Killens Pond
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Killens Pond
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A good mix of gamefish occurred in Killens Pond although the bass population has declined some in recent years. Largemouth bass tend to hang around any drop-offs near shoreline cover and the small island. Deadfalls and brush piles in water deeper than three feet concentrated bass and crappie. Although the number of largemouth bass here was only moderate, many larger bass are caught. Average weights of bass decreased in recent years, possibly due to the extremely high numbers of small white perch (1604 per hour). Bass growth was slightly below average for Delaware ponds with legal length reached by age 4. One interesting note about largemouth bass here is the number of "blotchy bass". These are largemouth bass with irregular black spots and are more common in some ponds than others. The cause is unknown. In 2008, Eastern Shore Bassmasters, in cooperation with the Division of Fish and Wildlife’s GO FISH program installed several brush piles in the pond to serve as fish attractors and to increase fish habitat within the pond. Two locations are marked on the contour map below by stars and by red-topped poles at the pond, but GPS coordinates are: N38 58.900 X W 75 31.801 and N 38 58.863 X W 75 31.787. Bluegill (211 per hour) and black crappie (20 per hour) were moderately abundant in Killens Pond. A wide size range of bluegill was present with fish up to 8 inches. Thinning of over-abundant stunted crappie (5-6 inches) in 1998 was followed by an increase in larger fish. However, discontinuation of the removal program has resulted in a pile up of smaller fish again. Additionally, growth of crappie has dropped to below average at the same time. Pumpkinseed sunfish occurred in low numbers. As noted above, the number of white perch has increased substantially to over 1,600 per hour. This constitutes over 87% of total panfish and 79% of all fish from the pond. Removal of small white perch (mean size is 5.2 inches) may be warranted here to allow better growth for the remaining fish and to limit competition with other species. Gizzard shad numbers have also increased while carp and American eel were less common throughout the pond. A few chain pickerel may be found here, often in the weedy areas of the headwater stream. This pond is unusual in that it has three species of catfish: yellow bullhead (white whiskers), brown bullhead (black whiskers), and white catfish (white whiskers and forked tail). Carp fishing is excellent here with most of the shoreline suitable for bank fishing. Dough balls and canned corn are the most popular baits. Carp may not be taken here by bow and arrow due to State Park regulations. |
VEGETATION The aquatic vegetation of Killens Pond was dominated by beds of spatterdock. A heavy planktonic algae bloom often occurs during the summer months giving a bright green coloration to the water. Mats of filamentous (thread-like) algae were scattered along the pond edge in many areas, especially in the back of the pond. SPECIAL CONDITIONS This pond is part of a State Park and has many facilities and recreational activities available: fishing piers, camping, hiking trails, a fitness course, frisbee golf, picnic tables, and a swimming complex. 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 (302-284-4526). |
Fishing Report With several different patterns to fish, you are sure to land a good fish here and there and still catch plenty in between. Fish a buzz bait or scum frog early, then as the sun gets up high and bright throw a rattle trap, jig, and senko on deep cover. Deeper water is cooler than the surface. Run that buzz bait through the lily pads past the boat dock. Fish the gold rattle trap up front along the length of the road. Turn around move in close and fish the jig and senko combo. Feb.18,2012; 4 fish on gold rattle trap along the road and first cove west of boat ramp. |