A good group joined the open day on the river, some new and some experienced as an introduction, learning and social day, followed by an ale…

Seven members of the Association boarded Sam Cumming’s boat, Silver Spray, at Poole Quay 16:00 for a four hour Bream Trip out to Poole Bay on 15th May 2026. The weather turned out to be cold and blustery with a stiff north wind. The first two marks around Poole Patch produced a few fish but the final move nearer Old Harry turned out to be inspirational.

7 committed worthy and hardworking supporters gathered for the pre-season working party, riverside on a blustery lovely day. Banks were gently strimmed, willows pollarded, access points improved, and the new car park sign moved. The new carpark is down the farm track after the gate (code provided on booking, don’t share publicly!), on the left.

Thirty nine rainbows, three carp, and one dace were caught. David Plumpton won the trophy with five trout weighing 13lb 1oz, closely followed by runner up Dan Hunwick with five trout at 12lb 13oz. David Morton won the Oldest Rod competition using his father’s split cane 93 years old rod and catching a good carp. Mike Hirsh caught two trout on a glass fibre rod previously owned by Martin Small.

Our Winter Gourmet Lunch and AGM was held on 6th February 2026 at the St Tropez Lounge, Poole, and was one of the best quality meals we have had in recent years. The menu was specially prepared for us by Head Chef Frederick, and we could choose on the day from a good selection. As usual, the wine and beer all helped the AGM to flow without a hitch, and much conviviality was had by all, along with a great deal of fishing chat!

Seven brave men shunned Storm Garetti and proceeded with the Grayling Day at the Lower Itchen Fishery on 8th January. As it happened, the weather was not as bad as the forecast (according to some!), and the weather did not detract from the fun – after all there’s no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing!