River Dove at Doveridge

River level

The lowdown

• This is a cracking stretch on the River Dove, right by the Derbyshire–Staffordshire boundary near Doveridge. Fenton and District Angling Society has owned it since its formation in 1906.
• The society describes the water as suitable for specimen hunters, and the fish list backs that up. Chub over 6 lb have been taken, while double-figure barbel are present.
• A barbel over 15 lb has been reported in recent years. That is the sort of fish that’ll have you staring at the tip and forgetting your brew.
• Look for the usual river features: steady glides, crease lines and slack water. The slacks are specifically noted for large perch, so they’re well worth a careful look.
• Quality bream can turn up in large shoals. Occasional carp are present too, although carp and barbel must not be retained in a keep net.
• The Dove also has a game-fishing side. Specimen trout occur, and the grayling take dry flies in summer. Proper mixed-fishing territory.
• For coarse anglers, barbel and chub are the obvious targets. A feeder or bait fished near the crease should cover the basics, while quieter water is the place to try for perch and bream.
• Pike are present but few and far between. Pike fishing is only allowed from 1 October to 14 March, with suitable landing nets and unhooking mats required when targeting them.
• Fishing is restricted to recognised pegs. Keep at least ten yards from another member’s swim, and don’t fish more than halfway across when opposite-bank pegs are occupied.
• Night fishing is available where permitted, with the River Dove listed among the society’s night-fishing waters. Full members and over-18 night-permit holders can fish at night where allowed.

Methods: For coarse fishing, try feeder work or bait around the crease, glides and slack water, switching to the quieter areas for perch and bream. In summer, dry-fly fishing for grayling gives the game angler a proper alternative.

Access & tickets

The society offers membership rather than a publicly advertised day ticket on the official pages checked. Membership cards are issued digitally or by post depending on the product, and anglers must carry a current card and Environment Agency licence when requested.

Fish the club names

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

Key rules

• A maximum of two rods per angler is permitted.
• Live bait is prohibited.
• Unattended baited rods are prohibited.
• Fish may not be removed without society permission.
• Carp or barbel may not be retained in a keep net. Fish over 2 lb may not be retained in a keep net except during matches.
• Carp sacks are banned.
• Suitable landing nets and unhooking mats are required when specifically fishing for carp or pike.
• Pike fishing is allowed from 1 October to 14 March only.
• Fishing is restricted to recognised pegs. Keep at least ten yards from another member’s swim unless mutually agreed.
• Groundbait and loose feed are limited to 1 kg per angler per day.

Where it is