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Welcome to 2026 Delaware Fishing

Cover of the 2026 Delaware Fishing Guide showing an angler fishing at sunrise along a rocky shoreline in Delaware.
The 2026 Delaware Fishing Guide provides official freshwater fishing regulations, licensing information, and season details for anglers fishing in Delaware.

What’s New for 2026

  • New state records for Northern Snakehead, Flathead Catfish, and Golden Tilefish were was established in 2025. See State Record Holders for details.
  • In 2025, Three anglers met the qualifications for “Elite” angler and are named on the Sport Fishing Tournament page. See more information on how to qualify. Give it a shot in 2026.
  • Striped Bass, Cobia, and Spot season, size, and daily limit regulation changes went into effect in 2025. New regulations may be required for several tidal water species in 2026. The electronic version of Delaware’s fishing guide will be updated as changes occur and is available on the
Delaware freshwater fishing regulations webpage.Anglers and boaters should be aware that shellfish aquaculture leasing is underway in Delaware’s Inland Bays. See more information on lease marking.

2026 Free fishing Days!

In celebration of National Fishing and Boating Week, June 6-14, 2026, The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife has designated June 6 and 7 as free fishing days when anyone may fish in Delaware’s waters without a fishing license. Anglers age 16 and older must still obtain a free FIN number to participate in the free fishing days.

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Last Updated: July 15, 2026

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