DOVE
Our home beat is a stunning stretch of the river Dove at Rocester, near the town of Uttoxeter. This stretch is part of a small and exclusive fly fishing only syndicate and one that sees very little angling pressure. During the whole season the hatches of Iron Blue duns, Blue Winged Olives and Sedges here are both prolific and consistent, as are the evening spinner falls, and as such the dry fly fishing here is a match for any other freestone river in the UK.
The water really comes alive for the Mayfly hatch from the third week of May until nearly the end of June and sometimes even beyond. As a more lowland area of Derbyshire this stretch of the river lends itself perfectly to anglers looking to hone their skills as the water is small enough to be intimate without ever feeling awkward or intimidating.
The gentle characteristics of this beat lend themselves perfectly to the novice angler, or to those who prefer their wading to be less arduous. It’s also a great place to try different techniques, from early season nymph and spider fishing, to fishing the duo method and dry fly in mid-season, this stretch of the Dove is fantastically varied and as such totally engaging.
During the autumn and winter the grayling fishing here is very productive. Regularly producing fish to 40cm to both nymphs and dries, the Derbyshire Dove contains an excellent population of grayling which tend to hold station on the shallow and clean gravel beds. If you’re looking to learn about modern nymph fishing techniques such as how to effectively use a French Leader then let ABAS introduce you to a private gem where we might find the fish if a lifetime. With over twenty years of experience on this piece of water you can be sure that you’re in the very best company.
Full Day Trips: The full day trip is without doubt the best way to experience wild fly fishing in Derbyshire. Starting at a time of your choosing, these trips give you the opportunity to sample many different styles and techniques over the course of eight hours of angling. With lunch and refreshments provided and free transfers to and from either Derby or Uttoxeter train stations these days give the angler the ultimate opportunity to sample fantastic fly fishing in the heart of the UK. With each station being only 30 minutes from Birmingham, 60 from Manchester or 90 from London, a full day trip with ABAS makes accessing our area simple and cost effective. Please note day ticket costs my apply to some waters.
Half Day Trips: The half day trip is ideal for the angler who has less time on their hands or who may wish to focus on a particular technique. During the summer this may be sneaking out from work early and fishing the evening rise for brown trout until dark or maybe in the winter managing to get out at first light for a few hours to tempt some wild grayling. The half day is also ideal for younger ones who may not have the energy for a full day on the river. I supply refreshments and snacks for the half day trips but don’t offer a transfer as part of the package. This is something that can be arranged if needed. Please note day ticket costs may apply to some waters.
Fly Fishing Price List
| Trip Type | Single Person | Two People |
|---|---|---|
| Full Day | £250 | £350 |
| Half Day | £160 | £225 |