Darlington Fly Fishers Club is a prestigious fishing club located in Darlington, County Durham. Established in 1949, the club offers exclusive fly-only fishing experiences on prime beats of the River Tees below Barnard Castle and the River Greta above Greta Bridge.
The club was formed when the Darlington Anglers' Club members were given the opportunity to secure fishing rights on approximately 1. 5 miles of water owned by Major H. E. Morritt of Rokeby and Mr.
Norman Field of Lartington Hall. An initial lease of 10 years was agreed upon, with various terms and conditions, one being the requirement to fish with an artificial fly only. The membership was initially limited to 35, drawn from existing Darlington Anglers' Club members, and was later increased to 40 in 1981.
Currently, Darlington Fly Fishers Club maintains a fixed membership of 40 rods and exclusively fishes with artificial flies. The primary species targeted by the club members are Brown Trout and Grayling, with occasional opportunities to catch Sea Trout or Salmon.
The club website provides various useful resources for members, including the latest club news, river conditions, and local weather updates. There are also notices and information about bye-laws, proposed changes, and control of invasive species such as Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed.
In terms of social media presence, Darlington Fly Fishers Club has an active Facebook page. The website is managed by Ron Wood, who serves as the web admin and can be contacted for any inquiries at enquiries@darlingtonflyfishers. Com.
Membership to the club offers a range of benefits, including exclusive access to the club's four beats. Two of these beats are located on the River Tees downstream of Barnard Castle, while the other two are situated on the River Greta, north of Greta Bridge. Each beat offers unique fishing opportunities in picturesque and secluded locations.
The club prides itself on being a small and friendly community, ensuring a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all members. The fishing experience is enhanced by the stunning natural surroundings and the possibility of catching sizable Brown Trout or even migratory fish. The grayling fishing also receives praise for its excellence.
To become a member, interested individuals can find all the necessary information on the club's website. This includes the club rules, membership fees, and the application process. The annual membership fee is 135, and existing members are required to pay their subscription by January 31st each year. Prospective members can apply at any time if there is availability.
Guests are allowed under certain conditions, with fully paid-up members welcome to bring a guest by arrangement with the Secretary. Day tickets can be purchased for guests at 5 each. Prospective new members can also enjoy a complimentary trial day if accompanied by a sponsor.
The fishing season information can be found on the website, outlining the specific dates and regulations for fishing activities. Overall, Darlington Fly Fishers Club provides a unique and exclusive fishing experience for angling enthusiasts, with a strong emphasis on conservation and responsible fishing practises.
