Delaware DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife

Delaware DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife conserves and manages Delaware's fish and wildlife resources.

Division of Fish and Wildlife has worked to conserve and manage Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources, provide safe and enjoyable fishing, hunting, and boating opportunities to citizens and visitors, and improve the public’s understanding and interest in the state's fish and wildlife resources through information and outreach programs.

Beneath the surface off Delaware’s coast, entire underwater communities are taking shape.For World Reef Awareness Day, w...
06/01/2026

Beneath the surface off Delaware’s coast, entire underwater communities are taking shape.

For World Reef Awareness Day, we’re highlighting the important role reefs play in supporting marine life—and that includes Delaware’s artificial reefs. Through the Division of Fish and Wildlife Artificial Reef Program, a network of reef sites has been created offshore using specially selected materials that provide habitat for fish, crabs, mussels, and other marine organisms.

Over time, these structures become thriving ecosystems, attracting species like black sea bass, tautog, and summer flounder while also creating exciting opportunities for fishing and diving.

Reefs do more than gather fish in one place. They provide shelter, feeding areas, and surfaces for marine life to grow, helping support biodiversity in Delaware’s coastal waters. As these underwater habitats develop, they become living examples of how marine ecosystems can grow and change over time.

While most people never see these reefs firsthand, there’s an entire world of activity happening below the waves.

📷: DNREC

🚨Attention Michael N. Castle Trail Users🚨Portions of the Michael N. Castle Trail bike trail along the Chesapeake & Delaw...
05/31/2026

🚨Attention Michael N. Castle Trail Users🚨

Portions of the Michael N. Castle Trail bike trail along the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal will be closed for a few days for some construction activities associated with the current dredging project. The closure is expected to start Monday, June 1 and last until Thursday, June 4.

📷: DNREC

Delaware’s Advisory Council on Wildlife & Freshwater Fish will hold a hybrid (in-person and virtual) meeting to discuss ...
05/29/2026

Delaware’s Advisory Council on Wildlife & Freshwater Fish will hold a hybrid (in-person and virtual) meeting to discuss Nominations and Election of Council Officers (Council), Turkey Harvest Updates and Lottery Discussion, Wildlife Management Area Updates: Statewide General Update, New Castle County, Kent County, Sussex County, Public Land Waterfowl Hunter Survey Results and Chronic Wasting Disease Update on Tuesday, June 2 , 2026 at 7 p.m.

For the web link and phone-in number for the meeting, and for more information: dnrec.delaware.gov/events/advisory-council-on-wildlife-and-freshwater-fish-53/

The in-person meeting will be held at the Little Creek Hunter Education Training Center, 3018 Bayside Dr., Dover, DE 19901.

If you have questions about the meeting or for more information on Delaware wildlife, please call DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife - Wildlife Section at 302-739-9912.

📷: Jared Reed

Fishing Report for Thursday, May 28, 2026White perch and catfish are still the main catch from the shore of Delaware Bay...
05/28/2026

Fishing Report for Thursday, May 28, 2026

White perch and catfish are still the main catch from the shore of Delaware Bay and River from Augustine Beach down to Woodland Beach and in tidal creeks up and down the state. Black drum were caught on the Coral Beds and from Broadkill Beach. Broadkill Beach also reported bluefish and striped bass. Large bluefish to 13 lbs. were still being caught in the Broadkill as far upstream as Oyster Rocks. The Cape Henlopen State Park Fishing Pier reported bluefish and striped bass around the high tide.

The surf was too rough to fish.

Striped bass and bluefish were caught at the Indian River Inlet at dawn and dusk.

Black sea bass fishing was good in the Inshore Ocean.

In freshwater, crappie fishing was good in many of the ponds.

PFDs and seat belts save lives.

📷: Isreal Mora

🚨Attention Mike Castle Trail Users🚨The Mike Castle Trail will have contractors working at both the Biddles Point and Sou...
05/28/2026

🚨Attention Mike Castle Trail Users🚨

The Mike Castle Trail will have contractors working at both the Biddles Point and South Lums parking areas.

📷: DNREC

Sleek, playful and surprisingly hard to spot, river otters are one of Delaware’s most charismatic wetland residents.For ...
05/27/2026

Sleek, playful and surprisingly hard to spot, river otters are one of Delaware’s most charismatic wetland residents.

For World Otter Day, we’re highlighting the North American river otter, a species that can be found in Delaware’s rivers, marshes, ponds and coastal waterways. Built for life in the water, river otters have webbed feet, dense waterproof fur and powerful tails that help them swim with speed and agility.

Although they may look playful—and they are—otters are also skilled hunters, feeding on fish, frogs, crayfish and other aquatic prey. They’re often most active at dawn and dusk, which means many people never realize they’re nearby unless they spot tracks, slides along muddy banks or a quick ripple in the water.

River otters are an important part of healthy aquatic ecosystems, and their presence can be a sign of improving water quality and habitat conditions.

If you’re lucky enough to spot one in the wild, chances are it’ll disappear almost as quickly as it appeared—usually with one last splash.

🦦 Have you ever seen a river otter in Delaware? Share your sightings or stories—we’d love to hear about them.

📷: Deborah Springer

🚨Reminder of the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife Wilmington Falcon Fledge Watch🚨Did you know that almost every year,...
05/26/2026

🚨Reminder of the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife Wilmington Falcon Fledge Watch🚨

Did you know that almost every year, a pair of Peregrine falcons nest on the “CITI” building in Wilmington? These falcons, known for their high speeds, use a nest box that was installed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in 1992. Because these birds nest within the hustle and bustle of downtown Wilmington, the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife hosts a “fledge watch” each year to monitor young falcons attempting to fly and leave the nest. Monitors watch out for young birds who are stranded, lost, or injured. Join the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife tomorrow, May 27 to learn more about the Wilmington Falcon Fledge Watch and how you can help out during the watch!

For more information on the Wilmington Falcon Fledge Watch training held at the Brandywine Zoo Education Building, visit: https://dnrec.delaware.gov/fish-wildlife/conservation/peregrine-falcon/volunteer/

📷: Steve Licata

In light of the holiday, our offices will be closed today, Monday, May 25. We will resume our regular office hours tomor...
05/25/2026

In light of the holiday, our offices will be closed today, Monday, May 25. We will resume our regular office hours tomorrow, Tuesday, May 26.

Slow and steady has worked pretty well for turtles for millions of years.For World Turtle Day, we’re highlighting the Ea...
05/23/2026

Slow and steady has worked pretty well for turtles for millions of years.

For World Turtle Day, we’re highlighting the Eastern box turtle, a familiar species found in forests, fields and wetlands across Delaware. Recognizable by its domed shell and bright orange or yellow markings, the eastern box turtle is one of the few turtles that can completely close its shell like a box to protect itself from predators.

These turtles may not travel far, but they live surprisingly long lives—some can survive for several decades in the wild. They spend much of their time searching for insects, berries, mushrooms and other small foods while slowly moving through their home range.

Because box turtles often cross roads during warmer months, habitat fragmentation and vehicle strikes are major challenges for the species. If you see one crossing the road and it’s safe to help, always move it in the direction it was already headed. Turning it around can disorient it and interrupt its natural movement patterns.

And while it may be tempting to bring one home, wild turtles do best when left in the wild where they belong.

📷: Jim White

Address

89 Kings Highway
Dover, DE
19901

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+13027399910

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Delaware DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Delaware DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife:

Shortcuts

Share

Category