Tidal Fishing Regulations

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Last Updated: February 6, 2026

These are some of the regulations that all anglers should be familiar with. For a complete listing refer to the Division’s website or request a copy from the Director’s Office. See the Fishing License Information page for license requirements.

Striped Bass Spawning Season

The spawning season for striped bass in Delaware is considered to begin at 12:01 a.m. on April 1 and continue through midnight on May 31 of each calendar year. It is unlawful for any person to take and retain any striped bass during the spawning season from the Nanticoke River or its tributaries, the Delaware River and its tributaries to the north of a line extending due east beginning at and including the south jetty at the mouth of the C & D Canal, or the C & D Canal or its tributaries. Catch and release only during this season; no harvest is allowed.

Shark Fishing

Anglers are prohibited from landing and keeping prohibited sharks, including Sand Tiger and Sandbar sharks due to their slow reproductive rate and overfishing. To ensure the maximum likelihood of survival, prohibited sharks, as well as highly migratory shark species that are not retained, must be immediately released without removing the fish from the water by cutting the line near the hook or by using a de-hooking device.

When targeting sharks, non-offset carbon or mild steel circle hooks (not stainless steel) are required. This way, if the shark is lost before it is landed, the hook will rust out within a few weeks. For more information on ethical shark fishing and responsible catch-and-release practices, visit the Delaware ethical shark fishing webpage.

American Shad and Hickory Shad

It shall be unlawful for any person to have in possession more than two (2) American Shad and more than ten (10) hickory shad. Additionally, it shall be unlawful for any person to take and reduce to possession any American shad or hickory shad from the Nanticoke River or its tributaries.

River Herring

Both commercial and recreational river herring (blueback herring and alewife) fisheries are closed to harvest.

No person shall fish with any type of net, within 300 feet of any constructed dam or spillway on a tidal water river, stream, canal, ditch, or tributary located in this state.

Summer Flounder

It is unlawful for any person to have in possession any part of a summer flounder that measures less than the current minimum size limit between said part’s two most distant points unless said person also has in possession the head, backbone, and tail intact from which said part was removed.

Electric Lights

Electric lights may be used in tidal waters for recreational fishing with certain restrictions. Call Fisheries at 739-9914 for more information.

Courtesy Docks

Crabbing, fishing or swimming from floating courtesy docks at any Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife boat ramp is prohibited, unless otherwise posted.

Fishing State Wildlife Areas

Licensed fishing in any Division-managed wildlife area pond is prohibited from September 1 through January 31 and during the spring turkey season except as permitted according to area-specific rules established on current area maps. Crabbing or fishing on or from any dike or water control structure or within any impoundment is prohibited at all times.

Two photos showing a young angler holding a striped bass and a shark caught near a boat in Delaware waters. — Different fishing encounters in Delaware waters, highlighting the importance of species identification and responsible handling practices.

Be on the Lookout

Have You Seen a Sturgeon Lately?

Have You Seen a Sturgeon Lately? If you find a dead sturgeon please report it immediately by email, by calling: (302) 735-8663, or scanning the QR code below. Don’t forget to include an exact location and contact information in your message.

Two researchers wearing life vests and gloves holding a large sturgeon on a boat during a permitted research activity. — Researchers safely handle a sturgeon during a permitted scientific study, demonstrating conservation and monitoring efforts that support protected species management.

QR code linking to a sturgeon reporting or survey resource for Delaware waters. — Scan this QR code to report sturgeon sightings or participate in survey efforts that support conservation and monitoring.

Informational graphic explaining recreational fishing data collection in Delaware, including why anglers are surveyed and which fish species are most commonly caught. — This graphic explains how recreational fishing surveys help collect accurate data in Delaware, showing why angler participation matters and how information on species like striped bass, black sea bass, summer flounder, and tautog supports science-based decisions.

Measuring Your Catch

Total Length (TL) means the greatest straight-line length in inches as measured on a fish from the anterior most tip of the jaw or snout to the farthest extremity of the tail with the upper and lower form of the tail squeezed together. Place the fish on a measuring board or stick with the tip of the jaw or snout (the mouth closed) at the end of the instrument. Hold the head down with one hand to keep the fish in place, pinch the upper and lower lobes of the tail together while swiping the tail back and forth across the board. Note the measurement of the longest part of the tail*; that is the “total length.” Keep in mind that fish which barely make the minimum length may shrink after being on ice for an hour or more.

Diagram of a fish showing how to measure fork length and total length from head to tail. — This diagram shows the correct way to measure a fish using fork length and total length, helping anglers follow size limit requirements.