River Derwent — Duffield stretch

River level

The lowdown

• The Federation controls fishing on the Derwent and Ecclesbourne, with roughly three miles of water across the Derwent Valley.
• This Duffield water is set up for a mixed bag of angling styles. The Federation specifically caters for pleasure, game and specimen anglers.
• There’s a seasonal feel to it, too. The ticket year runs from 16 June through to 15 June the following year.
• For the match-minded, the Federation holds a winter match scene. Handy if you like a bit of competitive bank time when the river’s in its colder mood.
• The rules point to a fishery where fish welfare matters. Fish must generally go back, and the Federation recommends barbless hooks.
• Game anglers should note the trout rule: trout over 11 inches can be retained, but only up to two fish per day and in season.
• Barbel can be held briefly in a keepnet for recovery and photographs, then must be released once recovered. No hanging about.
• Coarse fish caught during the coarse-fishing closed season must go straight back. All salmon migrating into the Derwent must also be returned.
• There’s no live baiting, no canoeing and no fires on the bank. Keep discarded tackle off the ground, stick to the river bank and don’t cut across fields.
• Fishing within ten yards of another member needs their permission. So give fellow anglers room and have a quick word before settling into a nearby swim.

Methods: The water is described as suitable for pleasure, game and specimen fishing, with a winter match scene as well. The checked details don’t specify particular rigs or swims, so stick to the approach that suits the conditions and the water in front of you.

Access & tickets

Access is by Derbyshire Angling Federation season ticket, not a public day ticket, and no permits are issued on the river bank. Tickets are available at renewal meetings at the Bridge Inn, Duffield; existing members can pay the Federation bank account, or applications can be sent to the ticket secretary in Ripley.

Fish the club names

trout, barbel

Named by Derbyshire Angling Federation across its waters, not for this stretch on its own.

Key rules

• A valid Environment Agency rod licence is required.
• Members must carry their membership card for inspection.
• Fishing within ten yards of another member requires that member’s permission.
• No live baiting is allowed; barbless hooks are recommended.
• Fish must generally be returned to the water.
• Trout over 11 inches may be retained, limited to two fish per day in season.
• Coarse fish caught during the coarse-fishing closed season must be returned immediately.
• There is strictly no canoeing on Federation waters.
• Do not light fires, leave discarded tackle on the bank or walk across fields.
• All salmon migrating into the River Derwent must be returned.

Where it is