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Delaware · Fishing
Smyrna sits in the heart of Delaware's coastal plain, and the fishing around town reflects that geography — slow-moving water, tidal-influenced creeks, and a handful of ponds that punch above their size.
6 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 6 spots
Smyrna sits in the heart of Delaware's coastal plain, and the fishing around town reflects that geography — slow-moving water, tidal-influenced creeks, and a handful of ponds that punch above their size. Blackbird Creek runs right through the area at just 5 feet of elevation, making it a genuinely flat, easy wade or bank-fish with a mix of white perch, yellow perch, channel catfish, and largemouth bass depending on the season. For still-water options, Duck Creek Pond, Log Pond, Garrison's Lake, Lake Como, and Raymond Pool round out the local scene — a solid spread for anglers who want variety without driving far. None of these spots require a boat or advanced skills, and most are accessible to beginners and kids. Spring and fall tend to be the most productive windows across the board, when water temperatures push fish into shallower, more catchable zones. Delaware requires a freshwater fishing license for anyone 16 and older, so sort that out before you go — the state sells them online through the DNREC portal. If you're visiting from out of state, the same license applies to you.
Blackbird Creek holds white perch, yellow perch, channel catfish, and largemouth bass. Perch tend to be the most consistent catch, especially in spring when they move into shallower water. Catfish are more active after dark or in warmer months.
Yes. Delaware requires a freshwater fishing license for anyone 16 and older, regardless of residency. You can purchase one through the Delaware DNREC website before your trip. There is no separate stamp required for the waters listed here.
Lake Como
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near DE.
Blackbird Creek - Smyrna
~12 min drive
Easy
Chesapeake and Delaware Canal - St. Georges
~29 min drive
Moderate
Garrison's Lake
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near DE.
Silver Lake - Dover
~15 min drive
Easy
Duck Creek Pond
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near DE.
Noxontown Pond
~24 min drive
Easy
Huntington Mills Stormwater Pond
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near DE.
Augustine Wildlife Area - Augustine Creek
~35 min drive
Easy
Raymond Pool
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near DE.
Tybouts Corner Pond
~38 min drive
Easy
Fork Branch NP Pond
~12 min drive
A worthwhile stop near DE.
Blackbird Creek is rated easy, and the lake and pond options around Smyrna are similarly beginner-friendly. Bank fishing is viable at most of these spots, and none require a boat. These are good choices for first-timers or families with kids.
Early morning and the hour before sunset are consistently the most productive windows at the local ponds and lakes. On Blackbird Creek, tidal movement also plays a role since the creek has coastal plain influence at low elevation, so an incoming tide can improve activity regardless of time of day.
Yes. Duck Creek Pond, Log Pond, Garrison's Lake, Lake Como, Raymond Pool, and Blackbird Creek all offer bank fishing access. Blackbird Creek at 5 feet of elevation is flat and easy to fish from the shore. A kayak or canoe can help you cover more water on the creek, but it is not necessary.
