Membership
The association is seeking new members for the upcoming season.
The annual subscription is £450. In addition, there is an entry fee of £900 which may be spread over 3 years.
Candidates for membership are normally proposed and seconded by two existing members of good standing who will advise on the application procedure.
If you do not know any of our members, you may support your application with appropriate references (see on-line application form below).
Ordinary members must be eighteen years of age or over.
Free Junior membership is available from the age of 13 to 17, junior members must be accompanied when fishing by a responsible adult aged eighteen or over and will be bound by the rules and bye-laws of the Association. A supervising adult who is not a member of the Association must not fish. On reaching the age of eighteen years the junior member may apply for transfer to ordinary membership at a reduced subscription rate up to the age of twenty one and will not be expected to pay an entry fee
For further information contact the Membership Secretary David Calvert by e mail bgfasecretary@gmail.com or Tel:07410406581
New members shall be expected to serve a probationary period of at least one year.
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Taster Days
Bowland Game- Fishing Association has over many years acquired many beautiful and tranquil beats for fly fishing within the Forest of Bowland and beyond. We have over 26 miles of river fishing on the rivers Ribble, Hodder, Aire, Lune, Wenning, Derwent (Cumbria) and Liddle in the borders. We also have Stillwater Fly Fishing on a 20 acre reservoir in Lancashire which is well stocked. To be on the river Hodder for example during May when all around is starting to bloom is a joy to behold. Also as all the flora and fauna is exploding into life so are the fish. There is nothing better than watching a trout or grayling rise to an insect, then casting your imitation delicately in front of the fish and then seeing the fish rise to your fly. Or alternatively casting your salmon or sea trout fly across the river and then feeling your line tighten, Magic!!
Photos taken by members on BGFA beats
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First Year of BGFA Membership
I am now coming to the end of a very enjoyable first season with the club and have fished several times each week since the first lockdown ended.
I started by fishing BGFA`s reservoir both afternoons and early evening with quite good results. Unfortunately the water levels were very low and I must go back over winter and see it bank full. It gets quite a few reports on the East Lancashire Ornithology Club web site and as I enjoy bird watching and fishing I like to combine the two. My first river ventures were on the Hodder fishing for Grayling and Trout which was very enjoyable and took me back, as this stretch was my original introduction to the Hodder when it belonged to Townson Brothers. I have met several members on the Hodder, who have all been helpful and informative. I have also had many enjoyable visits to the middle and upper sections again being given good information from members along the way. I tended to fish the Hodder due to lack of confidence when fishing a double handed rod, though I have now had a lesson and have gained in confidence.
It was now time for the Ribble and I decided to try the new double handed rod where it would be quiet. On this first visit I met Chris Heap who then offered to sponsor me for my first year. He pointed out a lie opposite some overhanging willows and left me to it. Several casts later I was into my first salmon which unfortunately threw the fly before netting it but this set me on the road to stick with the Ribble for the next few months. After speaking to another member I decided to purchase a switch rod and line and find this much easier than the 14’ double hander and have fallen in love with it. I landed my first salmon in a high water on a Red Francis on the24th August. It was a coloured but a very welcome fish
I then discovered a Ribble beat which became my first choice of fishing when I left the house. Over the next month I landed three more fish and lost as many
In September I went back to the Ribble and managed another two before the close of the season.
So being retired I have been able to make the best of my time with as much fishing as possible enjoying every trip to the river. All the fish I caught were returned to swim another day. As yet I have not made a trip to either the Lune or the Derwent but given the chance I would like to do so next year. The quality of the fishing and the maintenance work required to upkeep access, car parks, huts etc is second to none. I still hope to fish through the winter when the weather allows for Grayling. I have never tried nymph fishing though talking to several members it is well worth a go. I would also like you to pass on my thanks to Chris for offering to be my sponsor. I presume that I do not need to send off my catch returns as I have kept the electronic diary and that you have direct access to it. I would appreciate the opportunity to rejoin next year as a full member and look forward to hearing from you
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Whether you are an experienced fly fisher or someone who has wanted to give fly fishing a go we can arrange for you a taster day on our waters. For the accomplished fly fisher it is a chance to experience some of the fine fishing we have on offer. If you are a complete novice we can offer a day to remember with an experienced fly fisher from our Association. Whichever category you fall into, it would be our pleasure to provide you with a day to remember.
If you interested in Bowland Game Fishing Association please contact our Membership Secretary David Calvert by e mail bgfasecretary@gmail.com Tel:07410406581
For a tasterday contact Dan Winstanley 07766813688 or danwinstanley@yahoo.co.uk