River Derwent — Ambergate to Milford

River level

The lowdown

• This is Belper & District Angling Club’s oldest and most famous venue. It’s a varied, largely wild fishery running beside the historic town of Belper.
• The club controls about eight miles, from the upstream limit at Ambergate down to Milford. That’s a fair bit of water, so there’s plenty of room to roam.
• Fishing is double-bank on the main club-controlled stretch. Some areas see little pressure simply because the swims need a decent walk to reach.
• Expect a proper mix of river character. Deep steady pools sit alongside shallow runs, with fallen trees and boulders adding cover and a bit of cheeky streamcraft.
• Members generally have easier access to some areas around Wyver Lane Pond. Other swims can be harder to reach, with no handy access point nearby.
• There’s enough variety for both coarse and game anglers. Trotting a stick float or waggler through the runs is bob on, while a feeder or bomb suits the steadier water.
• The club also lists pole, whip, stalking and rolling meat. Look for chub and barbel around cover, and work the crease or deeper water when the river has a bit of colour.
• The section between the two railway bridges alongside Wyver Lane Pond is members-only. It’s not part of the ordinary day-ticket access.
• Day-ticket fishing is daytime only, from dawn to dusk, and tickets must be sorted before you arrive. There’s an annual close season, so the day-ticket window runs from 16 June to 14 March.

Methods: Have a go with waggler or stick float through the shallower runs, or switch to swimfeeder and bomb in the deeper steady pools. Stalking and rolling meat are also club-listed options for working cover and likely barbel or chub swims.

Access & tickets

Buy a day ticket in advance from the club’s approved ticket arrangements; no bank sales are available. Annual club permits run from 1 January to 31 December, with limited night permits available to members for Wyver Lane Pond.

Fish the club names

trout, chub, perch, barbel, pike, roach, bream, eel

Key rules

• Fishing is double-bank on the main club-controlled stretch.
• The section between the two railway bridges alongside Wyver Lane Pond is members-only.
• Day tickets must be purchased in advance; none are sold on the bank.
• An Environment Agency rod licence is required as well as the club ticket or permit.
• Day tickets are valid only between dawn and dusk.
• Day-ticket fishing is available from 16 June to 14 March because of the annual close season.
• Children under 10 may fish free when accompanied by a senior or OAP member.

Where it is