BLAIRS POND
| Blairs Pond 28.5 acres Milford Blairs Pond is the upper-most pond in the Milford Chain of Lakes, followed by Griffith Lake, Haven Lake, and Silver Lake (Milford). Although largemouth bass numbers declined between 2005 and 2010, the size structure remained much the same. The number of fish over 15 inches was below average for Sussex County ponds. In 2010, the bass population was dominated by fish between 12 1/2 and 14 inches with few fish less than 8 inches, indicating poor recruitment. Bluegill numbers remained static with a high proportion of fish over 8 inches while black crappie increased. A strong 2010 year class should improve abundance of bluegill in future years. Pumpkinseed sunfish, chain pickerel, and yellow perch add to the catch. Both yellow perch and black crappie citations have been reported from this pond. VEGETATION Hydrilla began to infest this pond by the late 1990s and by 2005 had spread throughout the entire pond. The heavy coverage of hydrilla by late summer makes fishing difficult in the shallow upstream areas as the plant tops out on the pond surface. Herbicide treatments have been applied annually in an attempt to control this plant. The heavy plant coverage may have adversely affected the ability of juvenile bass to catch prey species such as small sunfish and golden shiners. The clear water also impacts fish behavior as they are easily spooked by visible angler activity. SPECIAL CONDITIONS Much of the western shoreline is accessible to bank anglers making this one of the best ponds for shore fishing. Panfish are often taken from shore along the dike between the two water control outlets. Picnic tables are also available. The Delaware Nature Society has 4 miles of nature trails open to the public adjacent to Blairs Pond as part of the Milford Millponds Nature Preserve. The trails may be accessed from Abbotts Pond Rd or from Blairs Pond parking lot. Additional information is available from Abbotts Mill Nature Center (302-422-0847). |
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