Guide To The Best Fishing Lakes In Delaware

Top places to fish for bass, catfish, crappie and more in DE.

Garrisons Lake, Lake Hopatcong, Lums Pond, Millsboro Pond, Moores Lake and Silver Lake are the most popular places for fishing in Delaware, offering anglers the chance to pursue a variety of fish species.

Delaware is home to several great fishing lakes, offering a variety of angling experiences for both warm water and cold water species.

Warm water lakes in Delaware, such as Nanticoke Lake and Killens Pond, provide excellent opportunities for fishing species like largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, and sunfish. These lakes typically have water temperatures that support the growth and activity of warm water fish species. Anglers can target largemouth bass using various techniques such as casting with artificial lures or using live bait. Catfish can be caught using stinkbaits, cut bait, or worms. Crappie and sunfish are often found near submerged structures and can be caught using small jigs or live bait.

Cold water lakes in Delaware, such as Noxontown Lake and Lums Pond, offer fishing opportunities for species like trout and other cold water fish. These lakes are usually stocked with trout during the cooler months, providing anglers with exciting trout fishing experiences. Anglers often use techniques such as fly fishing, spin casting, or bait fishing to target trout. Additionally, some of the cold water lakes in Delaware also harbor populations of smallmouth bass, which are known for their strong fights and acrobatic leaps.

Other species that can be found in Delaware's lakes include pickerel, perch, and white bass. These species can be caught in both warm water and cold water lakes, depending on their habitat preferences and seasonal behavior. Pickerel are predatory fish that can be targeted using spinnerbaits, spoons, or live bait. Perch can be caught using small jigs or live bait. White bass, which are known for their schooling behavior and hard-hitting strikes, can be targeted using spinners, jigs, or live bait.

It is important to familiarize yourself with Delaware fishing regulations, including size and bag limits, as well as any specific rules or restrictions that may apply to the particular lake you plan to fish. Following these regulations helps maintain healthy fish populations and ensures the sustainability of the fishery.

Whether you prefer warm water fishing for bass and catfish or cold water fishing for trout, Delaware's fishing lakes offer a range of opportunities for anglers of all interests. With their diverse fish populations and picturesque surroundings, these lakes provide the perfect backdrop for a memorable fishing experience in the "First State."

Bass Lakes

Garrisons Lake, Killens Pond, Lums Pond, Millsboro Pond, Moores Lake and Silver Lake are considered popular options for largemouth and smallmouth bass. More...

Catfish Lakes

Garrisons Lake, Silver Lake and major rivers in the state are favorite options for channel catfish. More...

Crappie Lakes

Beck’s Pond, Lums Pond, Moores Lake and Silver Lake are the most popular for black and white crappie. More...

Sunfish & Panfish Lakes

Beck’s Pond, Garrisons Lake, Lums Pond, Millsboro Pond, Moores Lake and Silver Lake are popular spots to fish for bluegill, bream, perch and other sunfish. More...

Walleye Lakes

The Brandywine River, the Delaware River, Monksville Reservoir and Swartswood Lake are considered the top locations for walleye fishing. More...

Trout Lakes

Christina Creek, White Clay Creek, Wilson Run are stocked with rainbow trout. More...

Visit the Delaware fishing page for links to information covering a wide variety of fish species and destinations in the state. Visit the Delaware map to identify your best route to these top fishing locations. Look to our sister site for additional information about boating in DE at many of the most popular destinations in the state.

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