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American Eel regulations in Delaware

Additional Nearshore and Occasional Nearshore Species · Saltwater · 2026 season

American Eel
Is it a keeper? A american eel is a keeper today if it measures at least 9 inches, with a daily limit of 25.

American Eel size limit, season and daily limit

WhereSeasonSize limitDaily limit
State watersOpen year-round9 inch minimum25 per person per day

Exact DNREC wording

Season
Open Year Round
Size
9 inch minimum (total length)
Limit
25

Source: DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife, captured 2026-09-20 (2026 season).

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About the american eel

American eel

Species of fish

The American eel is a facultative catadromous eel found on the eastern coast of North America. Freshwater eels are fish belonging to the elopomorph superorder, a group of phylogenetically ancient teleosts. The American eel has a slender, supple, snake-like body that is covered with a mucus layer, which makes the eel appear to be naked and slimy despite the presence of minute scales. A long dorsal fin runs from the middle of the back and is continuous with a similar ventral fin. Pelvic fins are absent, and relatively small pectoral fins can be found near the midline, followed by the head and gill covers. Variations exist in coloration, from olive green, brown shading to greenish-yellow and light gray or white on the belly. Eels from clear water are often lighter than those from dark, tannic acid streams.

Read more about American eel on Wikipedia →

Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Regulations on this page come from DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife, not Wikipedia.

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Frequently asked

What is the size limit for American Eel in Delaware?

9 inch minimum in Delaware state waters.

How many American Eel can you keep per day in Delaware?

25 per person per day.

When is American Eel season in Delaware?

Open year-round.

Is my American Eel a keeper today?

A american eel is a keeper today if it measures at least 9 inches, with a daily limit of 25.