Manifold Magic

Manifold Magic by Chris Carver

I‘ve fly fished for trout in the Peak District a number of times before; on the Wye on several occasions and also the Derwent. This time I was staying in the White Peak and after a little online searching found to my delight that some attractive sounding beats on the upper reaches of the Dove and Manifold rivers were available through the Peak Passport Scheme. Staying just a few miles away I could have my pick.

Unfortunately, the English Summer of 2012 was well under way and when I arrived in the area the rivers were bank high, making me doubtful about fishing. However, a quick call to Andy Heath, the Peak Passport Scheme Officer, soon dispelled my pessimism.

Andy lives right in the middle of the Manifold & Dove ( not literally I might add, though I guess his job demands that he has to spend a large amount of time on the water……..now there’s a job to die for!)

“Under these conditions, your best chance is on the Manifold……….try the stretch at Frog Hall,”he suggested.

When questioned about likely fly patterns his advice was equally to the point:

“Although the Mayfly hatch as such has finished, you’ll find the fish are still partial to them."

So good news; I could fish dry, and see the fly as well. No size 22 needed here then!

The next day was almost sunny. I set off around lunchtime and found the beat car park on a farm in unspoilt rolling countryside. As I started to get changed, the rain started to come in, steady drizzle but mercifully no wind……..conditions that they call ‘soft’ in Ireland.

So down to the river with a White Wulff (my go-to Mayfly pattern) attached to the leader and off I started. Two hours later and not a rise to be seen and not an offer to my fly.

As the Peak Passport website says:

“This beat has everything from open countryside to wooded glides, sweeping bends and shallow brooks.”

Some parts of the beat are more accessible than others, although with a 7’6” rod and a little determination you can cast a fly into most stretches. Until now I had been fishing the most likely looking dry fly stretches: long glides, heads and tails of pools, you know the drill.

As I paused to reflect on the nature of things, my fly had drifted into a less likely looking spot and was promptly taken by a half-pond wild brownie. Then the penny dropped………. I should be fishing this river as if I was worming it. From then on the White Wulff did the trick. Seven more fish including two of a pound or more and then it was time for the last few casts of the day.

One particular spot had looked very fishy, but demanded that special cast to get low under some branches that you either make or leave a fly up in the trees. This time the cast was true and my fly was gently sipped down. I lifted the rod and was immediately attached to a good-sized fish that insisted on dancing all over the river. Eventually I got the fish in ready to land when, with one last flourish, it was away. My fly was still attached to the leader but the size 10 hook was nearly straightened out. Nearly 2lbs I reckon that fish was.

Back to the Passport:

“There is a chance of some large trout in this section of the Manifold so don't fish too light”

Well I was fishing a 4lb point which certainly held OK………but I must admit I‘ve not seen a size 10 hook bent like that before.

I will definitely be back.

Chris Carver.
Late June 2012

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Thanks Chris, Glad you enjoyed it!
PP Team

Windy Arbour Bridge. River Manifold

Please be aware that although this beat is still fishable access to the normal car parking areas may be unavailable due to Severn Trent  improvement works. For those prepared to walk a short way parking is available in Longnor. We will inform anglers when the situation changes.