delaware will also depend on how you present your lure to the fish.
Here are some tips for proper lure presentation:
- Keep it natural: Fish are more likely to bite if the lure looks and moves like real prey. Maintain a straight retrieve and experiment with different speeds and swimming depths.
- Match the hatch: Use lures that mimic the predominant forage in your fishing area. For example, small fish can be used for striped bass and small birds for largemouth bass in the Atlantic Ocean.
- Change your presentation: If you’re not getting bites, try changing your retrieval speed, depth, or lure color.
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Local Fishing Regulations
Licenses and Permits
Fishing in Delaware requires obtaining the necessary licenses and permits before heading out to the numerous rivers, lakes, and ponds. This includes acquiring a fishing license from the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife for fresh and saltwater fishing.
License types include:
- Annual resident fishing license for adults aged 16-64 years old
- Annual non-resident fishing license
- 7-day non-resident fishing tour license Anglers targeting trout may also be required to purchase a trout stamp.
Licenses can be purchased online, at select authorized agents such as Bill’s Sport Shop or the Division of Fish and Wildlife’s main office on North Market Street Bridge.
Catch and Release Guidelines
Delaware promotes sustainable fishing to preserve diverse fish species populations, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, and yellow perch in freshwater locations and Atlantic Ocean species like mahi-mahi and black drum.
Following catch-and-release guidelines is important for maintaining healthy and thriving ecosystems. Some key practices include:
- Fish within the legal size and bag limits
- Release fish immediately if not keeping.
- Use small hooks and barbless hooks to minimize injury.
- Avoid dragging fish onto land or handling them with dry hands.
- Gently hold fish horizontally and release them headfirst back into the water.
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Conclusion – Best Bass Fishing In Delaware
With the numerous rivers, lakes, and even the Delaware Water Gap to explore, there’s always a great spot to cast a line and reel in a memorable catch in the First State. So, next time you plan a bass fishing trip, consider Delaware your destination for an unforgettable experience.
Thank you for reading, and if you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. We love hearing from our readers and your interesting fishing adventures. Until next time Happy Bass Fishing!
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Cory Haasnoot
Cory is a content writer-editor and founder of Tackle Box Talk. Favorite Quote: "Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime."