Few fishing experiences in Britain are as steeped in tradition and natural beauty as a fly fishing guided day on the Haddon Estate. Nestled in the heart of Derbyshire, this exclusive water offers anglers the chance to cast across two of England’s most celebrated rivers – the Derbyshire Wye and the Derbyshire Derwent. To spend a guided day here is to step into angling history while enjoying modern guidance, comfort, and expertise.
The Derbyshire Wye – birthplace of dry fly fishing
The Wye is legendary. Known as the only UK river where wild rainbow trout breed naturally, it is also the cradle of upstream dry fly fishing. Here, crystal-clear limestone flows nourish a rich variety of insect life. On spring days, hatches of olives and grannom keep the surface alive. The Wye is famous for its Mayfly hatch from mid May through to the first few weeks in June. As the season warms, terrestrials and other upwings drift downstream in clouds, sending trout into a feeding rhythm. To place a well-chosen imitation in the path of a rising fish is to experience the thrill that anglers have sought here for centuries.
Casting a dry fly on the Wye during your fly fishing guided day is not simply about catching fish. It is about connecting with the origins of modern fly fishing, in the very landscape where an artificial dry fly presentation was refined by James Ogden. When a wild rainbow lifts confidently to your fly, it feels like a handshake across generations of anglers.
The Derbyshire Derwent – a nympher’s dream
Just downstream, the Derwent offers a different kind of adventure. Broader and more varied in flow, it is water perfectly suited to nymphing, spider fishing, and modern Euro techniques. Riffles, seams, and deep runs demand a tactical approach. This is where anglers can learn how to control depth, drift, and subtlety – unlocking fish that are not showing at the surface.
Classic upstream spiders will always have their place here, but many visiting anglers on a fly fishing guided day are eager to learn European styles such as Czech and French nymphing. With our guides beside you, you will discover how to adapt your rig, read complex water, and sense the tiny pauses that signal a take. The Derwent rewards patience and skill, offering both numbers of fish and the satisfaction of technical mastery.
One-to-one fly fishing guided day sessions tailored to you
- Private 1-2-1 guided fly fishing: Your guide tailors the day to your goals and ability, from first casts to advanced rivercraft.
- All kit provided: High-quality rods, reels, leaders, waders, and safety gear are included.
- Flexible focus: Dry fly on the Wye, nymph and spiders on the Derwent, or a blend of both rivers.
- Seasonal tactics: Flies and methods matched to current hatches and conditions.
A day immersed in nature
Beyond the fly fishing guided day itself, the Haddon Estate is a place of extraordinary beauty. The rivers wind through timeless Derbyshire countryside, their banks home to kingfishers, wagtails, and dippers. In the early morning, deer can sometimes be seen crossing the shallows, while the evening brings a chorus of owls and bats skimming low over the water.
To wade amongst these surroundings, rod in hand, is to feel part of the landscape. Every sense is engaged: the sound of water over gravel, the flash of a trout turning in the current, the cool breath of water against your legs.
For the non-fishing guest
Not every visitor to the Haddon Estate need spend the day with rod in hand. For non-angling companions, there is an abundance of history, culture, and charm close by.
- Haddon Hall: On the estate itself, one of England’s finest medieval manor houses with terraced gardens, stone courtyards, and richly furnished rooms.
- Chatsworth House: A short drive away, the seat of the Dukes of Devonshire – grand architecture, landscaped grounds, and world-class art collections.
- Bakewell: A beautiful market town for riverside walks, independent shops, cafés, and the famous Bakewell Pudding.
- Places to stay: Choose from five-star country house hotels with spa facilities, characterful village inns and pubs with roaring fires, or cosy B&Bs offering classic Derbyshire hospitality.
The fish you’ll meet during your fly fishing guided day
- Wild brown trout – the heart of the Derbyshire rivers, beautiful and challenging.
- Wild rainbow trout – unique to the Derbyshire Wye, free-rising and strong.
- Grayling – the “lady of the stream,” offering wonderful autumn and winter sport.
What’s included
- All equipment provided – rods, reels, waders, and safety gear.
- Flies carefully selected to match seasonal hatches and conditions.
- Private one-to-one guided fly fishing tailored to beginners, intermediates, and advanced anglers.
- Focus on safety, river etiquette, and reading water so your skills grow for life.
Book your Haddon Estate fly fishing guided day
A fly fishing guided day on the Haddon Estate is more than just a day on the river. It is a chance to immerse yourself in the traditions of the sport, learn from expert guides, and enjoy one of the most beautiful settings in the Peak District. Whether casting a dry fly to a sipping rainbow on the Wye or drifting a team of nymphs through the deeper runs of the Derwent, you will leave with memories that last a lifetime. You can find out more about the fishing on Haddon Estate at the Peacock Fly Fishing Club.
