Pages Tagged With: "fishing"
The Fisheries Section
The DNREC Fisheries Section works to enhance and protect Delaware’s fish and aquatic resources in support of recreational and commercial fishing. It provides first-class fishing and boating access to Delaware’s many waterways. And it conducts fisheries research, resource monitoring and collection of biological information on marine fisheries.Horseshoe Crab Viewing
The Delaware Bay hosts the world’s largest concentration of spawning horseshoe crabs. People come from all over the world to view the spawning crabs and the associated migratory shorebirds. Horseshoe crabs can be viewed on several Delaware Bay beaches and from DNREC’s DuPont Nature Center. When Spawning OccursRecreational Fishing
The DNREC Division of Fish and wildlife provides first-class fishing and boating access to Delaware’s many waterways. Information for Recreational Anglers The Delaware Fishing Report offers information on when to fish, where to fish, which species are biting and how to catch them. It is writtenLicensing and Regulations
Recreational fishing in Delaware requires licenses for most anglers and is governed by both state regulations promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, and regional and national regulations. Fisheries Section MenuHorseshoe Crab Monitoring
The horseshoe crab plays a prominent role in the ecology and fisheries of Delaware Bay. The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife monitors Delaware’s horseshoe crab population using multiple methods. The crabs are huge feeders on marine worms and bivalves. Their eggs serve as a primary food sourceResearch and Monitoring
Biologists from the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife keep track of the state’s fish populations. They work on Delaware’s rivers, ponds, estuaries, on the Delaware Bay and in coastal waters and study how different species are faring. Fisheries Section MenuCommercial Fishing
Commercial fishing in the state of Delaware requires proper licensure and, in some cases, permits. Some fisheries have established quotas. And there are reporting requirements that must be met. Fisheries Section MenuThe American Eel in Delaware
Although many Delawareans may find them unappealing, American Eel (Anguilla rostrata) support a major fishery in Delaware. American Eel (Photo: Duane Raver, Jr.) American Eels are mostly sold live for bait and exported as a food fish. Historically, Delaware landed over 100,000 pounds of eels annually. The eels wereFish Consumption Advisories
DNREC monitors the presence of chemical contaminants in the edible flesh of finfish and shellfish in Delaware waters. In coordination with the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), they issue periodic fish consumption advisories to guide anglers on the amount of fish they can safely consume from specific water bodies to increase risk awareness.Despite Declining Numbers, Hunting Still has Major Benefits for Participants and Delaware
Fifty years ago, roughly 1 in 20 Delawareans hunted, according to license data maintained by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. Today, that figure is more like 1 in 50. But that doesn’t mean hunting’s importance has diminished for those who do take part, as the director of the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife explains in this piece.Natural Resources Police Fish and Wildlife Unit
The Fish and Wildlife Unit protects wildlife and fisheries resources, promotes boating education and safety, promotes ethical hunting and fishing and responds to boating emergencies. The unit is also a partner in Delaware’s Homeland Security maritime mission.Hunting, Fishing and Boating Violations
Showcasing Delaware’s Beauty: Meet the Five Winners of DNREC’s 2025 Photo Contest
The sun rising over dozens of horseshoe crabs congregating on the beach, dolphins breaching the water with a lighthouse in the background and an idyllic scene of Assawoman Bay at twilight are among the five winning images out of nearly 500 entries submitted to the 2025 Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Photo Contest. See the winning photographs and learn about the artists who took them in this piece from Outdoor Delaware.Boating and Fishing Access Locations
Fishing access locations in the State of Delaware include locations on the Atlantic Ocean, the Delaware Estuary, and several rivers and ponds. The access areas shown on the map on this page include both state-owned and municipal-owned areas. Please be aware of any boat ramp fees or permits thatWhat Fish Die-Offs Mean for Delaware and How DNREC Handles Them
As part of its duties overseeing Delaware’s environment and wildlife, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control regularly responds to fish kills. These die-offs can occur in bodies of water as disparate as an ocean or a neighborhood stormwater basin and can consist of just a few fish or literal millions.Fly Fishing Lessons
Anglers aged 16 and older can learn about, and gain skills in, the increasingly popular sport of fly-fishing by attending free fly-fishing lessons for adults at the DNREC Aquatic Resources Education Center in Smyrna.Contact Us
Youth Fishing Programs
The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife offers free fishing lessons, aquatic adventures and explorations of the Delaware Bay for children and young teens. Once they are hooked on fishing, they can try one of Delaware’s kid-friendly fishing ponds for a great day at the water’s edge. KidsDivision of Fish and Wildlife
The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife conserves and manages Delaware’s fish and wildlife and their habitats, and provides fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and boating access on approximately 68,000 acres of public land. The division oversees wildlife resource conservation and control of mosquito populations and offers hunter, boating and aquatic education programs. It provides licensesDivision of Parks and Recreation
The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation oversees more than 20,000 acres in 17 state parks, manages state nature preserves, and monitors conservation easements protecting more than 4,000 acres of land. The division preserves cultural and historic resources, from a Civil War-era fort to elegant estates. And it provides a wide variety of recreational andArtificial Reef Guide Requests
DNREC publishes the Delaware Reef Guide to provide information about the state’s artificial reef sites. You can download the Delaware Reef Guide in PDF format. A limited number of printed copies are available as well. Use the request form below to request a copy by mail. Please includePublic Hearing: Non-Tidal Finfish Regulations
The Division of Fish and Wildlife will conduct a public hearing on proposed revisions to the Non-Tidal Finfish Regulations to increase trout fishing opportunities in Delaware.Reporting Fish Kills
A fish kill is a sudden, unexpected die-off of fish in a specific location. It is important to report fish kills right away. Evidence dissipates quickly; delays can make it harder to determine the cause. Signs of a Fish Kill: DeadCOVID Relief Funding for Saltwater Fishery-Related Businesses
Delaware has received nearly $3 million in relief funding from the federal government to distribute to eligible saltwater fishery-related businesses affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Applications for relief funds were accepted through March 17, 2022.Contact Us
What We Do About Animal Strandings in Delaware
An endangered fin whale was spotted struggling in the waters of Cape Henlopen State Park. Both the Delaware Natural Resources Police and the Marine Education, Research & Rehabilitation Institute responded. Learn what happened and how we respond to animal strandings in Delaware.How to Stay Safe on the Water
Delaware’s waterways are packed with boat traffic this summer. Here are some tips and requirements you need to know to stay safe and enjoy your nautical adventures in the First State.Report Atlantic Sturgeon
You can help DNREC research and manage the local population of Atlantic sturgeon, a rare and endangered fish. Simply use our reporting form to let us know of any interactions you have with this fish.Four Tips for Fishing with Young Anglers
Fishing is a great activity for young people to jump-start interest in the natural environment. Our staff agree, there is no time like the present to encourage the next generation of environmental stewards.From Phragmites Part-Timer to a Wildlife Management Career, Thanks Delaware!
Former Division of Fish and Wildlife Regional Manager Bill Jones reflects on 34 years in state service and his progress from a part-time job to a career in wildlife management.Wildlife Enthusiasts – Check Out Improved Access to the Bayshore!
Enjoy birding, boating, fishing, hiking, hunting, taking photographs or just watching wildlife in their natural habitats when you visit the Delaware Bayshore. It doesn’t take much effort to find your favorite spot to enjoy some time outdoors.Everything Including the Kitchen “Sink” — Delaware’s Artificial Reefs
Over 20 years, Delaware has recycled more than two million tons of rock, 100,000 tons of concrete, 86 tanks and armored personnel carriers, 1,329 retired subway cars and 27 retired vessels to create new, artificial reefs.Virtual Public Hearing: Striped Bass Size Limits and Possession Limits
The Division of Fish & Wildlife will conduct a public hearing (Docket #2020-R-F-0015) on proposed revisions to the regulations governing recreational fishing for Striped Bass.Amendments to State Bluefish Regulations (7 DE Admin. Code 3516)
DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin has signed an Order to amend the state’s Bluefish regulations that changes the daily possession limits for anglers.Hunting and Fishing Guides, Seasons and Maps
The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife manages approximately 68,000 acres of Delaware land at 19 public wildlife areas that provide hunting opportunities as well as habitat for a variety of species. The state features a wide variety of fishing opportunities for every angler, from the Delaware River and Bay to the ocean, to numerousFreshwater Trout Fishing
DNREC’s freshwater trout program is a self-supporting put-and-take fishery. Rainbow, brown and/or brook trout are stocked in selected streams in New Castle County and in selected ponds in Kent and Sussex counties. Basic Requirements No minimum size. Four fish per day in fly-fishingAngler Alert: Snakeheads
The Northern Snakehead (Channa argus), a fish native to China and Russia, has become a problem invasive species in several states, including Delaware. Anyone who catches a snakehead in Delaware is encouraged to kill it and notify the Division of Fish and Wildlife. Snakehead(Image by Susan Trammel-USGS) Snakeheads wereArtificial Reef Program
Delaware has 14 permitted artificial reef sites in Delaware Bay and along the Atlantic Coast. Cleaned and stable construction materials, boats, and subway cars create new habitat. They support expanded recreational fishing and diving. DevelopmentInvasive Aquatic Species
Delaware, along with other states in the Mid-Atlantic Region, has been invaded by non-native aquatic species that pose a threat to native species, to ecological processes, and to the economy. An invasive species is a non-native species whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmentalResources for Delaware Pond Owners
Many small “farm” ponds in Delaware provide important recreational opportunities. Children may catch their first bluegill from such a pond. Ponds provide aesthetic beauty, irrigation, fire safety in rural areas, and wildlife habitat.Contact Us
Fisheries Office 302-735-8650
Gamefish and Freshwater Fishing Restrictions
Gamefish are found in either tidal or non-tidal freshwater in Delaware. Gamefish taken from Delaware waters cannot legally be sold, traded or bartered unless authorized by permit. Black Crappie Gamefish Species Include: Largemouth Bass Smallmouth Bass Black Crappie White Crappie Rock Bass White Bass Walleye
Largemouth Bass Tournaments
Largemouth Bass fishing tournaments are popular in Delaware’s public ponds and tidal rivers. Most events are held between April and November. Data collected during the tournaments is useful to biologists that manage bass populations. Get a Tournament Permit Bass Tournament ReportingAquatic Plants and Herbicides
The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife gets many questions about aquatic plant problems in small ponds. White-waterlily (Nymphaea odorata) Aquatic plants provide habitat for fish and small pond creatures. According to biologists, plant cover between 20 and 40 percent is ideal for warmwater gamefish such as largemouth bass,Public Hearing: Including Cobia in the Tidal Finfish Regulations
The Division of Fish & Wildlife will conduct a public hearing on proposed revisions to the Tidal Finfish regulations to include a new section on Cobia (Rachycentron canadum).Public Hearing: Striped Bass Spawning Season and Area Restrictions
The Division of Fish & Wildlife will conduct a public hearing (Docket #2019-R-F-0026) on on February 26, 2020, on proposed revisions to the regulations governing Striped Bass Spawning Seasons and Area Restrictions.Shellfish Aquaculture
The Division of Fish and Wildlife makes acreage in the Inland Bays available for leases for shellfish aquaculture.Contact Us
Zina Hense Environmental Scientist 302-739-4782
History of the Sport Fishing Tournament
The Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament began in the late 1930s when the Board of Game and Fish Commissioners arranged a fishing contest. They wanted to increase interest in fresh and saltwater hook-and-line fishing in Delaware. Sport Fishing Tournament MenuTournament Sizes
This page lists the minimum weights and lengths for fish to be eligible for the Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament. Information on state records for freshwater and saltwater catches is also available. Sport Fishing Tournament MenuCollectible Lapel Pins
Anglers who make record trophy catches in the Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament are awarded collectible lapel pins to mark their achievements. Sport Fishing Tournament MenuTournament Youth Division
The Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament has added a Youth Division for anglers aged fifteen and younger. There is also a Youth Division of the Live Release Award program. Sport Fishing Tournament MenuLive Release Entry Form
The Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament includes awards for catching and releasing eligible species. The Live Release Award is open to both adult and youth anglers. Sport Fishing Tournament MenuDelaware Sport Fishing Tournament
The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife sponsors the annual Sport Fishing Tournament to promote recreational fishing in Delaware. The tournament recognizes both young and adult anglers for outstanding catches. Sport Fishing Tournament MenuDelaware Sport Fishing Tournament Rules
The following rules apply to the annual Delaware Sport Fishing tournament, including the Youth Division. Sport Fishing Tournament MenuPage: 12 of 2 total pages
