Youth Fishing Events Offered by DNREC in April

Youth fishing opportunities will be offered by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) in each county during the first full week of April. These events are organized to commemorate Earth Month and coincide with annual spring school breaks. The angling outings are facilitated by educators from the DNREC Aquatic Resources Education Center (AREC) through the Take A Kid Fishing! program.

Aspiring anglers ages 6 through 15, along with their families or guardians, are invited to learn fishing skills and experience Delaware's natural environment. The events are scheduled for the following dates and locations:

• Tuesday, April 7: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bellevue State Park, Wilmington

• Wednesday, April 8: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Silver Lake Park, Dover

• Thursday, April 9: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Trap Pond State Park, Laurel

Fishing equipment will be provided at no cost by AREC. Participants are also permitted to bring personal fishing gear. Portable camping chairs, snacks, water, and sunscreen are recommended. Pre-registration is required. Individuals must specify their preferred date, location, and the number of attending adults and children. Registration can be completed by emailing Pearlie Franklin or visiting the DNREC Family Fishing Programs webpage.

A current Delaware fishing license and a Delaware Fisherman Information Network (FIN) number are required for individuals 16 years of age and older who plan to fish alongside youth participants. Recreational fishing licenses are sold online and by authorized agents statewide. License-exempt anglers, including Delaware residents 65 and older, must obtain a free FIN number online or from an authorized agent.

Fishing license sales, FIN numbers, and a list of authorized agents are available on the de.gov/digitaldnrec webpage. Additional details regarding fishing regulations can be found in the 2026 Delaware Fishing Guide, which is also provided in print by authorized license agents.

The Take A Kid Fishing! program is sponsored by DNREC. Host sites are provided by the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife, the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation, and City of Dover Parks and Recreation. Future event dates and additional youth programs can be found on the Family Fishing Programs webpage.

Photo Credit: DNREC