About Us

Press Manor Fishing Lakes has been run by Bernie Maher since 1995, offering day-ticket trout, carp and coarse fishing together with professional fly-fishing tuition in the heart of the Peak District, Derbyshire.

Bernie has been a qualified fly fishing instructor since 1993, holding certifications from AAPGAI, FFF and APGAI. He is an Orvis Endorsed Guide with full public liability insurance and first aid training, qualified to teach both trout fishing and salmon casting. Before turning to fishing full-time, he played professional cricket for Derbyshire County Cricket Club for 17 years, as well as further seasons in New Zealand and South Africa.

On the water, Bernie has represented England 17 times and won the English National Fly Fishing Championship in 2005/6. He holds eight Commonwealth England Team medals and also works as a fishing guide and bailiff on the Derbyshire Wye for The Haddon Estate.

Press Manor has featured on ITV’s Heart of the Country and BBC One’s Wild Weather. A fishing lodge was built on the Trout Lake in 2015, with toilets and ample disabled-accessible parking, and boats are available for hire on the Trout Lake from March to December.

Whether you’re here for a relaxed day’s fishing or to learn from an award-winning instructor, Press Manor offers a warm welcome and beautiful surroundings just 13 miles from M1 Junction 29.