Delaware’s Downstate Pond Trout Season to Open with Youth-Only Day March 7

Tidbury and Newton Ponds Stocked Ahead of Season Opening March 8

Delaware’s 2026 downstate pond trout season opens with a youth-only day for anglers under 16 on March 7, followed by the regular season for all anglers on March 8. (Photo courtesy of Delaware DNREC.)

Delaware’s 2026 downstate pond trout season will kick off with a youth-only opener for anglers under 16 at 7 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, followed by the regular season opening for all anglers a half-hour before sunrise on Sunday, March 8, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) announced.

Fishing on youth opening day will run from 7 a.m. to a half-hour after sunset, with regular season hours extending from a half-hour before sunrise to a half-hour after sunset, unless otherwise restricted by area rules.

Tidbury Pond near Dover in Kent County and Newton Pond near Greenwood in Sussex County will be stocked with rainbow trout for the season, pending pond ice conditions that may affect stocking or fishing. To prepare for the openers, both ponds will be closed to all fishing from Saturday, Feb. 21 through Friday, March 6. This closure allows the fish to acclimate to their new environment and prevents accidental hooking before the season begins.

“This year, all of the trout allocated for Tidbury and Newton ponds will be stocked prior to opening day,” DNREC said. “Each pond will receive more than 300 pounds of 10- to 12-inch rainbow trout and more than 300 pounds of 14- to 17-inch trout. Trophy-sized trout weighing three or more pounds will also be included to add excitement for anglers.”

Anglers fishing Tidbury or Newton ponds should be aware of state rules:

A Delaware fishing license is required unless exempt
A Delaware trout stamp is required through April 1 unless exempt
Daily possession limit is six trout

Funds from trout stamp sales support stocking efforts for the following year, supplemented by federal Sport Fish Restoration funds from anglers purchasing fishing equipment.

Delaware’s upstate trout season will open later, with a youth-only day Saturday, April 4, followed by the regular season on Sunday, April 5.

Fishing licenses and trout stamps can be purchased online or at agents statewide. For more information, visit de.gov/fishinglicense or consult the 2026 Delaware Fishing Guide, available in print at license agents throughout the state.