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The Izaak Walton Hotel is a
picturesque 17th Century country house hotel with fishing rights on the
river Dove.
The Ghillies Board provides updates about the hotel fishery on the river
Dove and is a forum for syndicate members and hotel fishing guests.
For more information or to send in an article for review, please
Email:
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Prospects for the coming season 2010
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We have been treated like all of you to a good deal of snow over the Christmas period, but there has been a thaw this last week in January, and most of the snow has turned to water and gone down the rivers. This has given the river a good clean out, scouring the gravel beds and the bottom of the stream, the river looks well at present, and the grayling and trout are in good condition. The high water level had a good effect on clearing out the usual dead wood that falls into the river. Although there are a few weeks before the trout fishing season begins, the snow melt has given us good opportunities for the coming season. So all is looking well for the 18th, March start.
March to my mind is still a bit early to start, and the days will still be cold, and the water even colder; the general insect life is loath to hatch this early but some sedges, like the Red Fly, Old Joan will put in an appearance. Midges also like the cold weather, and some will be hatching to start the season off, depending on temperature. So the choice for the early angler will either be a sedge imitation, which can include a gold head sinking fly, or a small dry fly like a Griffith Gnat. You will need to experiment, and keep your eyes on the river, and match anything that you see hatching.
For some reason a number of local still water trout fisheries have closed, and some of the others seam to be in limbo; The popular Carsington reservoir layed off their fisheries staff at the end of 2009, and I have not yet heard of what is going to happen there. The Izaak Walton Hotel fishery in Dovedale is an old established fishery and was developed during the early part of the 19th century, when the coming of the railways made travel much more convenient. Still a great place to enjoy some fly fishing and a relaxing time away from business. The log fires are also very welcome after a cold day on the river.
Our fishery Manager Anthony Bridgett is a qualified GAIA instructor and acts as a guide, so if your are a new comer to the sport of fly fishing or just want to improve your skills Anthony can help, also he can act as a guide to fishing the river, which he has fished for 40 years. Contact reception for further information.
Prepared by Anthony Bridgett, and Scott Cawley at Reception. |
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01 Feb 2010 by Nikki Bexon and Anthony Bridgett.
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Fishing Report for June/July
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As is usual at this time of year; following on from the Mayfly activity in June, things usually go quiet, and this has been the case. The weather with lots of rain have put the river in poor condition for fishing through most of July. There have been fish rising and a variety of flies on the water means that the choice of the angler can be somewhat varied in his/her choice. Also the effect of the fishing pressure from last month have put the fish on guard.
The choice of the angler now should be evening, and early morning; consider Blue Winged Olive,or copies of terrestrial insects; Daddy Long Legs, Soldier and Sailor Beatles.etc.
The outlook for August is much the same as that for July, watch our later for any fall of ants on the river, these can happen unexpectedly, but be prepared, Caddis imitations will score best as a dry fly; The Derbyshire side of Dovedale will be busy from now on during the school holidays, so try and pick your visit either late or early. Although the privacy of the Hotel fishing is a boon at this time
A good time to brush up on your casting skills with our qualified Hotel Tutor. enquire at reception for further information.
Prepared by Anthony Bridgett Hotel Fishery Manager.
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25 Jul 2009 by Nikki Bexon and Anthony Bridgett.
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River Dove Fishing in June
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The fishing during June has been very varied. The hatches of Mayfly (Danica) have been spasmodic, although the fish know what they are, and the usual artificials have been working, most success has been to those fishing the evening sessions, this is the usual run of things for the Mayfly. Other flies have been about, a few Iron Blue Dun, Medium Olives, and sedge flies. various imitations have been working, the fish are used to seeing quite a variety of different insects during June, so it is worth trying something that you yourself fancy.
The water levels have dropped quite a lot, but rain is forecast for the start of July. July and August can be quiet months after the Mayfly carnival, but Blue Winged Olives can be seen about late afternoon and evening, and those that fish the Elk Hair Sedges will find some sport with these Sedge imitations.. Take your time in approaching the runs and pools, take time to look for any rising fish before casting, do not pass over the fast runs, as this time of year fish will be in water that only just covers their backs. The fish have seen a lot of angler pressure in the last month so a stealthy approach is often necessary. If you find the fishing quite then think about updating your fishing skills, tuition and guide service is available with our GAIA qualified instructor. enquire at Reception.
Prepared by Fishery Manager Anthony Bridgett.
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28 Jun 2009 by Nikki Bexon and Anthony Bridgett.
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Fishing Up-date for May.
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May is usually one of the best months for trout fishing; as usual it has started quite cold; when the sun is out it is very warm, but the cold wind persists. There are a number of different insect attracting the trout and graylings attention right now, Medium Olives, and black gnat.
A recent insect survey turned up a rich variety of different species, a few Iron Blue Dun, medium Olives of course and lots of sedgs and stoneflies. Mayfly larvae in numbers and I saw my first Mayfly dun (danica) at the end of April. These large flies will soon be on the wing and will be number one treat for the trout, as well as the bird life. It is a Carnival time for all.
The water level is a bit up and down at the moment with some heavy showers putting colour in the water, but otherwise things are looking good and certainly time to get a few days away staying at the hotel, and enjoying the exclusive fishing on offer.
Tuition and guide service is available ask at reception for details. |
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09 Jun 2009 by Nikki Bexon and Anthony Bridgett.
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April Bulletin
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Conditions on the Dovedale section of the river Dove, are improving all the time the weather is warming up and this is having an effect on the insect life. The water levels are good, but the water is still cold, but bright and clear. Scott Roane and his son over from the United States put in a quick visit late March, although starting in rain, the sun came out after lunch, and this was the cue for a hatch of small early olives to start although localised it had the fish moving they both rose fish, but failed to set the hook; Dove trout are pretty quick to react. Never the less they had a great day walking in the footsteps of father Walton.
Looking forward to the next few weeks; Olive Duns, and some Sedges will be providing interest; Iron Blue Dun could put in an appearance, although hatches of this fly have been sparce in recent years, still you never know when they will be back. Cow Dung Fly is also about, and could provide some sport; later on we should have Black Gnat and Hawthorne Fly, although the latter fly was very scarce last season. So a variety of flies to choose from; wet flies to try; Silver Partridge, Partridge and Orange, Partridge and Red. Steely Blue is a good attractor fly. Also keep in mind midge immitations these will be hatching in the broken water very easy to miss they being so small. For dry flies also try a proven local favourite the Cock Winged Dun. Many of the well tried local patterns are included in John Watsons new book: Angling with the Fly, an excellent book.
The fishing on the Hotel waters will be getting much better from now on leading up to the Mayfly hatch in late May early June. So book up a few days away and enjoy the fishing that the hotel has on offer; Guide and Tution service available with our qualified Guide. Contact Reception for further information.
Prepared by Nikki Bexon and Anthony Bridgett Fishery Manager.
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19 Apr 2009 by Nikki Bexon and Anthony Bridgett.
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