A Brief History of Milnthorpe Angling Association 1858 to 1899

 

Formed in 1858 with Mr Charles Bower as Chairman and Mr W Tattersall as Secretary, the Association started with a membership limit of 26. It was quite exclusive. 

 

A few working men, known as “Penny Members” were allowed to 'angle above Hang Bridge only'. This arrangement helped relations with locals who kept an eye out for poachers. 

 

The Annual General Meetings were held at Wheat Sheaf Inn, Beetham until 1876 when they moved to Cross Keys Inn, Milnthorpe.  

 

In 1883 all waters from the Estuary to Rowell Bridge, including Dallam Park, Kidside and Overthwaite were available to members. In 1897 Sir Maurice Bromley-Wilson of Dallam agreed fishing only above Waterhouse Paper Mill.  

 

Protecting the Fishery was the main expense. The River Watcher was assisted by night watchers. In 1888, for example, 84% of expenses in the Association accounts were made up of watchers' wages, waders, clogs, diary and rent of the Watcher's cottage at Hang Bridge. Sometimes there were extra expenses like repairs to the cottage and wallpaper. 

 

There was no mention of rent for the fishing in the accounts. Perhaps the landowners were happy to provide fishing in exchange for having the river well managed and for preventing poaching, which was taken very seriously. Rule XVI stated that 'Every species of Poaching shall be suppressed by all practicable means, and offenders prosecuted at the expense of the Association, and that the Secretary shall have power from time to time to offer rewards for the apprehension of Poachers, to be paid on conviction, and to take such other legal measures for the protection of the Fishery as he may think proper'.

 

The river was stocked from time to time. In 1887 500 Loch Leven yearling trout were introduced. In 1893 an expense of £7.10s from Howietown Fishery 'S.Levenensis' was recorded. In 1897 500 2 yr old trout came from Wyresdale Fishery and the carting of 200 rainbow trout was recorded as an expense. 

 

The Bela opened earlier than other rivers in the district as the fish came into condition earlier. Over the years the fishing season was varied. In 1899 it was from 16th February to 31st August. The only baits allowed were fly, minnow and worm, the latter only above the railway bridge and not before 31st March.

 

These notes have been taken from Annual Reports, but not all reports are available. This is just scratching the surface. More details could be gleaned from the minute books.