The number of largemouth bass over 12 inches
has improved at Derby Pond but fish over 15 inches remain elusive.
Growth was average, with 12 inches achieved between three and four
years. Bass from age 1 to age 7 were collected in 2009, but 2007 and
2005 year classes were particularly abundant. The spring 2009 population
estimate of largemouth bass was 880 (confidence Interval 359-2,200) or
38 bass per acre.
A high slot limit (bass 15 to 18 inches
protected, only one larger than 18 inches can be harvested) was in place
here for a number of years but was dropped (effective 4/10/10) due to
the reluctance of anglers to harvest small bass. Release rates for
largemouth bass have been reported at more than 90% statewide.
The abundance of bluegill has increased in
recent years as have black crappie and yellow perch. The bluegill
population consisted of fish from ages 1 to 5 with dominated by age 1
and 2 (4-6 inches). Growth was average. Pumpkinseed sunfish were also
present. The total panfish electrofishing catch increased from 277 per
hour in 2006 to 432 by 2009, due primarily to bluegill and yellow perch.
Larger bluegill often concentrate in areas along the shoreline adjacent
to the road and up toward the islands during the spring and fall months.
An occasional citation yellow perch has been
reported to the Delaware Sportfishing Tournament. The center of the pond
where the two arms meet is a good location for both crappie and yellow
perch. American eel and chain pickerel were common, with brown bullhead
and carp observed in lesser numbers.
Derby Pond
23.1 acres
VEGETATION
The aquatic vegetation of this pond consists of spatterdock with some
floating mats of algae. Large numbers of Canada geese in the pond have
denuded some of the shoreline areas of vegetation and undoubtedly have
contributed to the nutrient load within the pond. Mats of filamentous
(thread-like) green algae were observed in many areas throughout the
pond and often require herbicide treatment. The edges of spatterdock
beds often hold bass during the summer months.
SPECIAL CONDITION
The protected slot limit of 15 to 18 inches for largemouth bass has been
removed from this pond so the statewide bag limit of 6 bass and minimum
size of 12 inches is in place.