History of our Club

Newbury Angling Association is one of the oldest angling clubs and was formed to provide local anglers with quality fishing. Now, after more than 120 years, it still offers its members some excellent river, canal and still water fishing.

The available waters include stretches of the River Kennet and its side and back-streams, the Kennet & Avon Canal, and a number of stillwaters, large and small. Between them, these waters hold all the species that one might expect.

Membership of the Association is growing steadily and it is the largest angling club in the immediate area with over one thousand members. By far the greatest number of members are pleasure anglers, but there are many who choose to specialise as specimen - hunters. For those who are attracted to match-fishing, regular matches are arranged for Seniors, Juniors, Ladles and Pairs; matches are open to all members.

Membership is available to anyone living within a 12-mile radius of Newbury town centre. A limited number of Associate Memberships are also available for those who live outside the 12 mile radius and have strong connections with existing full members; there is presently a waiting list.

If you wish to know more, or you require an application form for membership, please contact the Membership Secretary on Newbury (01635) 46285. Application forms are also available from local tackle shops: in Thatcham at the  Crownmead Angling Centre, on the Bath Road and at Thatcham Angling Centre, (Sagecroft Road).

The Association has river, canal and stillwater fisheries, many of which it either owns, or for which it owns the fishing rights. The river fishing is typical and classic River Kennet fishing. The canal fishing is also excellent and while the re- opening of the canal has meant more boats such traffic rarely causes problems. The stillwaters have been developed by the Association from gravel pits. Between them, these waters hold the prospect of barbel, chub, bream, roach, dace, rudd, perch, pike and carp, with many growing to specimen proportions. Perhaps only eels are missing in significant numbers but many anglers would count that a blessing!

Despite the size of the Association's membership, the fisheries are very rarely crowded and there is plenty of room for the angler who seeks solitude. Except for Under-12s all members have unlimited access to all the Association's waters. Under-12s can also fish all waters but they must be accompanied by a responsible adult,  Some of the still waters are open all year round.

 Access to most of the lakes is good, with car parks on the site, so getting to the waterside should not be overly arduous for those who wish to avoid excessive exercise or who find walking a problem. Most lakes have easy access to swims designated for disabled anglers, However, except where the river and canal combine where there is a towpath adjacent to the water, access for river fishing can be more of a problem as considerable amount of walking can be involved and the banks are frequently intentionally left rough. All the canal stretches have towpath access but that can also involve some lengthy walks if one wants to fish the more remote spots.

Rules and regulations have been kept to a minimum and are limited to those which are necessary to protect the Association's interests and property, to safeguard fish and wildlife, and to allow everyone to enjoy their fishing. We look forward to welcoming you to the Association.