Millsboro Pond Fishing Spot

• Last Modified By: vinny60 on 09/22/09 10:41 AM
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The 2002 survey of Millsboro Pond revealed such low fish numbers that some follow-up work was required to confirm the results and diagnose what was troubling the pond’s fish habitat. Recommendations were made to stock largemouth bass, bluegill, and golden shiners to supplement the population and to post signs requesting that adult bass and bluegill be released to allow maximum spawning. Signs were posted at the access areas. About 700 largemouth bass fingerlings (3 inches), 650 adult bluegill (5 inch), and 23 pounds of adult golden shiners were stocked in 2004. The shiners were stocked to provide additional forage. Recent monitoring of the adult fish population revealed that the numbers of largemouth bass and bluegill have increased. Bass catches improved from 9.4 per hour in 2002 to 32.2/hour by 2007. Numbers of bass less than 8 inches (sub-adults) had the most notable increase indicating that bass reproduction was improving and that the stocked fingerlings were surviving. Average weights also showed an improvement. By 2007, the dominant size class was fish over 15 inches. However, schools of bass fry noted in 2007 indicated good reproduction. Average weights were in the middle of the normal range. Bluegill numbers were low but a strong 2004 year class was observed that should result in increased numbers. Redear sunfish were also collected in the pond in 2005 for the first time and appear to have become established. Also known as shellcrackers because of their habit of feeding on snails and mussels, redears collected in 2007 ranged from three to nine inches in length. This is a non-native species that may have been stocked by unknown persons presumably for another sportfish species. It has not been determined if there will be a negative impact on the bluegill and black crappie populations in Delaware’s small ponds from this introduction. (The Division of Fish & Wildlife advises anglers not to stock these fish or any other species in public ponds due to concerns about disease transport and competition between species.) Yellow perch was the most abundant panfish but chain pickerel and pumpkinseed sunfish were also common. Carp have been abundant in this pond for many years and can provide a different type of sport fishing experience. American eel, creek chubsucker, and both brown and yellow bullhead were also noted. This pond is owned by the Town of Millsboro with access provided by the Division of Fish and Wildlife. Special town regulations, including a maximum outboard rating of 5 horsepower, are posted adjacent to the ramp. The abundant submerged stumps and deadfalls can make navigation difficult in much of the pond. It also should be noted that the parking area is very small, with capacity for no more than two or three 3 boat trailers.