Learn to Fly-Fish in Delaware: Free Lessons & Trout Fishing Opportunities
Fly-fishing is more than just a sport—it’s a peaceful, skillful connection with nature that anyone can learn. In Delaware, anglers aged 16 and up can now join a free, two-part fly-fishing class taught by seasoned local experts from the White Clay Fly Fishers Club. The best part? No experience—or even equipment—is required.
Here’s everything you need to know to get started.
🎣 Free Fly-Fishing Lessons for Adults in Smyrna
-
Where: Aquatic Resources Education Center, 2520 Lighthouse Road, Smyrna, DE 19977
-
When: September 20 & 27, 2025
-
Cost: Free (pre-registration required)
-
Equipment: Bring your own fly rod if you have one. Loaners available on site.
-
Instructor: Members of the White Clay Fly Fishers Club
-
To Register: Email Pearlie Franklin with your name and number of participants
-
Contact: Taylor Border, Aquatic Education Programs Manager – (302) 735-8689
This is a hands-on, two-day class. You’ll learn the fundamentals of casting, gear, techniques, and get plenty of practice in a relaxed, supportive environment.
🪪 Licensing Requirements
To participate, most anglers age 16 and older must have a current Delaware fishing license. Delaware residents aged 65+ and other license-exempt individuals still need to obtain a free FIN (Fisherman Information Network) number.
You can get your fishing license or FIN number online at de.gov/fishinglicense or from authorized license agents across the state.
🐟 Trout Fishing in Delaware: Where & How
Delaware’s freshwater trout program offers year-round fishing excitement. Managed by the Division of Fish & Wildlife, this put-and-take fishery stocks rainbow, brown, and brook trout in both streams and ponds. These fish are not expected to survive through the summer, so anglers are encouraged to keep their catch within legal limits.
📍 Stocked Trout Streams (Northern New Castle County)
Respect private land access and follow all posted rules. Some areas are designated fly-fishing only.
-
White Clay Creek: PA line to downstream of Paper Mill Rd (restricted fly-fishing section: 25 yards above Thompson Bridge to PA state line)
-
Mill Creek: Brackenville Rd to Route 7
-
Pike Creek: Route 72 to Henderson Rd
-
Christina Creek: MD state line through Rittenhouse Park
-
Beaver Run: PA line to Brandywine River
-
Wilson Run: Route 72 through Brandywine Creek State Park
-
Red Clay Creek: PA line to Auburn Valley State Park (restricted fly-fishing section: Yorklyn Rd downstream to Creek Rd)
🎯 Trout Fishing Rules & Daily Limits
-
Streams: 6 trout per day (except restricted streams, which allow 4)
-
Fly-fishing only streams: Use artificial flies with single-pointed hooks only
-
No bait, spinners, spoons, or plugs in restricted areas
-
Fishing allowed: 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset
-
Youth Day: Youth-only fishing opens the Saturday before regular opening day
Once an angler catches the daily limit, they must stop fishing in designated trout streams for the rest of the day.
💵 Licensing & Trout Stamp Fees
| Category | License Fee | Trout Stamp |
|---|---|---|
| DE Resident (16–64) | $8.50 | $4.20 |
| DE Youth (12–15) | N/A | $2.10 |
| Non-Resident (16+) | $20/year or $12.50/7 days | $6.20 |
| DE Resident 65+ | License-exempt (get a FIN) | N/A |
Licenses and stamps can be purchased online, at DNREC’s licensing desk in Dover, or from approved agents.
🧊 Trout Stocking in Delaware Ponds
For anglers further south or in central Delaware, Tidbury Pond (Kent County) and Newton Pond (Sussex County) are stocked twice each March.
These ponds are stocked when water temperatures are low enough to support trout survival. The same licensing and trout stamp rules apply as with streams.
🎨 Bonus: Delaware Trout Stamp Art
Each year, the state hosts aTrout Stamp Art Contest. Winning artwork appears on official stamps and celebrates the vibrant wildlife of Delaware’s waters.
🧵 Final Cast: Why You Should Try Fly-Fishing
Fly-fishing is a mindful, rewarding way to explore Delaware’s natural beauty. With free expert-led classes and accessible stocked streams and ponds, now is the perfect time to cast your first line.
Whether you’re chasing rainbows in White Clay Creek or testing your new skills on a stocked pond, Delaware offers an angling experience you won’t forget.
