LivewellDelaware · River
Fork Branch
Is the fish you caught here safe to eat? Below is every consumption advisory on file for Fork Branch, by species and size, in plain English — plus what's legal to keep.
1 species with advisories · contaminants: Mercury
Delaware also has statewide guidance
Delaware publishes rules that apply to rivers across the state — 1 recommendation covering 1 species — in addition to anything listed for Fork Branch below.
Strictest statewide rule: All Other Species — Limit to 52 meals per year due to elevated PCB.
What's safe to eat from Fork Branch
All Other Species
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Limit to 24 meals per year due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-07-09
Is it legal to keep?
These are Delaware's statewide limits — a water-specific rule may override them. Always verify the current regulations before keeping a fish.
| Species | Size | Daily limit | Open season | Keep season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | 12" min | 6 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Smallmouth Bass | Release 12–17" | 6 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Hybrid Striped Bass | 15" min | 2 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Yellow Perch | — | 50 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Black Crappie | — | 50 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Bluegill | — | 50 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Channel Catfish | — | — | Year-round | Same as open |
| Chain Pickerel | — | — | Year-round | Same as open |
| Rainbow Trout | — | 6 | Year-round | 04-04 – 12-31 |
| American Shad | — | 2 | Year-round | Same as open |
Official rules: Delaware — Delaware DNREC
Getting on the water
- Boat ramp boat ramp 1.5 mi Directions
- Boat ramp boat ramp 3.9 mi Directions
Access points from OpenStreetMap contributors.