by STEVEN M. KENDUS | MARCH 14, 2021 – To minimize crowds typically associated with the opening day of trout season in New Castle County, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced that trout fishing in upstate streams will be allowed only for youth anglers under age 16 on Sunday, March 28 and for all trout anglers starting on Monday, March 29. The season was originally scheduled to open April 3.
Fishing is allowed both days from 7 a.m. to one half-hour after sunset unless otherwise restricted by area rules. Following the 7 a.m. start on the special youth-only day and on opening day, trout fishing in upstate streams is open one half-hour before sunrise to one half-hour after sunset unless otherwise restricted.
Anglers are encouraged to practice social distancing of six feet while fishing. Per DNREC, plans are subject to change based on health and safety considerations.
White Clay, Red Clay, Christina, Pike, and Mill Creeks along with Beaver and Wilson Runs will be stocked prior to the season with thousands of rainbow and brown trout. Stocked streams are closed to all fishing from Sunday, March 14 through Saturday, March 27 to allow for trout stocking and eliminate incidental hooking of trout.
The following trout fishing rules and regulations apply to anglers fishing the upstate trout streams:
- A Delaware fishing license is required, unless an angler is exempt.
- A Delaware trout stamp is required until June 30, unless an angler is exempt.
- Following the 7 a.m. start on the special youth-only day and on opening day, trout fishing at these streams is open one half-hour before sunrise to one half-hour after sunset unless otherwise restricted by area rules.
- The daily possession limit is six trout, except inside or within 50 feet of the designated fly-fishing-only section of White Clay Creek where the daily possession limit is four trout.