Delaware’s 2022 Downstate pond trout season will open for under-16 anglers only at 7 a.m. March 5, followed by the opening of the regular season for all anglers at 7 a.m. the next day, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control said.

Fishing will be allowed both days from 7 a.m. to a half-hour after sunset unless otherwise restricted by area rules. Thereafter, trout fishing will be open from a half-hour before sunrise to a half-hour after sunset unless otherwise restricted.

Both Tidbury Pond, near Dover, and Newton Pond, near Greenwood, will be stocked and open for trout fishing pending ice conditions. COVID-19 guidelines continue to recommend 6 feet of separation from other anglers.

Tidbury and Newton ponds will be closed to fishing Feb. 19-March 4 to accommodate trout stocking, to eliminate incidental hooking of stocked trout and to allow the fish time to adjust to their new waters.

Each pond will be stocked with more than 300 pounds of 12- to 13-inch rainbow trout before opening day, with a second stocking in mid-March. Trophy-sized trout weighing 2 or more pounds will be included.

Trout anglers planning to fish Tidbury or Newton ponds should note the following:

• A Delaware fishing license is required, unless an angler is exempt.
• A Delaware trout stamp is required through April 1, unless an angler is exempt.
• The daily possession limit is six trout.

Proceeds from the purchase of Delaware trout stamps are used to purchase trout for stocking. This fishery is also supported by Sport Fish Restoration Program funds administered by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

Fishing licenses and trout stamps are sold online and by agents statewide. To find a participating agent or to purchase a license online, visit here. For additional information, call 302-739-9918.

Delaware’s trout season in upstate streams will open April 2 with a youth-only day, followed by the opening of the regular season April 3.