DRBC and Partners to Launch Delaware River Angler Survey

West Trenton, N.J. — The Delaware River Basin Commission and member agencies of the Delaware River Basin Fish and Wildlife Management Cooperative announced Monday the launch of the 2026 Delaware River Creel Survey, a comprehensive effort to assess recreational angling activity across one of the East Coast’s most ecologically significant waterways.

The survey, which began March 1, will provide fishery managers with current data on angler use, expectations and satisfaction across the Basin. Interviews will be conducted at random to ensure an unbiased sampling of anglers who fish the river system.

The Delaware River is the longest free-flowing river on the Atlantic Coast and supports the life cycles of migratory species including American shad and striped bass — both prized by sport anglers. The river also sustains popular fisheries for catfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, trout and other resident sportfish.

“We hope to hear from our angler community, learning vital information to help effectively manage the fishery and our shared water resources into the future.” Kristen Bowman Kavanagh — Executive Director, Delaware River Basin Commission

Participating agencies — known collectively as the Co-op — include the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA Fisheries.

Survey Coverage & Key Details

Geographic scope: Delaware Memorial Bridge near Wilmington, Del., upstream to the East and West Branches of the Delaware River near Hancock, N.Y.

Additional rivers surveyed: Brandywine River, Schuylkill River and Lehigh River

Participation: Voluntary; questions cover targeted species, catch numbers, harvest and overall satisfaction

Biological data: Creel staff may collect data from harvested fish with angler permission

Survey contractor: HDR Engineering, Inc., with subcontractors Normandeau Associates, Inc. and Alpha Aviation, Inc.

Final report: Expected in 2027

Survey locations span from the Delaware Memorial Bridge near Wilmington, Del., north to the East and West Branches of the Delaware River near Hancock, N.Y. Crews will also conduct interviews along the Brandywine, Schuylkill and Lehigh rivers. Angler participation is entirely voluntary.

In fall 2025, DRBC solicited competitive proposals for the project. Working with the Co-op, the commission selected HDR Engineering, Inc. as the primary contractor, with Normandeau Associates, Inc. and Alpha Aviation, Inc. serving as subcontractors. Field work is expected to conclude July 6, with a final report slated for 2027.

The DRBC is a federal-interstate government agency created in 1961 through concurrent compact legislation — the first instance of the federal government and a group of states joining as equal partners in a river basin planning, development and regulatory body.

The five Commission members are the governors of Delaware, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, along with the commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ North Atlantic Division, representing the federal government.

For more information, visit www.drbc.gov or follow DRBC on X at @DRBC1961.