Great Fishing In Delaware
Guide to fishing in the First State
Delaware offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities, with its ponds, lakes, and rivers providing habitats for a variety of fish species. The purpose of this page is to share basic information about the best fishing lakes in the state, plus the species found in each lake. Anglers can enjoy both warm water and cold water fisheries throughout the state, making Delaware a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts.
In Delaware's warm water fisheries, anglers can target species such as largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, sunfish, and pickerel. These fish thrive in the state's ponds and lakes, which have water temperatures that support their growth and activity. Anglers often employ different techniques and baits to entice these species, whether it's casting lures for bass, using stinkbaits for catfish, or jigging for crappie and sunfish.
Delaware's cold water fisheries offer opportunities to pursue species such as trout, smallmouth bass, and pickerel. The state's rivers and streams are stocked with trout during the cooler months, attracting anglers who enjoy the challenge of catching these prized fish. Smallmouth bass can be found in some of Delaware's colder rivers and provide exciting angling experiences, while pickerel offer thrilling strikes and fights in both cold and warm water habitats.
Ponds, lakes, and rivers across Delaware provide ample fishing grounds for anglers of all skill levels. From the picturesque landscapes of Lums Pond and Silver Lake to the flowing waters of the Brandywine River and Nanticoke River, there are fishing opportunities for everyone. Whether you prefer the solitude of fishing in a peaceful pond or the thrill of casting into a river's current, Delaware's diverse waterways have something to offer.
It is important for anglers to be aware of Delaware's fishing regulations, including size and bag limits, as well as any specific rules or restrictions that may apply to particular fishing locations. Adhering to these regulations helps preserve fish populations and ensures the sustainability of Delaware's fisheries for future generations of anglers.
Whether you're an experienced angler or just starting out, Delaware's variety of species and fishing environments provide endless possibilities for memorable fishing adventures. So grab your fishing gear, explore the state's ponds, lakes, and rivers, and get ready to enjoy the thrill of hooking into Delaware's diverse fish populations.
The state offers a variety of fishing opportunities. Some great freshwater fishing, as well as saltwater choices. Listed here are the freshwater lakes and ponds. There are also streams and rivers which offer fishing opportunities. You can fish for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, bluegill, redear sunfish, yellow perch, stripers, hybrid wipers, chain pickerel and tiger muskie in local lakes, rivers, ponds and/or streams.
Major Delaware Lakes & Species
Lake & Fish Chart
This chart shows the major angling destinations, cross referencing these waters with the major species to be found in each of the lakes or impoundments.
For a detailed list of primary fish species in DE, plus state fish records, see the list below.
Fishing lake sizes and locations in the state.
Andrews Lake is a 17-acre impoundment located in the central part of the state 2 miles west of Frederica.
Becks Pond is a 25-acre lake, located in the northeast corner of the state, 3 miles west of Bear.
Chipman Pond, a 52-acre lake located in the southwest corner of the state, 2 miles northeast of Laurel.
Concord Pond is a 77-acre impoundment in the southwest corner of the state, 3 miles east of Seaford.
Coursey Pond is a 58-acre impoundment, located in the central part of the state 3 miles southwest of Frederica.
Garrisons Lake is a 86-acre impoundment located in the central part of the state 3 miles south of Smyrna.
Griffith Lake, a 32 acre-impoundment is located in the lower central part of the state, 3 miles southwest of Milford.
Haven Lake is an 82-acre lake located in central Delaware, on the southwestern outskirts of Milford.
Hearns Pond, a 53-acre impoundment is located in the southwest corner of the state, 2 miles north of Seaford.
Horsey Pond is a 46-acre impoundment located in the southwest corner of the state, 1 mile southwest of Laurel.
Ingrams Pond, a 24-acre lake located in the southeast corner of the state, 2 miles southwest of Millsboro.
Lake Como is a 42-acre lake in central DE, at Smyrna.
Lums Pond, a 200-acre impoundment located in the northern section of the state, at Kirkwood.
Masseys Mill Pond is a 30-acre pond located in the middle-northern of the state 3 miles south of Smyrna.
McGinnis Pond is a 31-acre pond located in the center of the state, 2 miles east of Canterbury.
Millsboro Pond is a 101-acre lake located in the southeast corner of the state, immediately north of Millsboro.
Moores Lake is a 27-acre lake located in the center of the state, 2 miles south of Dover.
Mud Mill Pond, a 60-acre impoundment, is located on the DE-MD border, 2 miles south of Marydel.
Records Pond is a 92-acre impoundment located in the southwest corner of the state at Laurel.
Silver Lake is a 29-acre lake located in central Delaware, in Dover.
Wagamons Pond is a 41-acre pond located in the southeastern part of the state at Milton.
Waples Pond is a 50-acre pond located in the southeastern part of the state, 3 miles north of Milton.
Fish Species & State Records in Delaware
Bass
Largemouth bass
World record: 22 lbs 4 oz
State Record: 11 lbs 1.6 oz
Smallmouth bass
World record: 11 lbs 15 oz
State Record: 4 lbs 15 oz
Catfish
Channel catfish
World record: 58 lbs 0 oz
State Record: 47 lbs 12 oz
Crappie
Black crappie
World record: 6 lbs 0 oz
State Record: 4 lbs 9 oz
Walleye
Walleye
World record: 25 lbs 0 oz
State Record: 6 lbs 14 oz
Trout
Rainbow trout
World record: 42 lbs 2 oz
State Record: 11 lbs 10 oz
Panfish
Bluegill
World record: 4 lbs 12 oz
State Record: 3 lbs 10 oz
Redear sunfish
World record: 5.4 lbs
State Record: 3 lbs 1 oz
White perch
World record: 4.6 lbs
State Record: 2 lbs 8 oz
Yellow perch
World record: 4 lbs 3 oz
State Record: 2 lbs 11 oz
Striped bass
Striper
World record: 81 lbs 14 oz
State Record: 52 lbs 0 oz
Hybrid Striper
World record: 27 lbs 5 oz
State Record: 13 lbs 13 oz
Other species
Chain pickerel
World record: 9 lbs 6 oz
State Record: 7 lbs 3 oz
Muskie (Muskellunge)
World record: 69 lbs 9 oz
State Record: 20 lbs 8 oz*
Tiger muskie
World record: 51 lbs 2 oz
State Record: 20 lbs 8 oz*
Click the images and links above for species details.
State of DE Fishing Information
Visit the Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife for detailed information and regulations for fishing in Delaware.
Acquire a Delaware fishing licence here.
Fish for big bass
Excellent largemouth bass and smallmouth bass fishing opportunities await anglers here.
Fishing in all states
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