Delaware’s 2026 upstate stream trout season will open for youth anglers under age 16 at 7 a.m. on Saturday, April 4 – to be followed by the opening of the regular trout season for all anglers a half-hour before sunrise the next day, Sunday, April 5.
Fishing the state’s designated trout streams will be allowed on youth opening day from 7 a.m. to a half-hour after sunset – and allowed from a half-hour before sunrise to a half-hour after sunset thereafter, unless otherwise restricted by area rules.
White Clay Creek, Red Clay Creek, Christina Creek, Pike Creek, Beaver Run, Wilson Run and Mill Creek all will be stocked prior to the season with thousands of rainbow trout. Trout stocking is planned to continue weekly at White Clay Creek and periodically at the other upstate streams throughout the month of April. A reminder that downstate pond trout action is already underway in Delaware (Newton Pond near Greenwood).
A Delaware fishing license is required (for ages 16 65) along with a trout stamp; learn more at the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) website.
