Top Delaware Fly Fishing Spots for Trout Enthusiasts with A Twist
Delaware might not be the first state that comes to mind for epic fly fishing. However, this small state boasts diverse waterways, offering opportunities to target trout, bass, and even saltwater species. The truth is, fly fishing in Delaware is a hidden gem for anglers.
The variety of Delaware fly fishing spots provides accessible adventures for both beginners and experienced anglers. You’ll find the experience rewarding.
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Top Delaware Fly Fishing Spots
From freshwater streams to saltwater shores, Delaware’s waters offer excellent fishing. This includes a range of locations.
Beaver Run
Beaver Run, situated in the Brandywine Valley, has a gentle flow. Brown and rainbow trout thrive in these waters. Access it from Route 5 near Harbeson or Route 24 near Millsboro.
The area is stocked, but it also supports a native brook trout population. The land is private property, but public access is granted.
Best Flies for Beaver Run
For this location, consider using nymphs like a size 14 Holy Grail-Tungsten Hare’s Ear. You could also try a size 20 Zebra Midge Red.
Another good option is a size 20 Flashback Pheasant Tail.
Bellevue State Park
Near Wilmington, Bellevue State Park’s ponds are well-stocked. Fish such as bass, sunfish, and trout have been introduced to the park’s various waterways.
It’s known for having good amenities near suburban areas. Easy access, including a stocked, catch-and-release fishing pond surrounded by a fitness track, makes it perfect for beginner fly fishers.
Recommended Flies for Bellevue State Park
Try terrestrials here. Options like a size 16 black beetle could yield good results.
A size 8 Dave’s Hopper in yellow is a fun choice. Similarly, a size 10 Half Chernobyl (tan/yellow) could attract many strikes.
Brandywine Creek
Brandywine Creek provides diverse fishing conditions. The shallow rapids downriver from the North Market Street Bridge can be particularly productive for fly fishing enthusiasts.
It’s regularly stocked with fish. The populations of rainbow and brown trout are very healthy, attracting anglers repeatedly.
Recommended Flies for Brandywine Creek
Start by trying a size 10 Chubby Chernobyl. The size 18 Parachute Humpy Ant offers a different approach if you want to vary your tactics.
Another possibility is a size 8 olive Slump Buster with a cone. This can also be effective, depending on the specific area you’re fishing.
Christina Creek
Located in the Newark and Wilmington areas, Christina Creek blends urban life with the tranquility of fishing. Target large rainbow trout in March and April for the best fishing opportunities.
It’s also home to many smallmouth bass and carp. The creek is known for its diverse fish populations, offering something for every angler.
Best Flies for Christina Creek
Consider using a fly like a size 16 Elk Hair Caddis. Another reliable choice would be a Zebra Midge Black, perhaps around size 16 as well.
You might consider a size 12 Barbless Flashback Hare’s Ear if other methods aren’t successful.
Christina River
Larger than its namesake creek, the Christina River flows through Wilmington. Access points in several city parks make it easy to get on the water. This provides numerous fly fishing opportunities for everyone.
Striped bass, shad, and the occasional weakfish inhabit its tidal sections. The tidal nature of the river adds to the variety of fish species.
Christina River Fly Fishing
The Christina River flows right through Wilmington. It gives fly fishers a cool mix of cold-water and warm-water fish. You might hook a smallmouth bass or panfish. This makes it a good spot for different fishing experiences.
Fly fishing on the Christina River can be really rewarding. But, you need to know a few things first. The river has different sections. Some parts are better for certain fish.
Best Spots and What to Expect
- Upper Reaches: Go upstream for colder water. You’ll find more trout here. Think about using dry flies or nymphs.
- Wilmington Area: Near the city, the water gets warmer. You will likely catch more bass and panfish. Streamers and poppers can work well in this part.
- Tidal Areas: Closer to the Delaware Bay, the river becomes tidal. The water gets brackish. Striped bass sometimes move into these areas. Try bigger flies that look like baitfish.
Choosing the Right Flies
Picking the correct flies is super important for success. For trout, classic dry flies like the Blue-Winged Olive can be effective. Hare’s Ear nymphs are also a solid pick for trout and smallmouth bass. When you are going after bass or panfish, think about using Woolly Buggers. If you see fish feeding on the surface, try a popper. For striped bass in the tidal sections, Clouser Minnows are popular.
A size 2-1/0 Clouser Minnow is a versatile choice, but be sure to include others. The size 8 Slump
Always check the local rules before you start fishing. You might need a special permit. Also, pay attention to catch limits. This helps keep the fish populations healthy for the future.
Henlopen Flats
Located along Delaware Bay, Henlopen Flats offers saltwater fly fishing action. It’s particularly good for striped bass during an outgoing tide, but it offers more than just that.
Striped bass, bluefish, and weakfish are common in the flats. The fishing pier at Cape Henlopen State Park provides anglers with excellent access to these fish.
Best Flies for the Henlopen Flats
For flies, Lefty’s Deceiver in a 2 to 1/0 size is a great choice for many local saltwater fish. If that doesn’t work, the tried-and-true patterns can often save the day.
Consider flies in the Size 4 to 10 range as potential options, too.
Henlopen Flats Fly Fishing
Cape Henlopen State Park is a super popular spot. Many fly fishers go there. It’s near Lewes, Delaware. The park gives you a chance to catch some cool fish. You can find striped bass, bluefish, and even false albacore. They swim in the Atlantic Ocean. This makes it a great saltwater fly fishing spot.
What to Expect at the Flats
The “flats” are shallow areas. You can wade into the water. This lets you get closer to the fish. The water is often clear. But, the wind can pick up. So, casting can be a little tricky some days. It is a good idea to check the weather before you go.
Here’s what you might need:
- Flies: Try Clouser Minnows or Deceivers. These look like the small fish that bigger fish like to eat.
- Rod: An 8 to 10-weight fly rod is a solid choice.
Line: You’ll want a weight-forward floating line. A sinking line can also work well.
Best Time to Go
Spring and fall are awesome times for fly fishing at Cape Henlopen. Fish are moving around more during these seasons. The weather is usually pretty good too. You might catch more fish then. Summer can get busy with tourists. But you can still find some good fishing if you go early or late in the day. Don’t forget to get a Delaware fishing license. You need one before you start fishing. Delaware fly fishing at the Henlopen Flats can be a blast.
Mill Creek
Flowing near Pike Creek Valley, Mill Creek is stocked with trout. This makes it a convenient location, given its easy accessibility.
Located just a short distance from Pike Creek, this stream offers more than just trout. Other fish, such as smallmouth and largemouth bass, make it a more dynamic fishing spot than it might seem.
Best Flies for Mill Creek
Consider trying a size 14 Purple Prince. Alternatively, you could go smaller with a size 18 Copper John for various trout in the creek.
Persimmon Run Creek
A tributary of Brandywine Creek, Persimmon Run Creek offers more seclusion. Its small size is perfect for precise fly presentation for Delaware fly fishing.
It features wild brook trout. This provides an exciting challenge for any angler targeting them.
Recommended Flies for Persimmon Run Creek
Size 14 is a good starting point for flies, using something like a basic Prince Nymph. A slightly smaller option would be the Mercury Midge in size 20.
Pike Creek
In Castle County, Pike Creek offers varied environments. Slower-moving areas, riffles, and pools define it, and these are where most anglers concentrate their efforts.
Pike Creek features various species. From bass to catfish, its diverse fish populations provide a wide range of experiences for visiting anglers.
Recommended Flies for Pike Creek
For Pike Creek fly fishing, consider the size 18 Copper John. Flashback Hare’s Ears around that size can also be highly effective.
Red Clay Creek
Known as a wild trout stream, Red Clay Creek contains self-sustaining trout populations. Both brown and rainbow trout inhabit its waters.
The limestone waters support abundant insect life. Anglers benefit from this ecological richness.
Recommended Flies for Red Clay Creek
When planning to fly fish in this creek, a size 16 Elk Hair Caddis is a popular choice. Or try a size 18 CDC Midge Pupa in red for a different approach.
Another fly to consider is the Barr Emergers. It’s possible that going slightly smaller could yield better results if larger flies aren’t working.
White Clay Creek
White Clay Creek flows through both Delaware and Pennsylvania. It’s known for its abundant aquatic insect life, which sustains its trout populations.
You can fish for both wild and stocked trout populations in these waters. Experience suggests that there might be opportunities for larger fish. However, smaller fish are still plentiful and enjoyable to catch.
Recommended Flies for White Clay Creek
The classic and reliable Purple Prince in a size 14 could be very successful. Also the Copper John should not be dismissed. Keep in mind standard sizes for different times of year, also.
Wilsons Run
Located in White Clay Creek State Park, Wilsons Run is stocked with rainbow and brown trout. You’ll likely find trout hiding in the deeper areas.
Brown trout are also found in the runs. They feed there, providing good targets in those waters.
Recommended Flies for Wilsons Run
A great starting option is a size 10 Glo Bug Red Dot, and a San Juan Worm is a reliable choice when they’re biting. Also use weighted options.
Experiment to find which flies are most effective in the varied water conditions.
Additional Facts about Delaware Fly Fishing Spots
The state features several islands that provide additional fishing opportunities, such as Pea Patch Island in the Delaware River. Fort Delaware State Park is located on it, with shore fishing being a prime option for fly anglers.
Delaware’s fly fishing options are diverse. Anglers of all skill levels will appreciate what this area has to offer. For more variety, North Carolina also has excellent kayak fishing spots worth exploring.
FAQs about Delaware fly fishing spots
Are there wild trout in Delaware?
Yes, several of Delaware’s waterways support thriving wild trout populations. Various streams, like Persimmon Run Creek mentioned in this post, sustain populations of both brown and rainbow trout.
Where is the best place to go fly fishing?
It depends on your preferences. Are you interested in trout, saltwater fish, or other factors? Delaware has a variety of waterways to suit different needs.
Choose locations based on your preferred type of fishing and environment. Many of the areas highlighted here offer excellent fly fishing opportunities.
What is the fly fishing capital of the United States?
The area around West Yellowstone in Montana is often considered the fly fishing capital. However, many regions across the US offer abundant opportunities. Fly fishing can provide a memorable trip that leads to experiences beyond fishing, as fly fishing offers anglers so much.
What is the trout limit in Delaware?
Four trout can be kept daily from many waters between the first Saturday of April and October. The limit then increases to six per day.
Be sure to thoroughly research the specific regulations for the body of water you plan to fish. The state website has critical fishing license information.
Conclusion of Delaware Fly Fishing
From flowing creeks to oceanside flats, Delaware offers fly fishing opportunities for almost everyone. There’s a lot to discover.
Whether it’s casting dry flies to wild trout or exploring tidal waters for striped bass, the options are varied. Planning an adventure to explore Delaware fly fishing spots is a very approachable endeavor.
