“Anglers are the true stewards of nature, for they understand the delicate balance of the ecosystem.”
The Haddon Estate is on the confluence of four rivers: the Derwent, Wye, Lathkill, and Bradford. We manage these rivers for the flora and fauna which these beautiful natural gems harbour. As a result of the management of this habitat, we offer challenging fishing for wild trout.
The Rivers of Haddon Estate
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The river begins at Lathkill Head, close to Monyash, and flows into the River Wye near Rowsley. The Lathkill is a beautiful limestone spring-fed waterway, known for its clarity. For fishing enthusiasts, it offers a fantastic chance to spot and carefully approach fish in its pristine waters.
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In the entire country, there's just one river that boasts wild rainbow trout, stretching over seven miles of prime dry fly fishing territory that ranks among the finest in the UK. Our sections of river are completely unstocked, which means anglers are in for a real challenge as they pursue wild brown and rainbow trout, along with grayling.
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The River Bradford is one of our true limestone streams, filtering through the bedrock and coming out of the ground at Gratton Moor. Crytsal clear waters makes fishing tricky, but rewarding. There are only Brown Trout in the Bradford, but they were described as "The reddest and bestest" in Isaac Walton's Compleat Angler.
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The Derwent offers anglers a chance to try out various fishing techniques. Unlike the Wye, you can fish with flies beneath the surface, and wading is allowed here. You'll find plenty of wild brown trout and grayling, plus an increasing population of wild rainbows that have migrated from the Wye.
Our Philosophy
Our connection to the heritage and landscape of Haddon Estate runs deep. We are dedicated to reconnecting with the core of nature, celebrating the wild terrain that flourishes and transforms with each season. This is how nature is meant to be. As stewards of this land, we honor its splendor and strive to maintain a balanced haven for all forms of life. We aspire to provide anglers with a richer experience throughout their journey. Known for being one of the more demanding fishing spots in the UK, we believe that every moment spent here is worthwhile. We want anglers to engage closely with the wilderness, challenging themselves and gaining a deeper insight into entomology to enhance their success. Ultimately, our aim is to help them become more skilled anglers.
In 2006, Haddon Estate were the joint winners at the Wild Trout Trust Awards for Conservation. In summing up our achievements, Dr David Bellamy described the project as ‘radical, with ‘some financial risk’. He was right; although we researched the project very carefully, it was believed by some that we were moving too fast for our customers. Were the anglers willing to put back their catch alive? Would the first few years of transition cause our regulars to go elsewhere? Thankfully we were supported by our customers from the off, and still are to this day. It is amazing how the rivers responded in recovery from intense stocking for so long. Aside from the fish recovering so well, we now have very healthy populations of kingfishers, dippers, a huge variety of insect life, otters, and yearly visits from the osprey.
Going Wild Project
“Our river stands out as one of the cleanest in the UK. Maintaining this pristine condition requires excellent water quality, free from pollution and artificial fertilisers. This commitment fosters a thriving ecosystem, supporting a diverse range of mammals and abundant fish.”
— Jan Hobot (Head River Keeper)
As the trout season comes to a close, the rivers remain a fantastic destination for fishing from October through the New Year. The Peak District offers the chance to catch grayling, renowned for their beauty and status among freshwater fish, during the autumn and winter seasons. Many anglers believe that grayling fishing requires specialised gear, but the truth is that the same tackle used for river trout is perfectly suitable for grayling. A rod between 8 to 9 feet paired with a number 4 or 5 weight line is typically ideal, allowing you to choose the action that feels most comfortable for you.
Winter Fishing
Wild Bows
Rainbow trout were introduced to the Derbyshire Dales in 1890, originally brought to Ashford Hall Estate from California. Intended for a Scottish estate, a winter storm flooded the hatch pool, letting the trout escape into the River Wye. Unlike the Shasta strain, the Californian irideus strain thrived, adapting well to the river's conditions. These wild rainbows spawn later than brown trout, avoiding competition, and grow quickly. Anglers from around the world, especially from America, come to Rowsley to fish for them. After 132 years, the rainbow trout have become a key part of the local ecosystem, making a strong case for their native status. We’re fortunate to have them.
Private Beats
We offer exclusive fishing opportunities on private stretches, typically reserved for Haddon Hall owners. Highlights include the Haddon Hall stretch along the River Wye and the Dukes beat on the River Lathkill, famously visited by Izaak Walton—both offering premier wild fishing in pristine settings.
Promote and support a vibrant ecosystem, and the wild fish will flourish.
The Story of James Ogden
Dry fly fishing at Haddon Estate has a rich history rooted in the life of James Ogden, a passionate angler born in 1805. Growing up near the Derbyshire Wye, James was taught traditional wet fly fishing by his father, Frank, developing a deep connection to the river. Over time, his keen observations of fish behaviour led him to an important insight: fish were most likely to strike when a fly was first cast, floating delicately on the surface before it became submerged. This observation sparked his curiosity and set him on a path of innovation. Ogden spent the next four decades refining his techniques, eventually pioneering the use of the dry fly. His approach was so successful that it ultimately transformed fly fishing. As a result, the Haddon Estate adopted his “single dry fly only” rule, a legacy that endures today, marking the estate as a key site in the history of fly fishing.
Community
We take great pride in our vibrant community, built over the years by dedicated individuals who embody our core values. They actively advocate for the importance of care and sustainable fishing practices, helping us share this message with future generations. Our club warmly welcomes anglers of all ages and backgrounds who are passionate about supporting these vital values.
Press Manor Fishery
Members can fish at Press Manor Fishery from September 1st to March 31st. To ensure a quality experience, a maximum of two members are allowed per day on either the trout or coarse lake, under a Catch and Release policy. Reservations are required, so please send your booking request to info@thepeacockflyfishingclub.co.uk. This helps us maintain a smooth and enjoyable fishing experience for all. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy this exclusive access!
BBC Gone Fishing visits the Peacock at Haddon
Join Paul Whitehouse and Bob Mortimer as they cast their lines at the Peacock Fly Fishing Club on the Haddon Estate, chasing the famous Wild Rainbow trout in the stunning grounds. Then, watch as they head to the Derwent River in search of Chub and Brown trout. Don’t miss this thrilling episode—tune in and see if you can catch all the action!
