Delaware: Upstate Trout Season to Open April 6 in Six New Castle County Streams
Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control 03.27.13
Delaware’s spring 2013 upstate trout season will open at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, April 6, the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife announced today. Six designated trout streams in northern New Castle County – White Clay Creek, Christina Creek, Pike Creek, Beaver Run, Wilson Run and Mill Creek – will be stocked and ready with thousands of rainbow and brown trout, including some trophy-sized fish. Trout stocking will continue on a regular weekly basis through Thursday, May 2.
For most anglers wishing to try their luck at trout fishing, a Delaware fishing license is required. A resident annual 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 in Delaware, although exempt persons may purchase fishing licenses and trout stamps if they so choose to help support fisheries management and trout stocking efforts. For non-resident anglers age 16 and older, a Delaware fishing license costs $20.
Both resident and non-resident anglers age 16 and older are required to obtain a Delaware Fisherman Information Network (F.I.N.) 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 F.I.N. number.
In addition to Delaware’s normal fishing license requirements, most trout anglers also must purchase a Delaware Trout Stamp. 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. Resident anglers younger than age 12 or age 65 and older are not required to purchase a trout stamp. For non-residents, a trout stamp is required for all anglers age 12 and older and costs $6.20.
All proceeds from the purchase of Delaware Trout Stamps are used to help purchase next year’s fish. The popular fishery also is supported by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration funds generated from anglers purchasing fishing equipment.
Downstate trout season remains open in Tidbury Pond in Dover and Newton Pond near Greenwood, both of which were stocked in March. Trout are a cold water species and can only survive while water temperatures in the ponds remain cool.
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