The Club is extremely well managed and has a phenomenal extent of superb river fishing, all amid of some of the finest scenery in the country. There is something for everyone, whether one’s taste runs to salmon, sea trout, brown trout, or grayling. This effectively means that year-round fishing is possible, subject of course to the vagaries of weather and water levels.

Whilst access paths are cut where necessary, this is truly wild fishing. Do not expect the manicured banks and stockies of a southern chalk stream. The number and length of the beats, and the way they are managed, mean that fishing pressure is light. It is, therefore, possible to spend a whole day fishing in splendid isolation, where you can really feel at one with nature.

The waters are looked after by a team of river watchers, and by head keeper Mark Strong, all of whom are only too happy to provide advice and guidance. After joining, I was given a tour of the beats by the relevant keepers – viewing the Eden and Eamont beats alone took a whole day, which demonstrates the extent of the fishing available.

A particular delight was a guided night fishing session for sea trout on the river Lune, hosted by river watcher Tony Bell. This was enjoyable, informative and is something that I can highly recommend, especially to anyone such as me who is a novice in this aspect of our sport.

In addition to the outstanding fishing available, the Club also holds regular Zoom meetings in the winter months, open to all members, with interesting speakers and fly-tying demonstrations.

I had a great experience in my first year in YFFC and immediately signed up again in 2024. My only regret is not joining years ago...

So what did I gain and learn from my first year of membership?

The most fantastic thing was catching and releasing my first salmon in October 2023. Without Mark, the YFFC Eden Keeper, who is a constant font of knowledge and advice, this would not have happened! Mark had tied the fly I used and he’d recommended that to start (you’ll have to join to learn about that special  fly…). We’d spoken on the phone that week re what was happening on the rivers and he said a trip was worthwhile. He met me at the suggested river (Eamont) and advised on the pool to start and likely hotspots. The day before, I’d picked up a new (to me) vintage Hardy Marquis Salmon No2 and when on only the 3rd or 4th cast the line pulled away and there was that beautiful sound, I couldn’t believe it.

Mark was there to calm my nerves and then expertly netted the lovely 10lb hen fish. As Paul Whitehouse said in complete awe on a recent ‘gone fishing’, it was a beautiful ‘English Salmon’.

These were other highlights and why I would highly recommend this club: