Delaware Fish Facts for The Recreational Angler

Golden Shiners are dark green or olive on top, and the belly is a silvery white.

The sides can be silver in smaller fish, but golden in larger ones.

Illustration by Duane Raver, Jr.

Season	Open Year-Round
Size Limit	No Size Limit
Daily Limit / Person	No Limit
Delaware Range	Statewide
Abundance in Delaware Waters	Abundant
General Habitat and Food Preferences	Golden Shiners are found in ponds and the quietest parts of rivers. They often congregate in spillways below ponds. They feed on algae, vegetable matter, planktonic crustations, and mollusks.
Did You Know?	In Delaware, the Golden Shiner is also known as a "Mill Roach". This name arose when these fish congregated to eat spilled grain that fell into the water long ago when functioning mills graced ponds throughout the State. Golden Shiners are often used as live bait for largemouth bass fishing.
Common Lures and Baits	Golden Shiners can be caught with small artificial flies and small spinners. Bait often includes small dough balls fished under bobbers.
Typical Sizes Caught	Golden Shiners can grow to lengths of 12 inches but are usually much smaller in most Delaware waters.
Citation Minimum Length and Weight	Golden Shiners are not currently eligible for a Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament or Live Release award.
Delaware State Record	Golden Shiners are not currently eligible for an individual Delaware record.

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