Delaware Fish Facts for The Recreational Angler

Rainbow Trout have silvery sides with a horizontal pinkish band that varies in intensity.

The back is bluish to greenish with black spots on the back and sides.

Illustration by Duane Raver, Jr.

Season	Streams open 1st Saturday in April Ponds open 1st Saturday in March
Size Limit	No Size Limit
Daily Limit / Person	6 (All Trout species combined) 4 in fly-fishing only waters
Delaware Range	New Castle County - Christina Creek, White Clay Creek, Pike Creek, Mill Creek, Wilson Run, and Beaver Run Kent County - Tidbury Pond Sussex County - Newton Pond
Abundance in Delaware Waters	Abundant after stocking
General Habitat and Food Preferences	Rainbow Trout prefer clear, cool, well-oxygenated streams. They feed on aquatic and terrestrial insects and small fishes.
Did You Know?	Rainbow Trout are an introduced species to Delaware (meaning they are non-native). Delaware predominantly stocks Rainbow Trout. They are stocked to provide immediate fishing opportunities. Trout is the oldest fish aquaculture industry in North America. The first trout hatchery was started in the 1880s. A group of rainbow trout is a hover. Summer temperatures limit trout survival and reproduction in Delaware waters so stocked fish are meant to be taken, but may be released at the anglers discretion.
Common Lures and Baits	Rainbow Trout can be caught with artificial flies and small spinners. Live bait often includes worms. Other common baits include corn, synthetic baits that are purchased in little jars, and even marshmallows.
Typical Sizes Caught	Stocked Rainbow Trout can measure anywhere between 9 and 26 inches.
Citation Minimum Length and Weight	Live Release Award Adult: 16 inches minimum Youth (age 15 and under): 15 inches minimum Sport Fishing Tournament Award Adult: 2 pounds minimum Youth (age 15 and under): 1.5 pounds minimum Rainbow Trout are eligible for the Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament and Live Release "Trout" awards, but not currently eligible for an individual species award.
Delaware State Record	11 pounds 10 ounces Edwin Wallace 1997 "Trout" is a general category for Delaware records and can be any trout species. Rainbow Trout are not currently eligible for an individual Delaware record.

Delaware's Government