Killens Pond State Park is widely regarded as one of the premier fishing destinations in Delaware. This scenic park offers anglers a peaceful natural setting and an abundance of fish species to target. In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know to plan a successful fishing trip to Killens Pond.
Overview of Killens Pond State Park
Killens Pond State Park is centrally located in Delaware, roughly 20 miles south of Dover. The park spans over 1,800 acres surrounding a 66-acre millpond. In addition to fishing, the park offers hiking trails, camping facilities, and opportunities for boating, birdwatching, and other outdoor recreation.
The millpond itself has a rich history. In the 18th and 19th centuries, a mill operated on the site utilizing water power from the pond. While the mill is long gone, the pond remains a centerpiece of natural beauty in the park. Lush forest and wetlands surround the pond, providing exceptional habitat for fish and wildlife.
When to Fish Killens Pond
One advantage of Killens Pond is that it can be fished year-round. However, some seasons are more productive than others. Here is an overview of the fishing calendar at Killens Pond:
Spring (March – May)
As water temperatures warm, fish become more active and begin spawning. Target bass, crappie, and bluegill in the shallows.
Summer (June – August)
Fishing slows down as water heats up. Focus on deeper areas or fish early/late in the day. Lily pads harbor bass and panfish.
Fall (September – November)
Cooling water ignites fall feeding activity. Fish turn on before winter and offer great action.
Winter (December – February)
Slower season, but hearty anglers can still catch fish, especially on warmer sunny days. Target deeper holes out of the wind.
While good action can be had year-round, spring and fall generally provide the most consistent bite at Killens Pond due to moderate temperatures and spawning/feeding activity.
Top Species to Target
Killens Pond harbors an excellent variety of fish species. Here are some of the top targets for visiting anglers:
Largemouth Bass
Largemouth bass are likely the most popular and plentiful gamefish in Killens Pond. Bass flock to the shallows in spring to spawn and provide great action on artificial lures like crankbaits, spinnerbaits, plastic worms, and topwater plugs. They retreat to deeper drop-offs and weedlines in summer.
Crappie
Good numbers of black and white crappie inhabit Killens Pond. Target them near submerged brush, downed trees, and marina docks. Small jigs and minnows are go-to baits. Spring and fall offer the most consistent action.
Bluegill
Abundant and willing to bite, bluegill are perfect for beginning anglers or families looking for fast-paced fishing. Find them around shallow and weedy areas. Catch them on worms, crickets, or small lures.
Catfish
Channel cats up to 15 pounds and bullheads up to 5 pounds prowl the bottom of Killens Pond. Use cut bait, chicken livers, dough bait, or shrimp to tempt them. Focus on the dam area, creek channel, and holes 15+ feet deep.
Chain Pickerel
Aggressive pickerel patrol weedy shoreline areas and provide exciting action when caught on inline spinners, jerkbaits, or crankbaits. Use steel leaders to prevent line-cutting teeth.
Where to Fish in Killens Pond
With 66 acres of water, knowing the best spots is key to success at Killens Pond. Here are some top fishing areas to check out:
The Fishing Pier
The public fishing pier provides easy access to deeper mid-pond habitat where baitfish and predators congregate. Fish off the pier or use it as a launching point for small boats and kayaks.
The Dam
The face of the dam and adjacent spillway area attract all species of fish due to abundant oxygen and food washed through. Drift or cast into the current for best action. Use caution around the swift water.
Creek Channel
A fairly deep creek channel runs through a portion of the pond, creating a reservoir-like environment. Use electronics or maps to find the old creek bed and target bass, crappie, catfish, and more along this transitional zone.
Shoreline Coves
The many shallow, weedy coves provide prime habitat for bluegills, pickerel, and largemouth bass. Wade-fish or work the shoreline by casting to pockets in the weeds. Topwaters, jigs, and plastic worms all produce.
Standing Timber/Brush Piles
Submerged trees, brush piles, and wood cover attract and hold all types of fish. Probe these sweet spots with jigs, minnows, or finesse worms to entice inactive fish.
Lily Pads
Extensive lily pads line the shoreline and harbor baitfish, bluegils, and bass in their protective cover. Fish pad edges with topwaters like frogs or buzzbaits. Flip or punch weedless rigs into openings in the pads.
Fishing Tips and Tactics
Here are some top fishing tips and tactics for locating and catching Killens Pond fish:
- Vary retrieves: Change up your lure speeds and cadences until you trigger strikes. Sometimes subtle is best.
- Downsize your gear: Use lighter line (6-10 lb test) and smaller lures to get finicky fish to bite.
- Fish the extremes: Target the shallowest or deepest areas at dawn/dusk when fish are most active.
- Watch the weather: Warm, sunny days are best. But storms and fronts often spark feeding activity.
- Target transitions: Fish where structural elements meet – intersections of grass, wood cover, depth changes, etc.
- Try night fishing: Killens Pond offers excellent after-dark fishing, especially for catfish and bass. Use bright lure colors and lights.
- Follow the bait: Find small minnows or shad on your electronics and baitfish will be close by.
Recommended Baits and Lures
You can catch fish in Killens Pond using a wide assortment of baits and lures. Some top options include:
- Plastic worms – Senkos, craws, swimbaits, ribbontail worms
- Crankbaits – Shallow, medium, deep divers depending on target depth
- Topwater lures – Poppers, walk-the-dog lures, buzzbaits, frogs
- Spinnerbaits and chatterbaits – Good search baits to cover water
- Jigs – Especially tipped with plastic trailers or live bait
- Spoons – Inline spinners like Mepps or Rooster Tails
- Soft jerkbaits – Effective worked with a twitch-pause retrieve
- Live bait – Nightcrawlers, minnows, shrimp – great for many species
As you can see, Killens Pond offers diverse fishing opportunities in a beautiful setting. Use this guide to help plan your next fishing adventure in Delaware’s premier park. With a little exploration, patience, and skill – you’re sure to be rewarded with outstanding fishing on your trip to Killens Pond. Let us know how you do when you hit the water!