NEWARK – DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife announced today the annual fall trout stocking for White Clay Creek – a DNREC practice since 2007 allowing anglers an opportunity to do some fall fishing in a mellow sporting season. “It’s a beautiful time of year to enjoy some peace and quiet and catch some nice fish,” said Fisheries Section Administrator John Clark. “And, since rainbow trout are a cold water species, fish stocked in the fall should provide action throughout the fall and winter.”
Fisheries staff and volunteers stocked trout totaling about 1,000 pounds, including 700 pounds of 12- to 13-inch rainbows, throughout White Clay Creek near the Pennsylvania border downstream to Newark. Also included this year in White Clay Creek, which offers the most public access of any Delaware trout stream, were 100 pounds each of brown, brook, and golden rainbow trout.
The daily possession limit is six trout per person. When fishing in or within 50 feet of the designated fly-fishing-only section, the daily possession limit is four trout.
Delaware’s trout stocking is conducted under the Federal Aid in Sportfish Restoration program administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Trout anglers support the program directly through the purchase of the required trout stamp along with the regular resident or non-resident fishing license. All proceeds from the purchase of Delaware Trout Stamps go directly towards the purchase of trout from hatcheries.
A Delaware fishing license is required for most anglers wishing to try their luck at trout fishing. A resident annual recreational fishing license, which covers fresh and tidal waters as well as crabbing and clamming, costs $8.50 for ages 16 through 64. Persons under the age of 16 and residents age 65 and older are not required to purchase fishing licenses or trout stamps, although exempt persons may do so if they so choose to help support fisheries management and trout stocking efforts. For non-resident anglers age 16 and older, an annual fishing license costs $20.
Both resident and non-resident anglers age 16 and older also are required to obtain a Delaware Fisherman Information Network (FIN) number. The free number is included as part of a Delaware fishing license purchase. License-exempt anglers, including Delaware residents 65 and older, may visit www.delaware-fin.com or call 800-432-9228 toll-free to obtain their free FIN number.
In addition to Delaware’s normal fishing license requirements, most trout anglers must purchase a Delaware Trout Stamp to fish in designated trout streams including White Clay Creek from Oct. 7 to Nov. 30. For residents age 16 through 64, a trout stamp costs $4.20. For residents age 12 through 15, a youth trout stamp costs $2.10. For non-residents, a trout stamp is required for all anglers age 12 and older and costs $6.20. Resident anglers younger than age 12 or age 65 and older are not required to purchase a trout stamp.
Delaware fishing licenses are sold online, at the licensing desk in DNREC’s Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901, and by license agents statewide. To find a participating agent, or to purchase a license online, visit Delaware Licenses. For additional information on Delaware fishing licenses, call 302-739-9918.
For more information on fishing in Delaware, please see the 2017 Delaware Fishing Guide. The guide also is available in printed form at DNREC’s Dover licensing desk, and from license agents throughout the state.
Follow the Division of Fish & Wildlife on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/DelawareFishWildlife.
Vol. 47, No. 223
Media contact: Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902