Trout Season to Open Weekend of March 7th

February 26, 2026

From the Newsletter of

State Representative Jesse Vanderwende, 35th District

Newton Pond near Greenwood is currently closed to stock trout in advance of Delaware’s 2026 Downstate Pond Trout Season that will open for youth anglers (under age 16) at 7 a.m. on Saturday, March 7th.

The downstate trout season will open for all anglers a half-hour before sunrise on Sunday, March 8th to a half-hour after sunset thereafter, unless otherwise restricted by area rules.

Due to changes with the trout supplier this year, all of the trout allocated for the pond this spring will be stocked before opening day. Newton Pond will be stocked by the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife with more than 300 pounds of 10- to 12-inch rainbow trout, and more than 300 pounds of 14- to 17-inch rainbow trout. Trophy-sized trout weighing three or more pounds will be included in the stocking as an added attraction for trout anglers.

Trout anglers planning to fish in Newton Pond should note the following rules and regulations:

·     A Delaware fishing license is required, unless an angler is exempt

·     A Delaware trout stamp is required through April 1, unless an angler is exempt

·     The daily possession limit is six trout

Delaware fishing licenses and trout stamps are sold online and by license agents statewide. To find a participating agent, or to purchase a license or trout stamp online, visit the de.gov/fishinglicense webpage. Additional information about fishing in Delaware, including license and trout stamp requirements, is available in the 2026 Delaware Fishing Guide. The guide also is available in printed form from license agents throughout the state.

IN PHOTO: Graphic courtesy of Duane Raver Jr. for Delaware DNREC