Cheshire

Ridgegate Reservoir

Club members only

Club members only

Membership is open, so joining is the straightforward route on.
Stillwater

30 acres, bank fishing only.

About Ridgegate Reservoir

Ridgegate Reservoir is the main water of Macclesfield Flyfishers Club, a 30 acre reservoir leased from United Utilities in Macclesfield Forest, on the south western edge of the Peak District National Park. The club stocks it regularly with rainbow and brown trout, and fishing is allowed all year round, from dawn until one hour after sunset, seven days a week, with no night fishing. There is parking on the roadside beside the reservoir, and members can use a fishing hut.

How to book

Club and membership details

Macclesfield Flyfishers Club

Day tickets · Membership

Members of the club. Membership is limited to 100. For 2026 seniors (21 and over) pay £235, intermediates (18 to 20) £117.50 and juniors (under 18) £50, and the £100 joining fee was waived for 2026. Use the contact form on the club’s website to ask about joining or day tickets.
View club details

Membership details

Fishing details

Water type: Stillwater
Size: 30 acres
Lake: 1
Boat fishing: Bank only

Stocking and fish species

none stocking · Rainbow and brown trout, stocked regularly, per the club.

Brown Trout

Rainbow Trout

Rules and policies

Catch & release

EA rod licence required

Dogs allowed

Ghillie available

Ghillie required

Fishing rules for Ridgegate Reservoir

Open all year, dawn until one hour after sunset, seven days a week. No night fishing. Day ticket holders must show an Environment Agency rod licence. Read the club’s rules before fishing.

Where you'll fish

Location

Approximate location

Exact location is hidden at the owner's request..

FishingBeats is an independent guide with no affiliation to the fisheries we list. Listings are editorial and unpaid, and are not supplied or approved by the fishery. See our listings policy. Listing details are compiled by FishingBeats and may change or contain mistakes. Some services, such as tuition, ghillies, or accommodation, may only apply to certain packages and not to standard day tickets. Always confirm pricing, fishing details, and what is included directly with the beat before you book. Spotted something wrong? Email hello@fishingbeats.com and we will correct it.

FAQ

Ridgegate Reservoir FAQs

Practical questions anglers ask before fishing Ridgegate Reservoir, from tickets to tactics.

01How many rods are allowed on Ridgegate Reservoir at any one time?

The rod limit for Ridgegate Reservoir is listed on the beat page — check before booking, as limits vary by season and fishery preference.

02What species can I expect to catch on Ridgegate Reservoir?

Ridgegate Reservoir holds Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout. The water is unstocked, relying entirely on the wild population.

03Do I need to wade, or can I fish from the bank?

Wading arrangements for Ridgegate Reservoir are listed on the beat page — contact the provider if you need to confirm before arriving.

04Is a ghillie available, and do I need one?

No ghillie service is listed for Ridgegate Reservoir — contact the provider directly if you'd like informal guidance on your first visit.

05Where do I park, and how do I access the beat?

Parking details for Ridgegate Reservoir are shown on the beat page, including a map pin where one is provided. Always confirm access arrangements with the provider when you book.

06What tackle should I bring?

For most chalk stream beats on the , a 9-foot 4- or 5-weight rod with a floating line is the standard setup. The fly recommendations section on the Ridgegate Reservoir page suggests the most effective patterns month by month.

07What happens if conditions are poor on the day I've booked?

River conditions can change quickly, especially after rain. Contact the provider as early as possible if you're concerned about Ridgegate Reservoir — many are happy to offer an alternative date if the river is unfishable. Cancellation and rescheduling policies vary by provider; check the notes on the booking page or ask when you book.

08Are dogs allowed on the beat?

Dogs are not listed as permitted on Ridgegate Reservoir. Check the Beat Rules section on the page or contact the provider before bringing a dog, as policies can vary by season and stretch of the .