TRAP POND
| Trap Pond 88 acres Laurel A well-rounded fish population and a host of possible outdoor activities make this an attractive pond to visit. Although bass were only moderately abundant, the proportion of larger fish was high. Average weights were good and bass grew into legal length between age 3 and 4. The northern shoreline from Cypress Point (see map at park) upstream often holds bass on the drop-off just offshore, especially during spring and fall months. Habitat is plentiful with the scenic cypress trees growing throughout the pond. Many different panfish species are available with bluegill, black crappie and yellow perch common. Citations of all panfish species have been reported in recent years although most bluegill are less than 8 inches. Removal of a portion of overabundant small crappie several years ago resulted in a greater number of larger crappie, up to 12 inches. Several strong year classes have resulted in a high proportion of fish in the 5-6 inches size category which should soon impact the fishing catches. The redear sunfish, recently introduced to Delaware ponds, has built up a healthy population in Trap Pond. This fish, known as shellcracker farther south because of its appetite for snails and small shellfish, grows much larger than the typical bluegill. It is not unusual for boat anglers to catch one or more 1-pound redears. The cypress tree islands in the upstream portion of Trap Pond seem to attract good numbers of redear sunfish, and nice crappie during the early fall. Golden shiner and American eel are common in Trap Pond with creek chubsucker, brown bullhead and chain pickerel being less abundant. VEGETATION The dominant pond vegetation was spatterdock (bull lily) and planktonic algae. Planktonic algae are microscopic algae that can become so abundant that they impart a green coloration to the water. When the water is still, a green film forms over the surface, but any wind action mixes up the algae cells and colors the water green. Planktonic algae blooms do not usually impede fishing like filamentous algal mats would. SPECIAL CONDITIONS Fishing, camping, swimming, canoeing, and a host of other outdoor activities are available at this scenic pond as it is a State Park. A daily park entrance fee is charged or you can purchase an annual park pass. Check online (www.destateparks.com) for the opening and closing of the fee season and general park information or contact the Park Office (875-5153). Camp sites, boat and canoe rental, a nature center and evening ranger programs are also available. Reservations may be made online at the Division of Parks and Recreation website as well. The boat ramp has been improved in recent years and provides a good launching site for trailered boats. This is a great place to start a canoe trip; canoes may be launched or rented adjacent to the swimming area. A canoe trip to the headwaters of the pond will reveal beautiful scenery including some old cypress trees. If you want to head downstream from the pond, James Branch, a dedicated nature preserve and scenic area, flows to Records Pond. Always check with the park office to make sure the canoe trail is open. It may be unavailable in mid to late summer due to low water flow or blockage by a fallen tree during the year. |
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