Freestone · Limestone · Peak District / Derbyshire-Staffordshire border

River Dove

River Dove venue image
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Walton and Cotton's river — the Dove has a legitimate claim as the most historically important trout stream in England.

Species

A side-water session, not the main event

Low and clear — careful approach country. Long leader, small flies, slower casts.

75% confidence in this read
Water temperature for brown trout
Cool — slow
8°C est.ideal 10–16°C
0°14°28°
Why this score · for brown trout
  • Temperature5728% weight
  • Flow6022% weight
  • Clarity9518% weight
  • Feeding Time5013% weight
  • Pressure807% weight
  • Prey Activity3012% weight
Conditions
Level
Dry recently
No gauge reading
Water temp
7.5°C
Estimated
Clarity
Clear
Air temp
9°C
Wind
SW 14 km/h
Gentle breeze
Pressure
1006 hPa
Rain · 48h
0.0 mm
No meaningful rain
Rain · ahead
7.7 mm
Light rain · next 48h

Live readings — water temperature is an estimate where the gauge does not record it.

How to fish it · for brown trout
When
Nymphing can work through most of the day.
Where
Cover mixed depths.
Method
Start with tight-line nymphs and adjust if fish rise or drift higher.
Kit
9 ft #4 rod, floating line, 12 ft tapered leader to 4–5 lb fluoro tippet.
Why this works
Good conditions. Clarity is favourable (95), Prey activity is weakest (30).
Through the year
0–3 scale · May highlighted
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Trout seasonSeason
1
2
2
2
2
2
1
Grayling seasonSeason
2
2
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
GrannomHatch
2
2
Evening SedgeHatch
2
3
3
3
2
Large Dark OliveHatch
1
2
2
1
Iron BlueHatch
1
2
2
1

Numbers are intensity 0 (none) to 3 (peak) — a guide, not a guarantee.

Gallery · 1
  1. Terrain map of the venue
    Terrain map
Directions
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About this water

Walton and Cotton's river — the Dove has a legitimate claim as the most historically important trout stream in England. Dovedale is limestone gorge poetry: clear water, wild trout in every pool and run, dramatic scenery. The upper river above Hartington shifts to intimate moorland character. Grayling are present and increasing. Charles Cotton's fishing temple at Beresford Dale is the real deal — walking into it connects you to centuries of fly fishing tradition. The clear water demands stealth, fine tippet, and precise casting. Accessible via day tickets (Izaak Walton Hotel, Peak District clubs).

  • Limestone
Seasons & zones
  • Trout22 March → 30 September
  • Grayling16 June → 14 March
Other water nearby · 5
Booking & contacts