How to Get a 7-Day Tourist License in Delaware

Delaware's 7-day tourist fishing license is sold by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and costs $11.50. You can buy it online through the DNREC website, by phone at 302-739-9910, or in person at any Delaware Fish and Wildlife office. The license becomes valid immediately upon purchase and covers seven consecutive calendar days of freshwater and saltwater fishing in Delaware state waters.

You do not need to print anything if you buy online — the license is issued as a digital record tied to your name and date of birth. If you prefer a physical copy, you can print it yourself or request one by mail, though mail delivery takes several days and defeats the purpose of a short-term license. Keep your confirmation number or digital license accessible on your phone or in writing, because a game warden can ask to see it at any time.

Key Takeaways

  • The 7-day license costs $11.50 and covers both freshwater and saltwater fishing in Delaware for seven consecutive calendar days.
  • You can purchase online, by phone, or in person; online purchase is instant and requires no printing if you have a smartphone.
  • The license is tied to your name and date of birth, so you must provide accurate identification information at purchase.
  • Saltwater fishing in Delaware tidal waters does not require a license for most species, but a license is required for certain fish like striped bass and shad.

What Species You Can Fish For

Delaware's 7-day license covers freshwater species including largemouth and smallmouth bass, catfish, crappie, sunfish, and carp in the state's lakes, ponds, and rivers. In saltwater, the license covers flounder, sea trout, drum, bluefish, and striped bass, among others. However, striped bass and shad have additional restrictions — you must follow specific seasons and size limits that change annually, and some seasons may be closed entirely.

Saltwater fishing in Delaware tidal waters — the Delaware Bay and Atlantic coastal areas — does not require a license for most recreational species like bluefish, flounder, and drum. The 7-day license becomes necessary if you target striped bass or shad, or if you fish in freshwater. Check the current DNREC fishing guide before your trip to confirm which species are in season and what size and catch limits apply, because regulations change and violations carry fines.

Where You Can Fish With This License

The 7-day license is valid statewide in Delaware's public freshwater areas, including Lums Pond, Brandywine Creek, the Nanticoke River, and smaller impoundments. In saltwater, it covers Delaware Bay, the Indian River Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean out to the state's three-mile limit. Private property and fee-fishing areas may have their own rules — always ask the landowner or facility operator before fishing, because a state license does not override private property rights.

Popular freshwater spots for tourists include Lums Pond State Park near Berlin, which has boat ramps and a campground, and Brandywine Creek near Wilmington, which offers bank access. Saltwater anglers often fish the Delaware Bay for striped bass and drum, or the Indian River Bay for flounder and sea trout. Coastal access points include Slaughter Pen Creek, Broadkill Beach, and various public boat ramps in Rehoboth and Dewey Beach.

Seasons and Timing for Your Trip

Freshwater bass season runs year-round in Delaware, though spring (April through June) and fall (September through October) are most productive. Catfish and sunfish bite well in summer. Saltwater striped bass season typically opens in April and runs through May, then reopens in fall around September, though exact dates vary yearly. Flounder season peaks in summer and early fall.

Before booking your trip, check the DNREC website for the current year's season calendar, because opening and closing dates shift based on fish populations and management decisions. If you are visiting in winter, freshwater fishing is still possible but slower; saltwater fishing for drum and other species continues year-round. The 7-day license window matters less than knowing whether your target species is in season during the week you arrive.

Regulations and Catch Limits You Must Follow

Delaware enforces daily catch limits and minimum size requirements for most species. Largemouth bass must be at least 12 inches, and you can keep five per day. Striped bass have a 19-inch minimum and a one-fish daily limit during spring season, two fish during fall. Flounder must be 16 inches minimum with a five-fish daily limit. Catfish have no size minimum and a 25-fish daily limit.

Saltwater regulations are stricter for certain species — shad and striped bass are the most tightly controlled. Possession of undersized fish is illegal even if you plan to release them, so measure before you keep anything. Game wardens patrol popular fishing areas and check licenses and catches regularly. Violations result in fines ranging from $50 to several hundred dollars, plus confiscation of equipment and catch.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Bring your license confirmation (digital or printed), a valid photo ID matching the name on your license, and a measuring device — a ruler or tape measure at least 16 inches long. If you plan to keep fish, bring a cooler with ice. For freshwater fishing, standard rod and reel tackle works; for saltwater, heavier tackle is common but not required depending on your target species.

Delaware has no special gear restrictions for tourists, but check tide tables if you are fishing saltwater — tidal movement affects where fish feed and how accessible certain areas are. Bring sunscreen, water, and a hat; Delaware summers are hot and humid. If you are fishing from a boat, wear a life jacket and know the weather forecast, because Delaware Bay can turn rough quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to fish in Delaware Bay?

Most saltwater species in Delaware Bay do not require a license. However, if you target striped bass or shad, you must have a valid license. Check the species you plan to fish before purchasing to confirm whether you need one.

Can I buy a 7-day license if I am not a Delaware resident?

Yes. The 7-day license is available to anyone regardless of residency. You only need a valid name and date of birth to purchase. Non-residents and residents pay the same price.

What happens if I lose my digital license?

Contact DNREC at 302-739-9910 with your confirmation number or the phone number and email you used to purchase. They can reissue your license or provide proof of purchase. Keep your confirmation number in a safe place.

Can I extend my 7-day license if I want to stay longer?

No. The 7-day license covers exactly seven consecutive calendar days and cannot be extended. If you need to fish beyond that period, you must purchase another 7-day license or switch to a longer-term option like a 30-day license, which costs $19.50.

Are there any fish I cannot keep even with a license?

Yes. Some species like certain sharks and sturgeon are protected and cannot be kept under any circumstances. Check the current DNREC fishing guide for the complete list of protected species before your trip.