Extra trophy-sized trout to be stocked in upstate streams as DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife celebrates 100^th anniversary

DOVER (April 12, 2011) – Trout fishermen in Delaware’s designated trout streams have been enjoying some great fishing this spring, and with some extra trophy-sized fish slated to be stocked at the end of the month, it’s going to get even better, the Division of Fish and Wildlife announced today.

In the past, most of the stocked fish were 11-inch rainbows and browns that averaged two fish per pound. This year, however, the Division contracted for a larger average size, with most weighing ¾ to a pound each.  A number of “trophy trout” were also stocked just before the season opened on April 2 with some real whoppers to catch the eye of lucky anglers.  The Division has continued its weekly stocking program since late March, with the last scheduled stocking to occur on April 28 to ensure plenty of fish and plenty of opportunities to catch fish throughout the remainder of the spring and into the summer months.

“We’ve been getting a lot of positive feedback this year, mostly due to the size of the fish,” said Fisheries Administrator Craig Shirey.

Today, Shirey announced that anglers will be receiving an added bonus. Since the Division is celebrating its 100-year anniversary during 2011, an extra 100 trophy-sized trout will be spread over the six upstate stream stocking locations late this month. The trout farm will be supplying a mix of rainbow, brook, brown, tiger and golden trout, all in excess of 2 pounds, with some fish in the 3- to 6-pound range.

“The 100^th anniversary is a big deal for us,” said Shirey, “and we want to do something special for the fishermen. This is a great chance for our anglers to take advantage of this special opportunity to catch some truly outstanding fish. Some of these will be in the 20- to 24-inch range or larger, and you just don’t see that size fish. That’s a fish of a lifetime!”

These six streams in northern New Castle County are stocked with trout: White Clay Creek, Christina Creek, Pike Creek, Beaver Run, Wilson Run and Mill Creek. For more information about Delaware’s trout season or to purchase a fishing license or trout stamps, visit www.dnrec.delaware.gov/fw/fisheries, or call the Fisheries section at 302-739-9914.

Vol. 41, No. 148