River Dove – Scropton, Brookhouse Farm / Fauld A–B and C–D sections

River level

The lowdown

• This is a tree-lined bit of the Dove with loads of twists and bends, so it feels nicely tucked away and full of character.
• The water mixes up nicely. You’ve got deep sections, fast gravel runs, islands, shallow runs, bars and shelves. Plenty to explore.
• Overhanging bushes offer cover for resident fish, so don’t just charge in. A quiet approach and accurate fishing under the branches should be bob on.
• The society highlights it as particularly suited to classic chub and barbel fishing. Think the crease, the deeper bends and the pacey gravel.
• Barbel are recorded to approximately 11 lb, while chub are recorded to approximately 6 lb. That’s proper incentive for a bit of patience.
• A feeder or touch-ledgered bait should suit the deeper water and steadier edges. When the river’s carrying a bit of colour, the fish can be well on the munch.
• The faster runs and shallower gravel look made for trotting when conditions allow. Keep the float moving naturally and search the seams rather than hammering one spot.
• There are also islands, bars and shelves to work around, giving you plenty of likely holding areas as flow changes through the season.
• The water covers the Fauld A–B and C–D sections, with Scropton Upper Limit E–F also listed separately by the society. Brookhouse Farm is the official location.
• Brookhouse Farm car parking is by the level crossing, before the double gates, without blocking the track. Members may use the farm track to park nearer the river, subject to gate instructions. Brooms Lane is another option, with access on foot through the railway underpass.
• We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

Methods: Go light and mobile for chub, trotting the gravel and creases, then switch to feeder or ledger tactics for barbel in deeper water and steadier flow. The islands, shelves and overhanging cover are the spots to pick off carefully.

Access & tickets

The society’s published water information does not advertise day tickets, so this is treated as society/member water. Access is through Stoke-on-Trent Angling Society membership and its rules and conditions.

Fish the club names

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

Named by Stoke-on-Trent Angling Society across its waters, not for this stretch on its own.

Key rules

• An Environment Agency rod licence is required.
• Follow the Stoke-on-Trent Angling Society membership general rules and conditions.
• The society’s general and water-specific rules apply to all lengths.
• Observe the applicable coarse-fishing close season and Environment Agency by-laws.
• During the coarse-fishing close season, trout fishing on River Dove water is fly only.
• Do not cross the railway lines.
• Night-fishing permissions and restrictions are governed by the society’s membership rules and conditions.

Where it is