2/28/2007

February 27, 2007
Volume 37, Number 56
Division of Fish and Wildlife

Contact: Craig Shirey, Fisheries Program Manager, phone: (302) 739-9914
or Melanie Rapp, Public Affairs, phone: (302) 739-9902

Trout Stocking in Two Delaware Ponds Begins March 1; Tidbury Pond near Dover and Blockhouse Pond in Lewes Open Delaware Trout Season

DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife will stock two ponds with rainbow trout beginning Thursday, March 1. Tidbury Pond near Dover and Blockhouse Pond in Lewes will each receive approximately 550 rainbow trout, which average ½ pound each, as well as some 'trophy-sized' rainbow or brown trout, which average about 2 pounds each. The stocking will be repeated on March 15 with an additional 550 rainbow trout stocked in each pond.

“Our pond stocking program is now in its 15th year,” said Craig Shirey, Fisheries program manager. “Hundreds of anglers visit our stocked ponds and streams each spring to enjoy the recreational benefits of angling. It’s part of our natural heritage. We are pleased to again offer this program and encourage anglers of all ages to visit the two ponds beginning March 1.”

The trout program in Delaware is a ‘put-and-take’ program, since the trout are cold water fish and can only survive for a limited time in Delaware’s mild waters. The trout are purchased from trout farms located in neighboring states and are usually caught within a few months.

Anglers over the age of 12 years old are required to obtain a Delaware freshwater fishing license. In addition, a Trout Stamp is required and costs $4.20 for Delaware residents ages 16-65 or a Youth Trout Stamp costs $2.10 for anglers 12-15 years old. Non-residents who fish in Delaware’s fresh waterways must also purchase a license and Trout Stamp at an increased cost. All proceeds from the Trout Stamps are used to purchase next year’s fish for the program. To purchase a fishing license or Trout Stamp online visit, www.fw.delaware.gov and click on “Fisheries Section.” or visit one of the several hundred fishing license agents throughout the state.

Anglers are encouraged to keep the fish they catch, with a daily limit per angler of 6 trout. DNREC’s web site includes Delaware sport fish consumption advisory information. When proper consumption advice is followed, eating fish as part of a healthy diet has been found to provide cardiovascular and other health benefits.

Tidbury Pond is located at Tidbury Creek County Park approximately ½ mile south of Route 10 off State Street Extended. A sign is posted on the east side of State Street Extended at the entrance to the Park. Tidbury Creek County Park is part of Kent County Community Services, Parks Division and is site to a major completed wetland restoration and shoreline habitat planting. Visitors are prohibited from harming any vegetation. Kent County trout stocking is a partnership with Kent County Levy Court since 1992.

Blockhouse Pond is located within the George H. P. Smith Park, part of the City of Lewes’ Parks and Recreation program. The pond is located at DuPont Avenue and Johnson Avenue.

For more information on the program, contact Craig Shirey, Fisheries program manager, at 302-739-9914.

 

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