Lums Pond
189.3 acres
Lums Pond is the most heavily fished pond in
Delaware based on a 2009 statewide survey of
licensed anglers. The high number and variety of
anglers require active management, such as stocking
striped bass hybrids, to provide many types of
angling opportunities.
The largemouth bass population increased
dramatically between 2006 and 2010. Most bass were
well over legal length as this pond has the highest
proportion of big bass of any public pond. About one
in 5 bass collected was over 18 inches. Average
weights have stabilized in recent years and are
good. There is always the potential for a true
lunker here.
Bluegill numbers increased slightly but most are
mid-size (6 inches). Overcrowded crappie have
declined in recent years but size structure and
weights remain low. This is one of the few Delaware
ponds that have both black and white crappie (others
are Becks and Noxontown). Some citation bluegill,
largemouth bass, white perch and yellow perch are
reported each year. Crappie citations have become
more abundant despite the problem with stunted fish.
White perch are extremely abundant (nearly 1,400 per
electorfishing hour) and generally small although
occasional citations are taken. These are
undoubtedly impacting other fish populations and
should be thinned out. Yellow perch were much less
abundant and have tended to hang out in the areas of
the pond where inflow streams enter. Occasional
large chain pickerel have been taken, primarily in
the northeast portion of the pond. Carp numbers have
declined somewhat recently.
Growth of most fish species in Lums Pond was average
or slightly better. This is in marked contrast to
growth documented in the early 1970s when bass in
Lums Pond had the slowest growth rate of any state
pond population due to a lack of food fish (forage).
Landlocked alewife (left) were successfully stocked
into the pond in 1979 and 1980 to provide additional
forage. The landlocked population has a relatively
short life span and reaches only a maximum length of
about nine
inches, making it an excellent prey species for
bass. Despite two stocking events in recent years,
the alewife population has not rebounded to
historical levels.
In 1982, striped bass X white bass hybrids were
stocked into Lums Pond due to the heavy angling
pressure and the established alewife population (a
preferred food item). The hybrids are sterile so
have to be maintained by stocking. Some concerns
about the ability of the alewife population to
support the largemouth bass, crappie, and striper
hybrid populations resulted in a temporary hold on
stocking of hybrid stripers during the mid-1990s.
However, stocking has resumed and the hybrid
stripers continue to be a popular game species.
The current state record is a 13 lb 13 oz hybrid
taken in March 1990. Although occasional individuals
have been taken during summer months, most of the
citation-size fish (minimum 5 lbs; or 22 inches for
live release program) have been caught in April/May
or October/November. These fish prefer cooler water
temperatures, so they tend to congregate in the
deeper areas of the pond during the warm months.
Many anglers find this pond difficult to fish
because of its size and the heavy fishing pressure
exerted here, possibly “educating” the fish. It is
our largest public pond and requires some time and
effort for anglers to achieve familiarity.
VEGETATION
Emergent (sticking out of the water) aquatic plants
such as water willow, burreed, and three square were
rooted in scattered locations along the shoreline.
Stands of the invasive species phragmites occurred
at several locations along the shore under the
forest canopy. Another invasive species, purple
loosestrife, occurred on both sides of the boat ramp
as well as one site on the western end of the pond.
A mild algae bloom has been evident during some
summers as a green scum on the water surface. No
submerged aquatics were present in the main body of
the pond. Woody structure was present along much of
the shoreline and is productive during some seasons.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
This pond is part of a State Park and has many
facilities and recreational activities available:
fishing piers, camping sites, hiking trails,
pavilions, mountain biking, picnic areas, riding
trails, and boat rentals. A park entrance fee is
required. A daily 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 (302-368-6989). All state
parks are “carry in, carry out” areas meaning that
all trash must be taken out of the park property.
There is a fifteen-inch minimum size limit for the
striped bass X white bass hybrids. Carp may not be
taken by bow and arrow within the park limits. A
special Youth Fishing Tournament, sponsored by the
Division of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Section,
is generally held in early June in the vicinity of
the dog training area. For further information, call
302-739-9913 or check online (www.fw.delaware.gov ).
The launch ramp, which is maintained by the Division
of Parks & Recreation, has a shallow slope so it may
be difficult to launch some larger, heavier boats
there. Shoreline access is available at many
locations along the shore in addition to the fishing
piers. Fishing within the dog training area (posted)
is prohibited.
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