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Hunting and Fishing in Delaware
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Brandywine Creek State Park
Delaware's first two nature preserves are located within
Brandywine Creek State Park: Tulip Tree Woods, a majestic stand
of 190-year-old tulip poplar, and Freshwater Marsh. An extensive
meadow management program, active bluebird population program,
and variety of habitats make Brandywine Creek State Park an
outstanding place to see wildflowers, songbirds, deer, and other
flora and fauna. Many species of hawks can be seen migrating
over the valley from mid-September to mid-November. Anglers can
fish for small mouth bass, bluegill, and crappie in Brandywine
Creek and for trout in Wilsons Run. (A fishing license and trout
stamp are required, and can be purchased at the park office.)
Canoeing and tubing are popular ways to experience the
Brandywine, too. For information call: (302)577-3534
Cape Henlopen State Park
For those interested in fishing, a quarter-mile long pier
provides convenient access to the Delaware Bay. The bait and
tackle concession at the pier offers fishing supplies and snack
foods, and transportation along the pier is available for people
with disabilities, between April 1st and Oct 31st. For
information call: (302)645-8983
Killens Pond State Park
Natural and recreational opportunities abound at Killens Pond
State Park, centrally located in the heart of Kent County. The
park's centerpiece is the 66-acre millpond which features
boating and fishing. The all new Killens Pond Water Park offers
resort entertainment in a serene, natural setting. Only about an
1� hour drive from either the northern or southern boundary,
Killens Pond makes a perfect home base for exploring the First
State. Open year-round, the park's campground and cozy cabins
are popular retreats no matter what the season. The millpond was
established in the late 1700's. Prior to the pond's creation,
the Murderkill River and surrounding hardwood forest were sites
of several Native American homes and hunting camps. According to
legend, the river's unusual name refers to a local tribe's
massacre of a Dutch trading party at the mouth of the river in
1648. Now a peaceful oasis, Killens Pond became a state park in
1965. The pond is home to largemouth bass, catfish, carp, perch,
crappie, bluegills, and pickerel, all of which await the patient
angler. Exploring by boat is easy, thanks to a convenient boat
launching ramp. For information call (302)284-4526
Lums Pond State Park
Lums Pond State Park is built around the largest freshwater pond
in Delaware. The park features excellent fishing, sports
facilities, hiking trails and more on its 1,757 acres on the
north side of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. Covering 200
acres, Lums Pond itself offers a sandy swimming beach, and boat
rentals provide water-bound recreation in the summer months. A
boat launching ramp and two piers allow easy access to the
water. Before the pond existed, St. Georges Creek flowed through
the hardwood forest and was the site of several Native American
hunting camps. The creek was dammed in the early 1800's when the
C & D canal was built. Water from the pond was used to fill the
locks of the canal and power a small mill. This area was first
used as a state park in 1963. Lums offers some of the best
freshwater fishing in the state. Anglers can chase largemouth
bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish, or pickerel. Striped bass is
stocked periodically, offering fisherman yet another challenge.
Several youth fishing tournaments are held yearly. For
information call: (302)368-6989
White Clay Creek State Park
The lush greenery and sparkling streams of White Clay Creek
State Park offer a refreshing change of pace from the
encroaching urban development of New Castle County. Whether it's
an activity at the Carpenter Recreation Area, a retreat into the
pristine White Clay Creek Preserve, a hike along the peaceful
trails of Possum Hill, or just a few hours of fishing in the
creek, visitors of all ages will enjoy the natural beauty of the
White Clay Valley. White Clay Creek State Park was created in
1968 when the state purchased 24 acres of land. The park has
since grown to almost 2,500 scenic acres in the continuing
effort to preserve and protect the natural resources of the
valley. Located in the park are small ponds that contain
largemouth bass and bluegills. Springtime brings trout fishing
to rocky White Clay Creek, while Millstone and Cattail Ponds
offer year-round fishing for bluegill and crappie and a
catch-and-release program for bass. In addition the White Clay
Creek offers anglers the opportunity to fish for stocked rainbow
and brown trout. The creek is closed, however, to all fishing
two weeks prior to the opening day of the trout season. The
trout fishing season runs from the first Saturday in April thru
June 30th, and from the first Saturday in October thru November
30th. Shotgun and Archery hunting for white-tail deer is open in
certain sections of the park during specific times of the year.
Hunting is from permanent stands. A valid Delaware hunting
license and a State Park hunting permit are required in order to
hunt. Contact the Park Office for additional information. For
information call: (302)368-6900
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