Fishing In The Peak District
When people think of the Peak District they tend to immediately think of hiking and sightseeing. However, what most people don't realise is that the Peak District is a fantastic area for fishing. Each year, fishermen flood to the Peak District to take part in the numerous fishing events and competitions or sometimes just to spend a few hours by the side of a river relaxing while they fish.
One of the most popular types of fishing that takes place in the Peak District is fly fishing. Fly fishing is where fishermen use an artificial 'fly' as bait on the end of their line to attract fish to their rod. This artificial fly is cast using a rod, reel and weighted line. As the artificial fly is lighter than other types of bait, it requires specific casting methods such as overhead or roll casting to work properly. While these methods take a lot of practice to master, there are plenty of classes and groups in the Peak District that offer demonstrations and lessons on how to become a good fly fisher.
The Peak District has several sites that are ideal for fishing at different times throughout the year and for different levels of experience. Fishing is available at beautiful spots like Ladybower in the Hope Valley. Ladybower is home to the historical Ladybower Reservoir which provides water for the surrounding areas. Another great area for fishing is in Dovedale, which is a well-known spot for all experienced fly fishers. The various sections of the River Dove mean that all fishermen, from beginners to experienced fishers, can enjoy the sport in a beautiful surrounding. The River Dove is the main river in the Peak District and spans a distance of 45 miles. The Dove is best known for wild trout which many fishermen challenge themselves to try and catch.
One of the best things about fishing in the Peak District is that there are numerous affordable hotels and bed and breakfasts which can turn one day of fishing into a successful, relaxing weekend break. Booking into a hotel near the river Dove for a weekend means that even if the weather is terrible and the fish are simply not biting, the fisherman can go back to the hotel, get dry and spend time doing something else. Turning a fishing trip into a weekend break also means that the entire family can enjoy a break; if they do not want to fish they can go hiking or shopping in the local town or villages. A break in the Peak District means that everyone has the chance to do something they enjoy.
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