Delaware
Fishing

A resident fishing license in Delaware costs $9 a year and a non-resident license $20, as of May 2026. This guide lists 4 top species (Striped bass, Flounder, Largemouth bass, Channel catfish) and 3 notable waters, led by Delaware Bay and Trap Pond. Delaware has saltwater access and no notable wild trout fishery; it earns a C grade here, shared with 2 other states.

Delaware is the smallest state in the union and its fishing reflects that geography. Striped bass fishing in Delaware Bay is the primary draw — spring migrations bring large fish into the bay and the Delaware River. Flounder fishing in the coastal bays is solid from May through September. Largemouth bass fishing in the freshwater ponds and impoundments across Sussex County is accessible and underrated.

The Chesapeake and Delaware Canal connects the bay systems and produces good fishing for multiple species. Offshore access from Indian River Inlet puts anglers on tuna, mahi-mahi, and white marlin during summer.

Resident licenses cost $9, among the lowest in the country. If you move to Delaware, that affordability is real. The state is so small that you can be in the ocean, the bay, the canal, or a freshwater pond within 30 minutes from almost anywhere. It is not a destination fishing state, but the combination of access, species variety, and minimal licensing cost makes it a solid value for a casual to moderate angler.

Delaware has the lowest fishing license cost in the US ($8.50 resident). Delaware Bay provides excellent striped bass and flounder fishing. The state is small but has coastal access year-round.

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