DNREC Fish & Wildlife stocks trout for fall in White Clay Creek

DNREC Fish & Wildlife stocks trout for fall in White Clay Creek

WHITE CLAY CREEK (Oct. 16, 2014) – The Fisheries Section of the Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife announced today that White Clay Creek has received its annual fall stocking of trout. Fall stockings have occurred at White Clay Creek since 2007.

DNREC Fisheries staff, along with volunteer help, stocked about 1,000 pounds of rainbow trout throughout White Clay Creek at all normal stocking locations from near the border with Pennsylvania downstream to Newark. Volunteers used float boxes to carry about 800 fish weighing about 1.25 pounds each from the truck access points along White Clay Creek, which offers the most public access of any Delaware trout stream.

“The fish looked great! Most were between 12 and 14 inches, and they were all healthy, just a premium stocking of fish,” said Fisheries staff member Mark Zimmerman, who heads up the trout stocking efforts.

Fisheries Administrator John Clark noted that fall stocking is handled with less fanfare than the spring stocking to give anglers a different atmosphere in a mellower season.

“We try to avoid the crowds and hype that often overshadow the spring opener on the first Saturday in April,” Clark said, noting that the stocking schedule is included in the annual Fishing Guide and online but the exact date of the fall delivery is not publicized in advance. “Anglers appear to appreciate this approach, especially when they go to one of their favorite locations, find fish swimming around, and have the stream mostly to themselves.”

“It’s a beautiful time of year to enjoy some peace and quiet and catch some nice fish,” Clark said. “And, since rainbow trout are a coldwater species, fish stocked in the fall should provide action throughout the winter.”

The daily possession limit is six trout per person. In or within 50 feet of the designated fly-fishing-only section, the daily possession limit is four trout.

Delaware’s trout stocking is conducted under the Federal Aid in Sportfish Restoration program administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Trout anglers support the program directly through the purchase of the required trout stamp along with the normal resident or non-resident fishing license. Proceeds from trout stamps go directly towards the purchase of trout from hatcheries.

For most anglers wishing to try their luck at trout fishing, a Delaware fishing license is required. A resident annual fishing license, which covers fresh and tidal waters as well as crabbing and clamming, costs $8.50 for ages 16 through 64. Persons under the age of 16 and residents age 65 and older are not required to purchase fishing licenses in Delaware, although exempt persons may purchase fishing licenses and trout stamps if they so choose to help support fisheries management and trout stocking efforts. For non-resident anglers age 16 and older, a Delaware fishing license costs $20.

In addition to Delaware’s normal fishing license requirements, most trout anglers also must purchase a Delaware Trout Stamp. For residents age 16 through 64, a trout stamp costs $4.20. For residents age 12 through 15, a youth trout stamp costs $2.10. Resident anglers younger than age 12 or age 65 and older are not required to purchase a trout stamp. For non-residents, a trout stamp is required for all anglers age 12 and older and costs $6.20.

Both resident and non-resident anglers age 16 and older are required to obtain a Delaware Fisherman Information Network (F.I.N.) number. The free number is included as part of a Delaware fishing license purchase. License-exempt anglers, including Delaware residents 65 and older, may visit www.delaware-fin.com or call 800-432-9228 toll-free to obtain their free F.I.N. number.

Delaware fishing licenses and trout stamps are sold online, at the licensing office in DNREC’s Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, and by license agents statewide. To find the participating agent nearest you, or to purchase a license online, visit Delaware Licenses. For additional information on Delaware fishing licenses, call 302-739-9918.