River Derwent: Darley Weir to Borrowash Bridge

River level

The lowdown

• This fishery runs for about five miles south of Derby, with the upper end above the weir at Darley Abbey and the lower limit at Borrowash Bridge.
• The day-ticket description breaks it into two sections: Darley Weir downstream to Handyside Bridge at Chester Green, plus River Gardens Weir down to Borrowash Bridge.
• It’s a varied bit of river. Expect fast, gravelly shallows in places, then deeper, slower stretches where fish can settle when the flow gets a bit lively.
• The surroundings change as you head downstream. Near Derby and Darley Abbey it has more of an urban and industrial feel, while Borrowash opens out into broader floodplain country.
• There’s a good mix of named coarse fish. Chub, barbel, bream, roach, perch, pike, carp and tench are all listed by the club.
• The club also reports grayling, brown trout and dace throughout the river. Double-figure barbel, chub over 5 lb, bream over 8 lb, double-figure pike and perch over 3 lb are reported too.
• River carp and tench are present, although the club says they’re more difficult to target. For the river regulars, that gives you plenty to have a cheeky go at.
• The water should suit a few approaches. Trotting the shallower gravelly runs, working a feeder through deeper water or looking for barbel and chub are all sensible starting points from the features described.
• Access is generally good, with hard-surface track reaching virtually all of the river for trolley access. There are public and private car parks, though some private ones need a key.
• For Borrowash, day anglers can park nearest at Station Road, walk over the river bridge and use the stile on the right. Secure Borrowash parking isn’t available to day-ticket anglers.

Methods: Trotting the fast gravelly shallows is the obvious shout, while feeder work suits the deeper, slower stretches. Barbel, chub, bream and the pike are the bigger targets, with carp and tench a more difficult challenge.

Access & tickets

Day tickets must be bought before fishing. They are available through The Earl of Harrington’s Angling Club online store and through the club’s listed ticket outlets.

Fish the club names

carp, tench, bream, roach, pike, perch, barbel, trout, chub

Named by The Earl of Harrington's Angling Club across its waters, not for this stretch on its own.

Key rules

• An Environment Agency rod licence is required.
• Day tickets must be obtained before fishing.
• Day anglers do not have access to secure Borrowash parking.
• Fishing is permitted until 10pm according to the online day-ticket page.
• Fishing is not allowed on Chub Alley when using a day ticket.
• The day ticket covers the club’s River Derwent waters subject to the stated stretch restrictions.

Where it is