Angling dos and don'ts: What you need to fish in Carlisle

I spoke with John Cadman to learn more about the organisation, and how to navigate the many rules and regulations that come with fishing.

The group has been running since the 1830s, comfortably making it one of Cumbria's oldest, and it is now looking to attract the younger generation to the sport.

John said: "It started in the 19th century and has been going ever since. We have approximately seven miles of predominantly double bank fishing, from the M6 bridge all the way down to the estuary, with some parts that are private along that route. Our fishing on the right-hand bank finishes about 500m below Grinsdale Church. The whole ethos of our association is that it is affordable fishing for all."

Club secretary John Cadman (Image: Supplied)

In Carlisle, it is predominantly a salmon and sea trout fishery, but there is also a good amount of chub and dace.

When a resident permit holder has been with the angling association for more than 10 years and are of retirement age, they can apply for life membership at the club.

There are currently 41 life members, and 85 residents in the association, while non-migratory trout and coarse fishing tickets are also available for £45 for a year, with 130 of those sold already this year. Visitor membership is available for people who live more than five miles outside the city centre, with day tickets also an option.

John added: "It's one of the oldest and biggest clubs in the country, with its own dedicated waters. More and more young people are getting involved. We're certainly seeing people in their 30s and 40s. It's a very thriving club."

Club treasurer Adam Spencer (Image: Supplied)

John will contact new members directly and pass across a joining pack, which will include a fishing map, a catch return - which must be submitted at the end of the salmon season in October - and a set of rules.

Members then usually go down as individuals, and fish wherever they'd like, so long as its on the association's waters. 

John said: "One of the really important things is that everyone has an environment agency rod license. That does not entitle them to fish anywhere, it licenses them to fish, but they have to have membership of the association. Our team of water bailiffs check the rivers on almost a daily basis. We do get instances of poaching."

A petition was recently launched to stop instances of illegal fishing at Hammond's Pond, following the death of a cygnet in June last year.

John added: "The one thing about our association is that we don't fish in any still water. It's all the river Eden and the river Caldew. Predominantly, that means standing in the water and wading. It's a dangerous river, people lose their life in it almost every year."

An annual general meeting is also held every year to help educate members and keep them informed. 

Despite fishing often being an individual sport, the group is also a great place to meet others. 

John said: "If I'm going, I'll ring up someone I know and meet up with them. It is predominantly individuals that go, but you tend to find two or three individuals in the same places on a regular basis."

Asked if there were any plans to mark National Fishing Month, John replied: 

"We encourage fishing all year round. We're always looking for new members, the younger generation is really important. We would love to see new blood on the committee and new faces in the association."

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