Are you a fishing fan who’s looking for the perfect spot to spend your weekend? Look no further! Delaware is home to some of the best bass fishing locations in the country, so let’s take a tour and see what there is to offer. From pristine rivers and creeks, to peaceful ponds tucked away in forests, here are our top picks for finding big bass eater-worthy bites in The First State.
Best Bass Fishing Locations in Delaware
Delaware offers a plethora of fishing opportunities for anglers, and bass fishing is no exception. Here are some of the best bass fishing locations in Delaware, complete with details on each location and the fish species commonly found there.
Lums Pond State Park
Lums Pond State Park is located in New Castle County and spans over 1,790 acres. The park’s centrepiece is the 200-acre pond, the largest freshwater body in Delaware. It was created when St. Georges Creek was dammed in the early 1800s to power a local mill. Today, it serves as a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts. The park features several fishing piers, boat rentals, and shoreline access, making it a perfect spot for anglers of all levels. In addition to fishing, the park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and camping facilities.
Fish species commonly found at Lums Pond State Park:
- Largemouth Bass - Bluegill - Crappie - Catfish - Pickerel
Noxontown Lake
Noxontown Lake, also known as Noxontown Pond, is located in New Castle County near Middletown. This 158-acre impoundment boasts a healthy fish population and is a hot spot for bass fishing in Delaware. The lake was created in the 1700s to provide water power for a gristmill, and remnants of the old mill can still be seen today. Noxontown Lake is surrounded by beautiful forests and wetlands, offering a serene environment for anglers. The lake has a boat launch for easy access, and shoreline fishing is available in some areas.
Fish species commonly found at Noxontown Lake:
- Largemouth Bass - Smallmouth Bass - Bluegill - Crappie - Yellow Perch
Trap Pond State Park
Trap Pond State Park is situated in Sussex County and covers 3,653 acres. The park is home to the 90-acre Trap Pond, which was formed in the late 1700s when a millpond was constructed to power a sawmill. The park is known for its beautiful bald cypress trees and diverse wildlife, making it an excellent location for bass fishing. Trap Pond State Park offers boat rentals, a boat launch, and fishing piers for anglers to enjoy. Additionally, the park features hiking trails, picnic areas, and camping facilities, providing a well-rounded outdoor experience.
Fish species commonly found at Trap Pond State Park:
- Largemouth Bass - Bluegill - Crappie - Chain Pickerel - Yellow Perch
Killens Pond State Park
Located in Kent County, Killens Pond State Park spans 1,443 acres and features a 66-acre millpond. Created in the late 1700s, Killens Pond was once used to power a sawmill and gristmill. Today, the park offers a variety of recreational activities, including excellent bass fishing opportunities. The park provides multiple fishing piers, boat rentals, and shoreline access for anglers. In addition to fishing, visitors can enjoy hiking trails, picnic areas, a water park, and camping facilities at Killens Pond State Park.
Fish species commonly found at Killens Pond State Park:
- Largemouth Bass - Bluegill - Crappie - Catfish - Chain Pickerel
Silver Lake (Dover)
Silver Lake, located in the heart of Dover, is a 182-acre reservoir that provides anglers with a convenient and productive bass fishing spot. The lake was created in the early 1900s as a water supply for the city and has since become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The lake is surrounded by Silver Lake Park, which features walking paths, picnic areas, and playgrounds. Anglers can take advantage of shoreline fishing opportunities or launch a boat at the public boat ramp. The lake’s diverse habitat and structure make it an appealing location for bass anglers.
Fish species commonly found at Silver Lake:
- Largemouth Bass - Smallmouth Bass - Bluegill - Crappie - Yellow Perch
Becks Pond
Becks Pond is a 25-acre impoundment located in New Castle County near Newark. The pond was constructed in the early 1800s to provide water power for a local gristmill. Surrounded by beautiful woodlands and wetlands, Becks Pond offers a peaceful setting for anglers. The pond has a fishing pier and shoreline access points, making it an ideal spot for bass fishing enthusiasts.
Fish species commonly found at Becks Pond:
- Largemouth Bass - Bluegill - Crappie - Catfish - Yellow Perch
Haven Lake
Haven Lake is a 69-acre impoundment located in Kent County near Milford. The lake was created in the early 1900s by damming the Mispillion River to provide water for a nearby mill. Today, Haven Lake is a popular destination for bass anglers, offering a variety of fish habitats, including submerged structures and aquatic vegetation. The lake features a boat ramp and limited shoreline access for fishing.
Fish species commonly found at Haven Lake:
- Largemouth Bass - Bluegill - Crappie - Catfish - White Perch
Millsboro Pond
Millsboro Pond is a 101-acre impoundment situated in Sussex County near the town of Millsboro. The pond dates back to the 1700s when it was created to power a local gristmill. Millsboro Pond is known for its healthy bass population and diverse underwater structure, providing excellent opportunities for anglers to hone their skills. The pond has a boat ramp and some shoreline access for fishing.
Fish species commonly found at Millsboro Pond:
- Largemouth Bass - Bluegill - Crappie - Chain Pickerel - Yellow Perch
Hearns Pond
Hearns Pond is a 53-acre impoundment located in Sussex County near Seaford. The pond was created in the early 1900s to provide water power for a nearby mill. With its diverse fish habitat, including submerged structure and aquatic vegetation, Hearns Pond is an excellent location for bass fishing. Anglers can access the pond via a boat ramp and enjoy fishing from the shoreline in designated areas.
Fish species commonly found at Hearns Pond:
- Largemouth Bass - Bluegill - Crappie - Chain Pickerel - White Perch
Waples Pond
Waples Pond is a 50-acre impoundment in Sussex County near Milton. The pond was originally created in the 1700s to power a gristmill and has since become a popular spot for bass anglers. Waples Pond features a mix of submerged structure, aquatic vegetation, and open water, providing various fishing opportunities. A boat ramp and limited shoreline access are available for anglers.
Fish species commonly found at Waples Pond:
- Largemouth Bass - Bluegill - Crappie - Chain Pickerel - Yellow Perch
Delaware is a great destination for anyone looking to bass fish. From ponds to lakes, rivers to creeks, the state offers a variety of amazing spots with plenty of fish and beautiful scenery guaranteed to make any fisherman happy! Spend some time here researching the best locales for bass fishing and don’t forget your tackle box!
If you plan it right, you’ll get the catch of a lifetime. Don’t forget to research other destinations as well; there’s plenty of great places across the country that are sure to have perfect bass fishing locations! If you want more information on where to go for your next fishing adventure, make sure to check out our other articles too!
FAQ About Rock Bass
Q1: What is a rock bass?
A1: A rock bass, Ambloplites rupestris, is a freshwater fish native to North America. It belongs to the sunfish family and is commonly found in lakes, rivers, and streams with rocky or sandy bottoms.
Q2: How can I identify a rock bass?
A2: Rock bass are small to medium-sized fish, usually measuring 6-10 inches long. They have a deep, compressed body, large mouth, and red eyes. Their coloration varies from olive to dark brown with dark mottling on the sides, and they have spiny dorsal fins that are connected by a soft membrane.
Q3: What do rock bass eat?
A3: Rock bass are opportunistic feeders, primarily consuming small fish, insects, and crustaceans such as crayfish. They are also known to eat small amphibians and mollusks.
Q4: How do rock bass reproduce?
A4: Rock bass reproduce through spawning, which typically occurs between April and June. Males construct nests in shallow water by fanning their tails to create a depression in the substrate. After attracting a female, they release sperm over the eggs she deposits in the nest. Males then guard the nest until the eggs hatch, usually within a week.
Q5: Are rock bass good for fishing?
A5: Rock bass are popular among anglers due to their aggressive nature and willingness to strike at various types of bait and lures. They put up a good fight for their size and are often caught while fishing for other species. Although not considered a prized sport fish, they can still provide an enjoyable fishing experience.
Q6: How do rock bass taste?
A6: Rock bass have a mild, white flesh with a flaky texture. Some people enjoy their taste, while others find them to be a bit bland or muddy. The taste can vary depending on the water quality and habitat where the fish was caught.
Q7: What is the natural habitat of rock bass?
A7: Rock bass prefer slow-moving or still waters with rocky or sandy bottoms. They are commonly found in North America’s lakes, rivers, and streams, particularly in the Great Lakes region and the Mississippi River drainage system.
Q8: Are rock bass an invasive species?
A8: In some areas, rock bass have been introduced outside of their native range, which can negatively impact local ecosystems. They can outcompete native species for food and habitat resources, potentially causing declines in native fish populations. If you catch a rock bass in an area considered invasive, it is recommended to remove them from the water and not release them back into the environment.