Trout being stocked last year for the 2020 downstate pond trout season. Only Newton Pond near Greenwood will have trout stocked this year.

Anglers Encouraged to Practice Responsible Social Distancing;
Newton Pond Closed for All Angling Feb. 23 Through 27 Until Opening

Delaware’s 2021 downstate pond trout season will open early to minimize opening day crowds and accommodate responsible outdoor recreation during the current coronavirus (COVID-19) period. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s plans are subject to change based on health and safety considerations, and any further restrictions or changes to the season will be announced. Anglers are encouraged to practice social distancing while fishing, which is currently six feet from other individuals, approximately the length of some fishing rods.

Only Newton Pond near Greenwood in Sussex County will be stocked with trout, where the trout fishing season will open several days earlier than previously scheduled, provided pond ice conditions do not prevent stocking or fishing. Trout fishing will be allowed for only youth anglers under age 16 on Sunday, Feb. 28 , followed by the opening of the regular trout season for all anglers on Monday, March 1, with fishing allowed both days from 7 a.m. to one half-hour after sunset unless otherwise restricted by area rules. Adults accompanying youth anglers on Feb. 28 are not allowed to fish that day.

To improve trout fishing for when the season opens, Newton Pond is closed to all fishing Tuesday, Feb. 23 through Saturday, Feb. 27 to accommodate trout stocking, eliminate incidental hooking of trout and allow stocked trout time to adjust to their new waters.

Newton Pond will be stocked with more than 400 pounds of 12- to 13-inch rainbow trout before opening day, with additional stockings scheduled for the weeks of March 8 and 15. Trophy-sized trout weighing two or more pounds will also be stocked as an added attraction for trout anglers.

Trout anglers planning to fish Newton Pond should note the following rules and regulations:

• A Delaware fishing license is required, unless an angler is exempt.
• A Delaware trout stamp is required through April 1, unless an angler is exempt.
• Following the 7 a.m. start on the special youth-only day and on opening day, trout fishing at these ponds is open one half-hour before sunrise to one half-hour after sunset, unless otherwise restricted by area rules.
• The daily possession limit is six trout.

Proceeds from the purchase of Delaware trout stamps are used to help purchase next year’s trout for stocking. This popular fishery is also supported by federal Sport Fish Restoration funds administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that are generated from anglers purchasing fishing equipment.

Delaware fishing licenses and trout stamps are sold online at de.gov/fishinglicense and by license agents statewide, listed online at de.gov/LicenseAgents. For additional information on Delaware fishing licenses, call the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife licensing office at 302-739-9918. Additional trout fishing information is available at de.gov/trout. Information on fishing in Delaware is available in the Delaware Fishing Guide or by calling the Fisheries Section at 302-739-9914.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities, and educates Delawareans about the environment. The 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 nearly 65,000 acres of public land. For more information, visit the website and connect with DNREC on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Joanna Wilson, joanna.wilson@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov

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SMYRNA – Visitors of all ages are invited to learn all about fishing at the Go Fish Delaware! Family Fishing Festival to be held, rain or shine, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 12, at the Aquatic Resources Education Center, a DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife facility located off Route 9 east of Smyrna. Admission is free and open to the public.

This free event aims to show kids and adults how much fun fishing can be and to encourage them to take up the sport as a regular outdoor activity. The festival will include basic fishing instruction for kids at the center’s two catch and release fishing ponds, as well as introductory lessons in fresh water fishing, fly fishing, surf fishing, and bass fishing for adult beginners who would like to learn the basics.

In addition to fishing, the center will offer children’s activities and crafts, a touch tank, traditional net making demonstrations, salt marsh tours on the center’s 940-foot boardwalk trail, and tours of the new building with aquariums and aquatic-themed exhibits. Visitors will find information about rain gardens and local wildlife at the outdoor Bayshore Byway interpretive area, and they can walk along an interpretive trail featuring natural and cultural history of the area.

Food vendors will be available onsite, or visitors are welcome to pack a lunch to enjoy outdoors.

Individuals age 16 and older who are not license exempt who wish to fish at the festival must have a current Delaware fishing license and a Delaware Fisherman Information Network (FIN) number. The free FIN 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.

A resident annual Delaware recreational fishing license costs $8.50 for ages 16 through 64. Delaware fishing licenses are sold online, at the licensing office in DNREC’s Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, and by license agents statewide. To find a participating agent, or to purchase a license online, visit Delaware Licenses. For more information on Delaware fishing licenses, call 302-739-9918.

For more information on fishing in Delaware, click on the 2018 Delaware Fishing Guide. The guide also is available in printed form at DNREC’s Dover licensing office, and from license agents throughout the state.

The Aquatic Resources Education Center is located east of Smyrna at 2520 Lighthouse Road, which is off Route 9 just north of Woodland Beach. For more information, visit www.de.gov/takf, or email mary.rivera@delaware.gov.

Contact: Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 48, No. 100