Mcginnis Pond Fishing Spot

• Last Modified By: vinny60 on 09/22/09 10:37 AM
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This relatively small pond has had a long history of providing excellent bass fishing. Recent heavy development within the watershed has undoubtedly impacted water quality but bass numbers remain high. The dominant size group was fish over 15 inches although good numbers of fish from 8 to 15 inches were also present. Of concern was the low number of smaller fish. Average weights were good for all size groups and growth was rapid, well above the state average. Bluegill were also abundant in McGinnis Pond and exhibited a good size range. Excellent average weights and rapid growth were observed. A high proportion of the fish were in larger size groups (over 8 inches), providing great action for anglers. Black crappie were moderately abundant with larger fish most common. Growth of black crappie was better than most other ponds in Delaware. Some fish well over citation size (1 pound, or 12 inch for the Live Release program) were observed. Yellow perch and chain pickerel have decreased in abundance in recent years but still provide another fishing opportunity, especially in the early spring or during years with ice cover. A wide size range was evident with fish from 5 to 13 inches. White perch have also been taken by anglers but are not common. Occasional gizzard shad and common carp have been evident in recent years but have not become abundant at McGinnis Pond as in many other Kent County ponds. American eel, golden shiner, chain pickerel, and brown bullhead were common throughout the pond. McGinnis Pond is one of Delaware’s deeper ponds and is subject to temperature stratification, e.g., different temperature layers exist within the pond during the summer months. Because the cool bottom layer does not normally circulate to the surface, dissolved oxygen levels remain low in the deepest areas during the summer months. This situation forces fish upward into warmer water than they normally prefer during the summer, so fishing along the bottom may not be effective during the warmest months. Clumps of evergreen trees were placed in the center of the open portion of the pond about 100 yards upstream of the dam to serve as a fish attractor. Although these are fairly old, fish (particularly largemouth bass and large bluegill and crappie) often hold here among the remaining pieces during spring and fall. Shore fishing is available along the face of the dam and provides access to relatively deep water. This area is particularly productive during spring and fall when temperatures may be less stable. However, river herring use the adjacent fish ladder to gain access to the pond during the spring months. It is unlawful to fish within 10 feet of the entrance or exit of a fish ladder or to remove fish from any ladder between March 15 and May 30.