Best Times & Seasons to Fish in Delaware (Complete Guide)

Delaware offers some of the best fishing on the east coast. Understanding the best seasons and times to fish can greatly impact your success.

The best times to fish in Delaware are early mornings and late evenings in late spring through early fall for striped bass, sea trout, and flounder.

Month	Delaware Fishing Location
January	Lums Pond State Park offers good winter fishing for bass and perch.
February	Broadkill River – Winter fishing for White Perch and Chain Pickerel can be great.
March	White Clay Creek – Anglers can try their luck for stocked Rainbow and Brown Trout.
April	Delaware Bay – Striped Bass start their spring migration.
May	Cape Henlopen State Park offers excellent fishing for Striped Bass and Tautog.
June	Cape Henlopen State Park – This spot offers excellent fishing for Striped Bass and Tautog.
July	Rehoboth Bay – Target flounder and striped bass during this prime summer month.
August	Lewes Beach – Exciting opportunities to catch Bluefish and Weakfish in this coastal spot.
September	Delaware River – Shad fishing heats up, with American shad being a popular target.
October	Trap Pond State Park – Target largemouth bass and crappie.
November	Delaware Bay – Striped Bass return for their fall run.
December	Brandywine Creek – Trout stocking makes this creek a great spot for winter fishing.

In this article, we will discuss the best times and seasons to fish in Delaware. We will also talk about where some of the best fishing in the state is on a month-by-month basis.

Best Times: Creeks/Rivers to Fly Fish in Delaware

Brandywine Creek (March to May and September to November) – Targeted fish: Smallmouth Bass, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout.

White Clay Creek (March to May and September to November) – Targeted fish: Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout.

Broadkill River (March to May and September to November) – Targeted fish: Striped Bass, Red Drum.

Red Clay Creek (March to May and September to November) – Targeted fish: Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout.

Christina River (March to May and September to November) – Targeted fish: Striped Bass, Smallmouth Bass.

St. Jones River (March to May and September to November) – Targeted fish: Striped Bass, White Perch.

Mispillion River (March to May and September to November) – Targeted fish: Striped Bass, White Perch.

Murderkill River (March to May and September to November) – Targeted fish: Striped Bass, White Perch.

Pocomoke River (March to May and September to November) – Targeted fish: Largemouth Bass, Chain Pickerel.

Nanticoke River (March to May and September to November) – Targeted fish: Striped Bass, White Perch.

Leipsic River (March to May and September to November) – Targeted fish: Striped Bass, White Perch.

Blackbird Creek (March to May and September to November) – Targeted fish: White Perch, Yellow Perch.

Augustine Creek (March to May and September to November) – Targeted fish: Striped Bass, White Perch.

Smyrna River (March to May and September to November) – Targeted fish: Striped Bass, White Perch.

Indian River (March to May and September to November) – Targeted fish: Striped Bass, Flounder.

Best Times: Saltwater Fishing in Delaware

Cape Henlopen State Park (April to November) – Targeted fish: Striped Bass, Bluefish, Flounder.

Indian River Inlet (April to November) – Targeted fish: Striped Bass, Bluefish, Tautog.

Lewes Beach (April to November) – Targeted fish: Striped Bass, Bluefish, Flounder.

Rehoboth Beach (April to November) – Targeted fish: Striped Bass, Bluefish, Flounder.

Delaware Bay (April to November) – Targeted fish: Striped Bass, Bluefish, Weakfish.

Broadkill Beach (April to November) – Targeted fish: Striped Bass, Bluefish, Flounder.

Bowers Beach (April to November) – Targeted fish: Striped Bass, Bluefish, Weakfish.

Prime Hook Beach (April to November) – Targeted fish: Striped Bass, Bluefish, Flounder.

Fowler Beach (April to November) – Targeted fish: Striped Bass, Bluefish, Weakfish.

Slaughter Beach (April to November) – Targeted fish: Striped Bass, Bluefish, Flounder.

Delaware Seashore State Park (April to November) – Targeted fish: Striped Bass, Bluefish, Tautog.

Fenwick Island State Park (April to November) – Targeted fish: Striped Bass, Bluefish, Flounder.

Bethany Beach (April to November) – Targeted fish: Striped Bass, Bluefish, Weakfish.

South Bethany Beach (April to November) – Targeted fish: Striped Bass, Bluefish, Flounder.

Fenwick Island (April to November) – Targeted fish: Striped Bass, Bluefish, Weakfish.

I recommend this Penn Pursuit Spinning Rod & Reel combo (available on Amazon) for inshore and nearshore fishing. It can handle everything from redfish to snapper and king mackerel. The Penn Battalion Series Spinning Rod and the Penn Battle Spinning Reel are fantastic if you want to create your combo.

Recommended Fishing Guides in Delaware

These Delaware-based charters are some of the best at putting you on great fishing action. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.

Recommended Fishing Charters	Location
Truetolife Outdoors Charters	Lewes, DE
Sea Monkey Charters	Dagsboro, DE
Makai Charters	Rehoboth Beach, DE
Lost Sailor Guide Service	Selbyville, DE
Dorado Loco Charters	Millsboro, DE
Fishing & Crabbing Guide Service	Dagsboro, DE
Savannah Lynn Fishing Charters	Lewes, DE
On Delivery Sportfishing	Lewes, DE
Catterman Adventures	Lewes, DE

Species Seasonal Breakdown

Striped Bass

If you’re looking to catch striped bass in Delaware, the best times are usually in the spring and fall, especially during April, May, October, and November. These fish are most active during early morning and late evening. Great places to fish for striped bass include Delaware Bay, Indian River Inlet, and the Delaware River.

Sea Trout

The best times for Delaware sea trout are usually most active in spring and fall. They tend to bite the most early in the morning and late in the evening. Some of the best places to find sea trout in Delaware include Indian River Inlet, Delaware Bay, and the coastal areas around Rehoboth Beach.

Bluefish

The best time to catch bluefish is usually during the warmer months, from May to September. They tend to bite more often in the early morning and late afternoon. Great places to go bluefish fishing include Delaware Bay, Indian River Inlet, and Cape Henlopen State Park.

Redfish

The best times for Delaware redfish are usually in the warmer months, from June to September. These fish are often most active in the early morning or late evening. Some top spots for finding redfish in Delaware include Delaware Bay, Indian River Inlet, and Rehoboth Bay.

Black Drum

Black drum are most active are during the warmer months, typically May and June. These fish bite most often in the late afternoon and at night. Some top places to look for black drum are Delaware Bay, Indian River Inlet, and Lewes Beach.

King Mackerel

To catch king mackerel in Delaware, your best bet is during summer, usually between June and August. These fish usually bite the most during early morning and late afternoon. Some great places to fish for king mackerel include Delaware Bay, Indian River Inlet, and off the coast near Rehoboth Beach.

American Shad

If you’re after American shad in Delaware, try fishing during spring, especially in April and May. These fish usually bite the best in the early morning or late evening. The Delaware River, Christina River, and Brandywine Creek are great spots to find American shad.

Brown Trout

Brown trout in Delaware are typically most active during the cooler months, usually from late September through November. Early morning and late evening are the best times to fish for them. White Clay Creek, Beaver Run, and Wilson Run are great spots to try.

Brook Trout

The best time is during the cooler months, from September to November. These fish are most likely to bite early in the morning or late in the evening. Some of the best places to fish for brook trout are White Clay Creek, Beaver Run, and Wilson Run, which boast natural brook trout populations.

Rainbow Trout

The best time to fish for rainbow trout is during the cooler months, from October through April. These fish are often most active in the early morning or late evening. The state stocks white Clay Creek, Beaver Run, and Wilson Run for excellent fishing.

Largemouth Bass

If you’re targeting largemouth bass in Delaware, the best months to fish are usually between April and June during their spawning season. These fish are most active during the early morning and late evening hours. As for where to find them, Lums Pond State Park, Noxontown Pond, and Trap Pond State Park

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass are usually most active during the warmer months, from May to September. Bass are active early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Some of the top spots in Delaware for smallmouth bass are Brandywine River, White Clay Creek, and Red Mill Pond.

Yellow Perch

The early spring months, from late February through early April are prime time. Perch are most active during the early morning and late afternoon. Some great spots include the St. Jones River, Silver Lake in Dover, and Lums Pond State Park.

Catfish

The warmer months from May through September are usually great for catfishing. Catfish are most active at night, so plan your fishing trips for the evening. Check out spots like the Delaware River, Lums Pond State Park, and Nanticoke River.

Crappie

Crappie fishing is best during spring, particularly in March and April when these fish spawn. They’re most active around dawn and dusk, so plan to cast your lines during these times. Some top crappie fishing spots include Lums Pond State Park, Becks Pond, and Trap Pond State Park.

Walleye

The prime time to catch walleye is usually during the cooler months, particularly from October to December and from March through early May. They tend to be more active in the early morning and late in the evening. Top locations to try your luck include Millsboro Pond, Lums Pond State Park, and the Delaware River.

Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in New Jersey. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Pennsylvania. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Maryland.

Best Fishing in Delaware on Seasonal Basis

Winter

• First up, make your way to the Delaware Bay. It’s a prime location for targeting Tautog, also known as Blackfish.
• Visit the Indian River Inlet for some exciting striped bass action
• Head over to Lums Pond State Park for winter yellow perch fishing.
• Lastly, don’t forget about Trap Pond State Park. It’s a great spot for fishing for crappie during the winter.

Spring

• The Delaware River offers great springtime fishing for striped bass
• Head over to Cape Henlopen State Park for some awesome flounder fishing.
• Don’t forget about the Brandywine River where you can catch a ton of large smallmouth bass.
• Lastly, visit White Clay Creek. This beautiful creek is home to Rainbow Trout, a prized catch in the spring.

Summer

• First off, head to Delaware Bay, where you can catch some exciting Bluefish.
• Next, visit Indian River Inlet. It’s a prime spot for Summer Flounder are abundant during the summer months.
• Make your way to Lums Pond State Park for some thrilling action. Here, you can target Largemouth Bass.
• Lastly, don’t forget about White Clay Creek. It’s a great place to catch Rainbow Trout, even in the summer.

Fall

• Delaware Bay is a hotspot for catching Striped Bass in the fall.
• Indian River Inlet is a top spot to hook Bluefish. As the weather cools down, they become more active and will put up a great battle.
• Broadkill River in the fall is great for redfish.
• Don’t forget about Rehoboth Bay, where you can target Spotted Seatrout.