HORSEYS POND
| Horseys Pond 46.3 acres Laurel Both the number and size of bass in this pond have increased in recent years. The abundance of bass larger than 15 inches was higher than most other Delaware ponds and nearly twice the state average. Growth was average with legal length reached between age 3 and 4. The total number of panfish was also very high, particularly bluegill. Generally when bluegill numbers are high, the fish tend to besmaller. However, nearly 200 bluegill over 6 inches were collected per hour of electrofishing in Horseys Pond. Black crappie abundance was also above average with some individauls up to nearly 12 inches in length. A few yellow perch were also observed. American eel and golden shiner were common throughout the pond with less brown bullhead catfish, creek chubsucker, gizzard shad, and chain pickeral. VEGETATION Although the non-native invasive plant hydrilla nearly covered Horseys Pond for many years beginning in the early 1980s, years of control efforts have had an impact on thisplant. In recent years, hydrilla coverage was limited, but the filamentous (thread-like) alga, Lyngbya, has increased at the same time. This algae forms large floating mats that impair fishing activities. In recent years, both herbicide applications and the Divisions weed harvester have been used to control the algae mats. SPECIAL CONDITIONS This is Delaware’s deepest pond with maximum depth historically reaching about 12 feet immediately in front of the dam. This area holds bass and crappie during the late fall and can be very productive on a warmer winter day. Shoreline anglers have been observed catching large bluegill here and in the splash pool just below the pond. |
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