Fishing Moores Lake
AKA: Moores Pond
Popular Fish Species Moores Lake, DE
Largemouth Bass Fishing
As a popular bass fishing tournament lake, Moores Lake is well known to locals and anglers in the region as a good bass lake. Both weekend and tournament anglers have been catching bass in good numbers, and fish over 4 pounds are not uncommon. Fishing for largemouth bass can be quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 6 pounds being caught. In Moores Lake, bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Years of careful fisheries management by the Division of Fish and Wildlife has helped to maintain a thriving bass fishery here.
Channel Catfish Fishing
Moores Lake has held a dependable population of channel catfish for many years now. The typical fish are about 2 pounds, with larger ones caught frequently. For weekend anglers, most any rod and reel will work for catching channel catfish, as long as the line is strong enough. For serious catfish enthusiasts, using the right equipment enhances success, especially when you hook one of the big boys. A medium action, to medium-heavy action rod is ideal, in the 6' to 7' range. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits on at least 10-pound line. Use sharp hooks with bait holders on the shank, or circle hooks for live bait. Night fishing for catfish often delivers better results than daytime fishing. Fishing for channel catfish is often most productive around any kind of structure in the area. In Spring channel catfish migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. In early summer look for rocky banks, the bigger the rocks the better. In summer and winter deeper structure is where to look. The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin.
Striped Bass Fishing
Due to their large size, striped bass are a favorite of many locals and fishing guides at Moores Lake. They are plentiful, run in schools and can grow to bragging size. In Spring and Fall work the upper end of the lake where water is flowing into the lake. Look for deeper water in the river channel, as a holding place for stripers. In Summer and Winter, stripers hang out in deeper water during the day Morning often draws the stripers to much shallower water, look for them from the surface down to around the 20-foot range as they feed on shallow-running schools of bait. The lake is filled with plenty of baitfish and sunfish to to keep the fishery thriving. Being successful at fishing for stripers is a matter of locating schools of bait, and the wolf packs of stripers which are likely to be nearby. Fish finders, and forward facing sonar, are a big help in locating these roaming schools. Live bait is very effective here, and stripers can be caught year round.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, white perch and yellow perch at Moores Lake in Delaware.
Moores Lake Fishing Video
Bass and bluegill draw fishing enthusiasts to Moores Lake, which is a 27-acre lake located in the center of Delaware, near Dover. There is less than 2 miles of shoreline, most of which is private property.
Moores Lake, located in Kent County, Delaware, is a hidden gem for fishing enthusiasts seeking a serene fishing experience. Despite its small size, Moores Lake offers a variety of fish species, making it a favorite spot for anglers of all ages and skill levels.
Bass fishing is a popular pursuit at Moores Lake, with both largemouth bass and smallmouth bass inhabiting its waters. The lake's structure, including submerged vegetation, fallen trees, and rocky areas, provides ideal habitats for bass to thrive. Anglers can try various techniques such as casting with artificial lures, using live bait, or working topwater baits to entice strikes from these feisty predators.
Perch, including yellow perch and white perch, are abundant in Moores Lake and provide an excellent opportunity for anglers to enjoy some productive fishing. These panfish species are known for their willingness to bite and offer a delightful angling experience. Anglers can target perch using small jigs, live bait, or spinners. Perch fishing at Moores Lake can be particularly fruitful during the cooler months when they are more active.
Crappie are another popular fish species found in Moores Lake. Both black crappie and white crappie can be targeted by anglers seeking a rewarding crappie fishing experience. Crappie tend to gather around submerged structures, such as brush piles or fallen trees, making them easier to locate. Anglers often use small jigs, minnows, or small crankbaits to entice crappie bites.
Sunfish, including bluegill and pumpkinseed, add to the diverse fishery at Moores Lake. These colorful and lively fish are ideal for introducing young anglers to the joys of fishing. Simple techniques such as using a bobber and worm or small jigs can result in exciting catches and memorable fishing experiences.
Before heading out to Moores Lake, it's important to familiarize yourself with Delaware fishing regulations, including size and bag limits, to ensure the conservation of fish populations. Additionally, make sure to obtain the appropriate fishing license required for fishing in Delaware.
Moores Lake offers a peaceful and enjoyable fishing experience amidst the natural beauty of Delaware. Whether you're targeting bass, perch, crappie, or sunfish, this small lake provides a variety of angling opportunities throughout the year. Whether you're an experienced angler or a beginner, a day spent fishing at Moores Lake is sure to be filled with excitement, relaxation, and the thrill of reeling in some fantastic catches.
Fishing from the bank is limited to the area between the boat launch ramp and the dam, on the eastern end of the lake. Small boats, car-toppers, canoes and kayaks can all be launched at the boat ramp. The primary fish species in the lake includes bass, crappie, sunfish and perch.
Primary fish species residing in Moores Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Moores Lake Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NO
RV Hookups: NO
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: NO
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Moores Lake Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off S State Street, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.
Fishing License
Click here for a Delaware Fishing License.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
No camping nearby.
Moores Lake DE Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Moores Lake
DE Division of Fish & Wildlife
302 739-9914
Fishing lakes in each state.
082624
Moores Lake in Delaware.
DELAWARE
Information about fishing lakes in Delaware
Fishing for bass, crappie, sunfish and perch in central DE.
