In addition to the 37 state-owned ponds listed in the Delaware Fishing Guide, the Division of Fish & Wildlife manages an additional nine small ponds, most of them geared toward bank fishing. The ponds range in size from approximately 1/2 to 8 acres. Largemouth bass and bluegill are the predominant fish that anglers will catch, although crappie, catfish and chain pickerel are species that also can be caught in some of the small ponds.
One of the small ponds, Newton Pond, near Greenwood, will also be stocked with trout in 2009. (Click here for directions to the pond.) Newton Pond is also the only small pond where anglers will find a launch ramp for car-top boats or canoes; no gas motors are allowed. An aluminum T-shaped fishing pier was constructed on the north end of the pond that provides wheelchair access.
A second small pond that provides handicapped access is located across from the Aquatic Resource Education Center in Smyrna. Here there is an aluminum T-shaped floating fishing pier with hand rail. The rest of the small ponds overseen by Fish & Wildlife are accessible with a moderate walk. All are posted as "Catch and Release" except for the trout at Newton Pond. Barbless hooks are required at most of the ponds and recommended for use at all of them.
Artificial fish structures are used to enhance fish habitat in the small ponds. A variety of materials from wood pallets to PVC has been utilized but recycled Christmas trees make up the majority of the structures. This year, more than 100 trees were distributed among five of the ponds.
Artificial habitat serves as fish attractors and provides both cover and structure. If you haven’t had the opportunity to fish sunken trees, a carefully placed lure may catch a lunker such as the 4-lb. bass collected last fall by electrofishing - as were the big crappie taken from a small pond and displayed in the photo alongside by F&W fisheries technician Eric Cottman.
Specific information about each pond can be found in the Delaware Small Ponds Fishing brochure. It contains a map that provides detailed directions, a description of each pond, and the types of fish that anglers can expect to catch. A printed copy of the brochure may also be obtained by calling 302-653-2887, ext 110.
