Fishing Regulations in Delaware
Last updated: 2025-01-01
Regulations shown are approximate and may be outdated. Always check the official Delaware fish and game agency for current regulations.
Visit Official AgencyFishing License
Delaware requires a fishing license for anglers 16 and older. Resident and non-resident annual licenses are available, along with 7-day and 3-day tourist licenses. A trout stamp is required for trout fishing. Separate freshwater and saltwater licenses are available, or a combined license covers both.
Get Your LicenseSpecies Regulations
| Species | Bag Limit | Size Limit | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| largemouth-bass | 5 per day | 12.5 inches minimum | Year-round | Delaware regulations are managed by DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife. Always check the current Delaware Fishing Guide for the most up-to-date rules and limits. |
| channel-catfish | 10 per day | No minimum | Year-round | |
| bluegill | 25 per day | No minimum | Year-round | |
| crappie | 25 per day | No minimum | Year-round | |
| striped-bass | 2 per day (varies by season) | 20 inches minimum | April 1 through December 31 (varies) | |
| flounder | 4 per day | 19 inches minimum | January 1 through December 31 | |
| redfish | 1 per day | 20-27 inches slot limit | Year-round |
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: 12.5 inches minimum
Season: Year-round
Notes: Delaware regulations are managed by DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife. Always check the current Delaware Fishing Guide for the most up-to-date rules and limits.
Bag Limit: 10 per day
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 25 per day
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 25 per day
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 2 per day (varies by season)
Size Limit: 20 inches minimum
Season: April 1 through December 31 (varies)
Bag Limit: 4 per day
Size Limit: 19 inches minimum
Season: January 1 through December 31
Bag Limit: 1 per day
Size Limit: 20-27 inches slot limit
Season: Year-round
Top Fishing Waters
Lums Pond
lakeSpecies: largemouth-bass, channel-catfish, bluegill, crappie
Delaware Bay
baySpecies: striped-bass, flounder, redfish
Indian River Bay
baySpecies: flounder, redfish, striped-bass
State Records
| Species | Weight | Year | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| largemouth-bass | 10 lbs 7 oz | 2000 | Andrews Lake |
| channel-catfish | 20 lbs 2 oz | 1996 | Becks Pond |
| striped-bass | 56 lbs 4 oz | 2014 | Delaware Bay |
| flounder | 17 lbs 4 oz | 1975 | Indian River Inlet |
| bluegill | 2 lbs 14 oz | 1986 | Killens Pond |
| crappie | 4 lbs 2 oz | 2014 | Becks Pond |