What Gordon's Pond Offers

Gordon's Pond is a small freshwater impoundment just inland from Lewes, Delaware, holding largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish in a setting that draws far fewer anglers than the coastal marshes and bays nearby. The pond sits on private land but allows public fishing through a day-use permit system managed by the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, and the pond's shallow structure means fish move predictably between deeper holes and the weed edges—knowledge that matters more here than on larger, more forgiving water.

The pond works best in spring and fall when water temperatures favor active feeding. Summer heat pushes bass deep and slows the bite noticeably. Winter is fishable but requires patience and a willingness to work slowly. Most anglers fish from the bank; there is no boat launch, and wading is limited by soft bottom and vegetation.

Key Takeaways

  • Gordon's Pond requires a Delaware day-use permit, which you can obtain from the Division of Fish and Wildlife or at many local tackle shops in Lewes.
  • Largemouth bass respond best to soft plastics and topwater lures near the pond's weed lines and deeper holes, especially in spring and fall.
  • Bluegill and other panfish bite consistently year-round on small jigs, crickets, and live minnows, making the pond a reliable option when bass are slow.
  • Bank access is the primary fishing method; the pond has no boat ramp and wading is difficult due to soft bottom and dense vegetation.
  • Water levels drop in late summer and fall, concentrating fish in the deepest sections and making those areas the most productive to target.

Seasonal Patterns and What to Expect

Spring (March through May) is when Gordon's Pond fishes best. Water temperatures climb into the 50s and 60s, bass move shallow to spawn, and they hit moving baits aggressively. Topwater plugs and soft plastics in natural colors work well along the weed edges and in the shallower bays of the pond. Early morning and late afternoon produce more strikes than midday.

Summer (June through August) slows the action considerably. Bass retreat to the deepest holes—typically in the center and along the eastern bank—and feed primarily at dawn and dusk. Panfish remain active but also move deeper. Fishing midday is rarely worth the effort. Many anglers skip summer and return in fall.

Fall (September through November) rivals spring for consistent fishing. Cooling water temperatures bring bass back to shallower structure, and the bite remains strong through October. November can be excellent if you are willing to fish in cooler weather. Bluegill and other panfish bite throughout the season.

Winter (December through February) is slow but not impossible. Bass are lethargic and concentrated in the deepest water. Panfish remain more active than bass and provide the most reliable winter option. Fish slowly, use small baits, and expect longer waits between bites.

What Fish Live Here and How to Target Them

Largemouth bass are the primary target. They range from 8 to 14 inches on average, with occasional fish pushing 16 inches. In spring, throw soft plastics—4- to 6-inch worms and creature baits—along the weed lines in 2 to 4 feet of water. Topwater plugs work early and late. In summer and winter, focus on the deepest holes and fish slowly with live shiners or crawfish if permitted under current regulations.

Bluegill and other panfish bite year-round and are often more reliable than bass, especially in summer and winter. Small jigs (1/32 to 1/16 ounce) tipped with crickets or live minnows work consistently. Panfish congregate around any structure—fallen trees, weed clumps, or the pond's deeper holes. They bite throughout the day, though early morning and late afternoon are typically best.

Catfish are present but less commonly targeted. They respond to cut bait, chicken liver, and stink baits fished on the bottom in deeper water, particularly at night. Check current regulations for size and species restrictions before fishing.

Access, Parking, and Permit Requirements

Gordon's Pond is accessible by day-use permit only. You can obtain a permit from the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife office in Dover or from many tackle shops in Lewes, including local retailers that stock Delaware fishing licenses. The permit is inexpensive and typically valid for the calendar year or for a single day, depending on which you purchase. Bring your permit with you—enforcement is regular.

Parking is limited to a small lot near the pond's access point. Arrive early on weekends, especially in spring and fall, as the lot fills quickly. The walk from parking to the water is short, usually less than a quarter mile. Bank access is the only option; there is no boat launch.

The pond is open during daylight hours. Fishing after sunset is not permitted. Check the Division of Fish and Wildlife website or call ahead to confirm current hours and any seasonal closures.

Tackle and Techniques That Work

For bass, bring a medium-power spinning rod (6 to 6.5 feet) spooled with 8- to 10-pound monofilament or braided line. Soft plastics in 4- to 6-inch lengths work best—rigged Texas-style on 1/8- to 1/4-ounce weights depending on depth and weed density. Topwater plugs are effective in spring and early fall, particularly at dawn. A small selection of crankbaits in natural colors (crawfish, shad patterns) rounds out a productive bass setup.

For panfish, a light spinning rod (5.5 to 6 feet) with 4- to 6-pound line is ideal. Small jigs (1/32 to 1/16 ounce) in white, yellow, or chartreuse, tipped with live crickets or minnows, are the most consistent producers. A simple bobber rig with a small hook and live bait also works well and requires less skill to fish effectively.

Wading is difficult due to soft bottom and vegetation, so plan to fish from the bank. Wear polarized sunglasses to spot fish in shallow water, and bring a small net for landing panfish. A headlamp is useful if you fish early or late, though remember that fishing after dark is not permitted.

When Water Levels Drop and Fish Concentrate

Late summer and early fall bring noticeable drops in water level as rainfall decreases and evaporation increases. This concentration of fish into smaller areas can actually improve fishing if you know where to look. The deepest holes—typically in the center of the pond and along the eastern bank—hold most of the bass and larger panfish during low-water periods.

Conversely, high water in spring and after heavy rain spreads fish across the pond and into flooded vegetation, making them harder to locate but more willing to bite. If you are new to Gordon's Pond, fish the deeper areas first until you learn the bottom contours and structure.

Regulations and What You Need to Know

Delaware requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can obtain a license online through the Division of Fish and Wildlife website, by mail, or at tackle shops in Lewes. A day license is available if you do not want to commit to a full-year license. Bass and panfish have size and creel limits that vary by species and season; check the current Delaware fishing guide before you go, as regulations change annually.

Gordon's Pond is a freshwater fishery, so saltwater licenses do not apply. The pond is open to public fishing during daylight hours only. Catch-and-release is permitted and encouraged, particularly for bass under the minimum size limit. Live bait is allowed, but check whether specific species (like shiners) have any restrictions in the current year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Gordon's Pond?

No. There is no boat launch, and the pond is designed for bank fishing only. Most anglers fish from the shoreline, and the pond is small enough that you can reach productive water from the bank without wading far.

What is the best time of year to fish here?

Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are most productive. Summer is slow for bass but panfish remain active. Winter is difficult but possible if you have patience and fish slowly.

Can I fish at night?

No. Gordon's Pond is open to fishing during daylight hours only. Plan to arrive before sunset and leave before dark.

How much does the day-use permit cost?

Permit costs vary depending on whether you purchase a single-day or annual permit. Contact the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife or a local tackle shop in Lewes for current pricing and availability.

What should I do if the parking lot is full?

Arrive early, especially on weekends and during spring and fall. If the lot is full, do not park on the road or in nearby residential areas. Return at a quieter time or fish elsewhere in the Lewes area.