Guide To Popular Panfish Fishing Options In Delaware

All about fishing for sunfish in DE lakes and ponds.

Throughout the state of Delaware you can find waters with populations of sunfish, including bluegill, redear sunfish and yellow perch. Panfish are everywhere in Delaware.

Delaware is an excellent destination for panfish fishing, providing ample opportunities for young anglers to target popular species such as sunfish and perch. Panfish fishing is a great way to introduce kids to the joys of angling, as these fish are abundant, easy to catch, and often found in accessible locations.

Sunfish, including species like bluegill and pumpkinseed, are widely distributed throughout Delaware's ponds, lakes, and rivers. These colorful and feisty fish are known for their willingness to bite and provide young anglers with plenty of action. Sunfish can be caught using basic fishing techniques, such as using small hooks and bait, making them perfect for kids to practice their fishing skills.

Perch, including yellow perch and white perch, are also popular panfish species in Delaware. They can be found in various water bodies across the state and offer a fun and rewarding fishing experience for young anglers. Perch can be caught using small jigs, spinners, or live bait like worms or minnows.

Delaware's ponds and lakes are often well-stocked with panfish populations, providing abundant opportunities for youth fishing. Places like Lums Pond, Garrisons Lake, or Silver Lake are just a few examples of popular fishing destinations where kids can try their luck at catching sunfish and perch.

When introducing kids to panfish fishing, it's important to teach them about proper catch-and-release techniques, fishing regulations, and conservation practices. This ensures the sustainability of fish populations and promotes responsible angling habits.

Panfish fishing in Delaware offers young anglers a chance to develop their fishing skills, enjoy the thrill of reeling in fish, and appreciate the natural beauty of the state's waters. It's an opportunity for families to bond and create lasting memories while nurturing a love for fishing and the great outdoors. So grab a fishing rod, bait up with some worms, and head to Delaware's panfish hotspots for a fun-filled day of youth fishing.

Panfish & Perch Fishing Lakes

Major lakes like Andrews Lake, Becks Pond, Chipman Pond, Concord Pond, Coursey Pond, Garrisons Lake, Griffith Lake, Haven Lake, Hearns Pond, Horsey Pond, Ingrams Pond, Lake Como, Lums Pond, Masseys Mill Pond, McGinnis Pond, Millsboro Pond, Moores Lake, Mud Mill Pond, Records Pond, Silver Lake, Wagamons Pond and Waples Pond all have populations of panfish.

Top Producing Panfish Lures & Bait

Check out the top producing lures and bait for bluegill, redear sunfish, rock bass and warmouth, as well as other smaller sunfish. Click here for the best lures for white bass, yellow bass, white perch and yellow perch.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Delaware State Record Sunfish

The state record bluegill was caught from Diamond Pond.

The state record redear sunfish came out of Diamond Pond.

The state record white perch was caught out of the Indian River.

The state record yellow perch was caught from Red Clay Creek.

One or more species of sunfish populate virtually all warm water streams, ponds and lakes throughout Delaware, and around the world for that matter. They can survive in waters that provide their natural food source of minnows, insects, crustaceans and worms. Their competitive nature amongst themselves, for food, makes them relatively easy to catch.

Panfish are prolific spawners and repopulate the waters as fast as they are harvested. A common problem with panfish fishing is that the waters are under-fished causing panfish to overpopulate. As a result they tend to stay small in size due to lack of food source.

The term "panfish" comprises many species, each called by a variety of names. The bluegill tops the list and is the most common.

Bluegill Fishing Basics Video

The core principles shown in this video will work for most sunfish, perch and other panfish.

Sunfish information in other states.