This relatively small pond has had a long
history of providing excellent bass fishing. Recent heavy development
within the watershed has undoubtedly impacted water quality but bass
numbers remain high. The dominant size group was fish over 15 inches
although good numbers of fish from 8 to 15 inches were also present. Of
concern was the low number of smaller fish. Average weights were good
for all size groups and growth was rapid, well above the state average.
Bluegill were also abundant and exhibited a
good size range. Excellent average weights and rapid growth were
observed. A high proportion of the fish were in larger size groups (over
8 inches) providing great action for anglers. Black crappie were
moderately abundant with larger fish most common. Growth of black
crappie was better than most other ponds in Delaware. Some fish well
over citation size (1 pound, 12 inch live release) were observed.
In March 2010, In March 2009, Eastern Shore
Bassmasters installed a number of brush piles in the lake to improve
fish habitat. Several are marked at the pond by red-topped poles so they
can be located by anglers.
Yellow perch have decreased in abundance in
recent years but still provide another fishing opportunity, especially
in the early spring or during years with ice cover. A wide size range
was evident with fish from 5 to 13 inches. White perch have also been
taken by anglers but are not common.
Occasional gizzard shad and common carp have
been evident in recent years but have not become abundant as in many
other Kent County ponds. American eel, golden shiner, chain pickerel,
and brown bullhead were common throughout the pond. |
VEGETATION
The woodlands surrounding this pond have been
gradually giving way to residential development in recent years but some
wooded areas still remain due to the portion of state-owned shoreline.
Spatterdock beds were present throughout much of the pond and offer
vegetative cover to the fish populations. Duckweed and filamentous algae
were present in some areas throughout the pond and often float around at
the whim of the prevailing wind. By late summer, the upstream portion of
the pond generally has floating mats of algae throughout.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
McGinnis Pond is one of our deeper ponds and
is subject to temperature stratification, e.g. different temperature
layers exist within the pond during the summer months. Because the cool
bottom layer does not normally circulate to the surface, dissolved
oxygen levels remain low in the deepest areas during the summer months.
This situation forces fish upward into warmer water than they normally
prefer during the summer, so fishing along the bottom may not be
effective during the warmest months.
Shore fishing is available along the face of
the dam and provides access to relatively deep water. This area is
particularly productive during spring and fall when temperatures may be
less stable. However, river herring use the adjacent fish ladder to gain
access to the pond during the spring months. It is unlawful for any
person to fish within ten feet of the entrance or exit of a fish ladder
or to remove fish from any ladder between March 15 and May 30. |
