River Dove (Marchington)

River level

The lowdown

• This is quite a wild-looking stretch, with plenty of trees along the banks. Not a manicured, numbered-peg sort of job — more natural river fishing.
• The lower end is shallower, while the water gets deeper upstream. Handy stuff if you fancy exploring rather than sitting on one swim all day.
• Look for the obvious crease where faster water meets the slower margins. Eddies and slack edges should be worth a cheeky cast, especially when the river has a bit of colour.
• Barbel are the headline act here, and the stretch has a history of producing some big ones. Bring proper gear: the club recommends lines no lighter than 12lb when targeting them.
• It isn’t just a barbel water. Carp and large bream are present, while members report chub, pike, trout and dace too.
• A feeder or legered approach should cover the deeper upstream water nicely. In the shallower lower section, keep things tidy and watch for fish moving through.
• There’s enough variety to make trotting worth a look when conditions suit. The slower margins and eddies could be bob on for working a bait through at the right pace.
• This is lower-Dove coarse fishing rather than a classic upper-Dove fly-fishing beat. Think river features, changing depth and natural swims.
• Take care around giant hogweed in summer. The club has reported it along this stretch, so don’t go charging through the banks in shorts.
• Exact access, maps and parking notes are kept in the members area. The public website doesn’t give the length or peg count, so expect to do a bit of homework before heading out.
• We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

Methods: Barbel gear and a feeder or leger are the obvious starting points, with no lighter than 12lb line recommended for targeted barbel. Trotting the creases, eddies and slower margins is worth a go when the river’s behaving.

Access & tickets

Get the current subscription through Saracens Head Angling Group’s membership enquiry form; capacity is limited, with a waiting list when full. The day-ticket page doesn’t confirm eligible waters, prices or booking arrangements, so contact the committee rather than assuming a day ticket covers this river.

Fish the club names

carp, bream, barbel, pike, trout, chub

Key rules

• Use lines no lighter than 12lb when specifically targeting barbel.
• Take care around giant hogweed during summer.
• Check current day-access guidance with the club committee before visiting.
• Follow the club’s current rules, as the day-ticket page says availability and rules are still being updated.

Where it is