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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.

These ponds range in size from approximately one-half to 10 acres. They offer stocked fish, bank or pier fishing, walk-in access, handicap accessibility, and natural settings. Largemouth bass and bluegill are the main fish that anglers will catch, though there are also pumpkinseed, blackcrappie, catfish and chain pickerel in some of the small ponds.

Newton Pond, near Greenwood, is the only small pond where anglers have the opportunity to fish for freshwater trout. It is also the only small pond where anglers will find a launch ramp for car-top boats or canoes. No gas motors are allowed. There is an aluminum, T-shaped fishing pier on the north end of the pond that provides wheelchair access.

Rainbow Trout

There is also handicap access to the Cathy Martin fishing pond located across from the Aquatic Resource Education Center in Smyrna. This pond features an aluminum T-shaped floating fishing pier with hand rail. The remainder of the small ponds overseen by Fish and Wildlife are accessible with a short or moderate walk. All are posted as “Catch and Release” except for the trout at Newton Pond. Barbless hooks are required at all of the ponds.

Fish habitat in these ponds has been enhanced with artificial fish structures. These are made from a variety of materials, from wood pallets to PVC. Many are made from recycled Christmas trees.




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