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Delaware · Fishing
Frankford sits in the heart of Sussex County, and the fishing around it leans heavily toward still water. Little Assawoman Bay is the biggest draw in the area, a shallow coastal bay where anglers target species typical of Delaware's inland bays.
17 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 17 spots
Frankford sits in the heart of Sussex County, and the fishing around it leans heavily toward still water. Little Assawoman Bay is the biggest draw in the area, a shallow coastal bay where anglers target species typical of Delaware's inland bays. Beyond the bay, the options spread out across a collection of ponds and small impoundments: Muddy Neck Pond, Goose Pond, Burnt Swamp, Jay Patch, Tonys Pond, 35 Acre Pond, Sand Dollar Lake, Mulberry Pond, and Sawmill Pond all show up in the local fishing picture. Most of these are quiet, accessible spots that don't require a boat, though having a kayak or canoe opens up more of the shoreline on the larger ones. The fishing here is not trophy-focused in any formal designation sense, but it's consistent and low-pressure compared to the more crowded coastal destinations a few miles east. If you're coming from out of town, the variety of water types within a short drive of Frankford means you can realistically hit two or three spots in a single day without much windshield time.
Yes, anyone 16 or older needs a valid Delaware freshwater or combination fishing license to fish the ponds and impoundments around Frankford. Little Assawoman Bay falls under tidal regulations, so check whether you need a tidal/saltwater endorsement depending on where exactly you're fishing it. Licenses are available through the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife website or at local sporting goods retailers.
Little Assawoman Bay is a brackish tidal water, so you're more likely to encounter species like white perch, striped bass, and blue catfish alongside some seasonal flounder near the inlets. The freshwater ponds around Frankford, including Goose Pond, Muddy Neck Pond, and Sawmill Pond, are better suited for largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish. Matching your tackle to the water type will make a real difference in results.
Little Assawoman Bay
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near DE.
Little Assawoman Bay
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near DE.
Little Assawoman Bay
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near DE.
Little Assawoman Bay
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near DE.
Mulberry Pond
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near DE.
Little Assawoman Bay
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near DE.
Little Assawoman Bay
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near DE.
Muddy Neck Pond
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near DE.
35 Acre Pond
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near DE.
Sawmill Pond
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near DE.
Sand Dollar Lake
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near DE.
Tonys Pond
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near DE.
Lake fishing
Frankford, DE
Lake fishing
Frankford, DE
Lake fishing
Frankford, DE
Lake fishing
Frankford, DE
Lake fishing
Frankford, DE
Lake fishing
Frankford, DE
Lake fishing
Frankford, DE
Lake fishing
Frankford, DE
Lake fishing
Frankford, DE
Lake fishing
Frankford, DE
Lake fishing
Frankford, DE
Lake fishing
Frankford, DE
Early morning and the last two hours before sunset are consistently the most productive windows for bass and panfish in still water. During summer, midday heat pushes fish deeper and slows surface activity considerably, so arriving at first light is worth the early alarm. In cooler months, midday can actually fish well as water temperatures rise through the afternoon.
Most of the smaller ponds, including Goose Pond, Tonys Pond, and Mulberry Pond, are fishable from the bank without any watercraft. Little Assawoman Bay has more fishable shoreline access points but a kayak or small jon boat will let you reach areas that shore anglers can't. Check access conditions before you go, as some pond edges can be soft or overgrown depending on the season.
A medium-light spinning rod in the 6 to 7 foot range handles most situations across the ponds and smaller impoundments. For the freshwater spots, soft plastic worms, small jigs, and live nightcrawlers cover the main species you'll encounter. If you're heading to Little Assawoman Bay, bring a slightly heavier setup and add some bucktail jigs or cut bait options for the white perch and catfish that move through there.