Den Dam opens on Saturday 3 October 2026 in line with the 2026-27 rainbow trout season. 

Den Dam is located approximately 6 km west of Melton Mowbray.  To access turn onto Den Road from the A5 Highlands Lakes Road, approximately 2.5 km west of Melton Mowbray.

The dam is a relatively small water body and is only suitable for a limited number of anglers at any one time. As a guide, parking capacity is limited to approximately 2-3 vehicles. While we understand there will be considerable interest in this new fishery, anglers may wish to consider visiting after the initial opening period when visitation levels are likely to be lower.

A Trial Fishery

Den Dam has been established as a trial fishery to test several new fishery management approaches, including:

• Catch-and-release only fishing
• Single barbless hooks only
• Artificial lures and flies only
• A QR code-based visitor notification system that allows anglers to notify the landowner when accessing the property

Wild Rainbow Trout Fishery

This water has been developed with the aim of producing wild trophy rainbow trout. The fishery is lightly stocked and anglers should not expect easy fishing. Success may require patience and persistence, but the long-term goal is to create a high-quality trophy trout experience.

Research and Monitoring

Anglers are encouraged to complete an optional questionnaire when leaving the property.

The information collected will help us better understand potential post-release mortality of larger trout. Questionnaire responses will be analysed alongside data collected from water temperature loggers installed in the dam, as well as overall visitation levels. This information will contribute to our understanding of fish survival following release and help inform future fishery management decisions.

We appreciate anglers' cooperation and look forward to seeing how this exciting new fishery develops.

Please remember: catch-and-release fishing, the use of single barbless hooks and artificial lures and flies only are mandatory conditions of fishing at Den Dam.