Fish Consumption Advisories

DNREC and the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) work together to monitor the presence of chemical toxins in the flesh of finfish and shellfish in Delaware waters. They issue periodic fish consumption advisories to guide anglers on the amount of fish they can safely consume. [panel

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2018 Fish Consumption Advisory Information

Delaware fish consumption advisories issued February 20, 2018, by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and the Department of Health and Social Services’ Division of Public Health (DHSS/DPH) show that the concentration of chemical contaminants found in fish caught from Delaware waterways continues to decline, indicating water quality is improving across the

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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. Recreational Fishing

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Public Hearing: Proposed Revisions to the Non-Tidal Finfish Regulations

The DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife will conduct a public hearing (Docket #2019-R-F-0031) on proposed revisions to the Non-Tidal Finfish Regulations to extend the defined Designated Trout Waters on Pike Creek downstream to the bridge at Kirkwood Highway.

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Delaware Trout Stamp Contest Rules

The next Delaware Trout Stamp Art Contest will take place during the week of Aug. 19, 2024 when judges will review the artwork. Contest Rules Summary Here are the basics. Please see the 2024 Stamp Art Contest Artist Agreement and Contest Entry Form for a full set of the

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Delaware’s Trout Stamp Program

The DNREC Freshwater Trout Program is supported by funds derived from the state’s trout stamp program. Anglers fishing for trout have been required to purchase a Delaware Trout Stamp since 1955. Today, fees paid by anglers for trout stamps provide DNREC with an average of $50,000 annually to purchase trout from commercial hatcheries. Stamp revenues

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Winning Trout Stamp Contest Entries

The winning entries for the 2024 edition of the Delaware Trout Stamp Contest were chosen by a panel of five judges who independently evaluated and scored the contest entries in person. The 2024 Delaware Trout Stamp will feature a painting of a rainbow trout by Trevor Dumaw of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Mr. Dumaw received $250

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Bass Tournament Reporting Form

Thank you for reporting on the results of your tournament. Please answer all of the questions below. If a question doesn’t apply to your bass tournament, please enter “N/A” in that field. Please make sure you include your contact information, including phone numbers and e-mail. If you have any questions, please

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Outdoor Enthusiasts

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control offers information and programs for hunters, anglers, bird-watchers, campers, bikers, hikers, swimmers and people who like to lie on their backs in the grass and gaze up at the clouds. Choose Your State Park Alapocas Run State Park

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Boating or Fishing Event Application

A boating/fishing event permit from DNREC’s Fish and Wildlife Natural Resources Police is required for safety reasons when holding an event on the water. Permit Required

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Small Pond Angling

In addition to Delaware’s many state-owned freshwater fishing ponds, there are nine small ponds, most geared toward bank fishing and most managed by the Division of Fish and Wildlife. They are ideal for beginners and youth angling. Find a Small Pond 

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Delaware’s Public Freshwater Fishing Ponds

More than 30 Delaware freshwater lakes and ponds are open for fishing and other recreation. These impoundments, most of them managed by the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife, range in size from five to 189 acres. They support a variety of gamefish. Find full information about each of these ponds using

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Fish Monitoring via Electrofisher

The Division of Fish and Wilfdlife uses electrofishing to safely sample fish populations in a variety of water bodies. Electrofishing is one of the most efficient sampling methods available to fisheries biologists. It uses an electric current to temporarily stun fish. This lets biologists sample and survey fish populations with minimal disturbance and risk to

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Report a Tagged Largemouth Bass

The Division of Fish and Wildlife monitors largemouth bass in Delaware rivers to help maintain a sustainable bass population and provide recreational fishing opportunities. Reports from anglers about the tagged bass they catch are an important part of the effort. Bass are tagged when the Division conducts

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Conservation Access Pass

DNREC’s Conservation Access Pass provides needed funding to help the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife maintain and improve public access, facilities, and wildlife habitat on State Wildlife Areas. [modal text=”Where Can You Get Yours?” title=”Get your Pass online or in person”

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Delaware Fishing Report

The Delaware Fishing Report offers information on when to fish, where to fish, which species are biting, and how to catch them. It is written weekly by veteran Delaware angler Eric Burnley, Sr. Find information on fishing in Delaware on the DNREC Fisheries Section page and in the Delaware Fishing

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Topic: Outdoors and Recreation

Delaware is rich in natural beauty. Its landscape ranges from the rolling hills of New Castle County, through the coastal marshes and river systems of Kent County, to the woodlands and beaches of Sussex County.

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