Largemouth bass are not abundant here but they
are big. The population is dominated by fish over 15 inches. Growth was
average for Delaware ponds. The very shallow depth of the pond often
concentrates bass in the part of the pond closest to Rt. 13 where the
depth is greatest. Anglers willing to carefully work the weed beds are
often rewarded with a few good-size bass. Numerous scattered tree stumps
and the shallow depth make this pond difficult to fish for unfamiliar
anglers. It is best to abide by the no-wake speed limit when motoring
through the pond to avoid damage to outboards. Bluegill were less abundant than previous
years but a good portion of the fish are over 6 inches. Growth has
improved to better than average. Black crappie numbers have declined
substantially since 2005. Pumpkinseed sunfish and chain pickerel were
also present in lesser numbers. Both brown bullhead and white catfish
are available. A fish ladder was installed during 1999 to
allow river herring access to historical freshwater spawning locations
upstream. The ladder has also been adapted to promote upstream movement
of American eel, which spawn in the Atlantic Ocean near Bermuda, and
grow to adulthood in freshwater areas along the East Coast.
Garrisons Lake
85.9 acres
VEGETATION
Historically, high turbidity (muddiness) has limited vegetation in this
pond to large expanses of spatterdock (called bull lily by many).
However, occasionally some elodea, a rooted plant which remains below
the water surface, has become abundant. Generally however, vegetation is
dominated by spatterdock and floating rafts of duckweed, neither of
which impedes angling.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
It is unlawful for any person to fish within ten feet of the entrance or
exit of the fish ladder or to remove fish from any ladder between March
15 and May 30. Navigation is difficult in this pond due to the shallow
water depth and numerous tree stumps just below the water surface over
much of the pond.
Shoreline angling is available around the boat access area in the area
adjacent to the northern parking lot.