Knowle (Bristol) Angling Association

Knowle Angling Association was founded in 1923 at the Knowle Hotel, which is where the name comes from, and fished the River Chew from the start. It now describes itself as a local, sociable and family friendly fly fishing club in the Chew Valley, with Pensford, Chew Magna and Chew Stoke as its key local towns.

The club has four lakes stocked regularly with rainbow trout supplied by Bristol Water, and about six miles of fly fishing on the River Chew, with stretches of the upper Yeo. The Chew has wild brown trout as well as stocked rainbows and a good mayfly hatch. Worm is allowed on the Chew at certain times of year, though most members use the fly. Between the waters there is fishing all year round, and two fish a day can be kept, although many members now prefer catch and release.

Membership is taken through Clubmate and runs for twelve months from the day you join. The fees on the club’s site are £270 for under 65s, £255 for over 65s and £45 for juniors under 18, plus a £5 joining fee for new members. A member can bring a guest for £10 a day. Members get guided walks around the waters, tuition days, winter fly tying and two club competitions a year, and look after the waters together at bank and weed clearing sessions.