Lower Dove and Churnet

River level

The lowdown

• The Dove section is roughly a quarter of a mile long and fishes from the right bank only. The opposite bank is controlled by UFFC, so keep that boundary clear.
• Upstream, the Dove’s neighbour is Norbury Angling Club. The section sits between Rocester and Uttoxeter, upstream of the River Churnet confluence.
• The associated Churnet water adds about three quarters of a mile, running upstream from the confluence. Its top boundary is a hedge running across the field.
• Together, the Dove and Churnet make a large V-shaped fishing area. Handy, really — you’ve got two bits of river to explore rather than one straight run.
• Expect a mixed character. There are shallow riffles for working a fly through, then deeper pools where fish can sit when the river has a bit more push or colour.
• The Dove is part of LADFFA’s wider fly-fishing waters, with brown trout and grayling named across its Dove fisheries. The association says it stopped stocking all waters in 2015.
• The Churnet has a specific winter option: trotting with maggot or sweetcorn is allowed from November 1 through March 14 inclusive. That rule applies to the Churnet section only.
• The banks run through grazing land and open river-valley scenery. It sounds like a proper wander-and-find-a-swim kind of place, with riffles and pools dictating the approach.
• LADFFA describes the area as among the region’s prime fishing. Membership is limited and normally carries a waiting list — three years as of 2026 — so this isn’t a casual turn-up-and-have-a dab stretch.
• Access details, including parking arrangements and codes, are supplied through the association. Rocester parking locations require a displayed parking badge, so sort that side before heading off.

Methods: Fly fishing is the main game on the Dove, working the riffles and deeper pools. On the Churnet, trotting maggot or sweetcorn is permitted from November 1 to March 14 inclusive.

Access & tickets

LADFFA membership is limited and normally has a waiting list, stated as three years in 2026. Members can arrange guest tickets: £20 for one angler or £30 for two, with a maximum of one guest ticket per day and six per season.

Fish the club names

trout

Named by Leek and District Fly Fishing Association across its waters, not for this stretch on its own.

Key rules

• Fishing on the Dove section is from the right bank only.
• The opposite bank is controlled by UFFC.
• Trotting with maggot or sweetcorn is permitted on the Churnet section only.
• The Churnet trotting period is November 1 through March 14 inclusive.
• A member may arrange a maximum of one guest ticket per day.
• Each member may arrange a maximum of six guest tickets per season.
• A displayed parking badge is required at listed Rocester parking locations.

Where it is