The spring 2012 upstate Delaware trout season opens at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, April 7, according to the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife. Six designated trout streams in northern New Castle County will receive stocked rainbow and brown trout; White Clay Creek, Christina Creek, Pike Creek, Beaver Run, Wilson Run and Mill Creek. Weekly trout stocking in Delaware will continue through early May.
In order to fish for trout, anglers must comply with Delaware’s normal fishing license requirements. Most anglers also must also purchase a trout stamp, which costs $4.20 for ages 16 through 64, or a youth stamp, which costs $2.10 for youth anglers ages 12 through 15.
Delaware’s resident annual fishing license covers fresh and tidal waters as well as crabbing and clamming, costs $8.50 for ages 16 through 64. Higher stamp and license prices apply to non-resident anglers. Persons under the age of 16 and residents age 65 and older are not required to purchase fishing licenses in Delaware.
Exempt persons and anyone interested in conservation can purchase fishing licenses and trout stamps if they so choose to help support fisheries management and trout stocking efforts. Proceeds from Delaware trout stamp sales are used to purchase the next year’s hatchery fish.
Tout season remains open in Tidbury Pond in Dover and Newton Pond near Greenwood. Both ponds were stocked in March. In Delaware, stocked trout can only survive while water temperatures in the ponds remain cool.
To purchase a fishing license or stamps or for more information about the trout stocking schedule, visit www.fw.delaware.gov/fisheries, or call the Fisheries section at 302-739-9914.
source: DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife