RIGGED & READY. PROUD TO SHARE THE KWAA (KENT AND WESTMORLAND ANGLING ASSOCIATION) NEWS
As you know we are a proud Lake District brand and as such we, along with Carlson’s tackle shop, are supporters and promoters of KWAA, our local fishing club, and one of the oldest clubs in the country. There is some fantastic fishing up here. The most affordable salmon and sea trout fishing in the country and at times, as good as anywhere!
CHECK OUT THE KWAA NEWS… MAY 2025
YOUR CLUB + JUNIORS TOP FISH + MAY 1ST FISHING + KENT & KILLINGTON NEWS
YOUR CLUB
It is great to see many new anglers, young and old, joining KWAA and enjoying the great fishing we have. We have put a great deal of into improving our fishing and most importantly getting easy access to tickets and fishing, through the new website, and working closely with Carlson’s Tackle Shop, the EA, local groups and influencers to raise awareness of KWAA and fishing. It is great to know this is working. We are one of the oldest fishing clubs in the country and are fast becoming one of the most progressive. Remember we are also a non-profit organisation, managed by volunteers, so all money raised goes back into the club.
JUNIORS LEADING THE WAY
Some great news from the local EA licensing. Junior sales of EA licenses in the South Lakes area, are nearly 50% up year on year. Some of the catches from junior members have been no less than spectacular. One young lad, at the time of releasing this news, will have had over 100 fish, including some great browns, sea trout and a respectable mended kelt, all on the fly. All fish, as it the way with junior anglers, have been returned in perfect condition.
MAY 1ST ANY METHOD – BARBLESS, CATCH & RELEASE
From May the 1st is where fishing changes on the Kent from “Fly Only” to also include spinning and worm fishing. For lots of us, now its warmer, this is when we start our fishing. Spinning as a term has now evolved from shiny things to include soft baits of many shapes and sizes. As well as the traditional Flying C’s, Rapala style minnows have been very effective, look to soft baits and jigs. Those of you who have fished next to younger members using small crayfish patterns, may realise new methods can prove very effective. Please remember we promote, but don’t enforce, catch and release barbless fishing (unless they are clearly stocked fish). Please also to take great care when worm fishing to strike early and never leave a fishing rod unattended. These are the best ways to avoid unwanted deep hooked fish.
SOME SAD NEWS. Keith Hawkins, a club member for over 50 years as sadly died recently. Keith has been a keen committee member, chairman and president of the club. He was a great custodian to our club and was key to improving the club and fishing during his tenure. His dedication to KWAA fishing and his knowledge and enthusiasm for the club, the work parties and fishing stocking will be greatly missed by all.
BRIEFS
Bailiffs & Members Challenge Rights. We are pleased, to announce we have now 3 new bailiffs who will be checking tickets this year. They are now kitted out with body cams and night vision glasses to keep fishing on KWAA waters, just for KWAA members! As well as our bailiffs, any member has the right to challenge someone they think may be fishing without a license or fishing against club regulations. Remember never to get into a confrontational situation. Should need arise please call the police or our contact numbers (listed below) to deal with the situation.
Fishing Signs. The new KWAA Private Fishing signs going up at all key points of the river Kent and Killington. More information on our new bailiff’s next month.
Fish Stocking. With close support from the EA, we can confirm we have now restocked the river this year and will be re-stocking Killington later in the year. In line with Natural England and the EA, stocked trout must be marked. These marked fish need to be taken (killed) when caught. We must work closely with the EA to ensure as near a natural balance in the rivers fish pollution. We, along with the otters, goosanders, mink, heron, cormorants and pike (see later) are all respected parts of the fishing community.
KWAA Maps & Parking Updated. The maps and most importantly the details how to find the parking have been updated on the website. Keys for car parks, as always, are available from Carlson’s tackle shop.
Adventure Fishing’s George Lamb’s recent Lure Battle on Killington reached over 10,000 views. George is a regular Kent Angler, and local lad. His YouTube channel has over 50,000 subscribers. He is well worth a follow
KILLINGTON RESERVOIR UPDATE
Carlson’s Winter Fish Series Match 6. 14 Anglers fished the open match with around half travelling up from the Northwest to fish with our ever-faithful local contingent. It did stay dry and was reasonably pleasant with some rare Cumbrian sunshine too. Top 3 spots all taken by those Northwest anglers, with 10lb plus winning weight. Great to see Bream up to 2lb 13oz showing in the catches along with the quality Skimmers, Roach and Perch too. Just goes to show that the EA stockings over the past few years have taken well and the small fish are growing on. Great signs for the future Angling at Killington Lake. Massive thank you to Graeme Mckee at the EA team.
Killington Reservoir as a secret fishing location is spreading amongst the coarse fishing anglers of the Northwest, with record numbers buying membership and day tickets. We have had several international anglers visiting and most importantly enjoying the fishing. At £40 a year, it is a very accessible bargain for great all year fishing.
Pike Rules & Mystery River Kent Pike. These have been added to the website information. It is most important all our pike anglers are aware of the equipment they need to ensure all fish are returned perfectly. If you are pike fishing, please be aware of the requirements. Some of you may have also hear rumours about pike in the river Kent. We can confirm that they are there and have always been there. They are very rare and should be treated with respect and returned. The fish have entered the river system from Skeggleswater and Kentmere. They have every right to be there as you do!
KWAA 2025 ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS
You can get your season ticket online at kentangling.co.uk or at Carlson’s Tackle Shop in Kirkland Kendal!
1. Local Adult Members £100
2. Junior Members £20
3. Senior Concessionary* £80
4. Killington Senior (1 year) £40
5. Killington Junior (1 year) £20
Concessionary discount*: Must be 65 years of age on the 1 January of the current year
THE HANDBOOK
Can be downloaded from the website here https://kentangling.co.uk/kent-killington/ picked up in Carlson’s
JUNIOR FISHING
Junior fishing rules have been updated. It is important all Junior anglers understand the and follow the fishing rules. The rules can be downloaded here. https://kentangling.co.uk/juniors/
CARLSONS TACKLE SHOP KENDAL
Please remember to support them. They are and have been an essential partner of KWAA for over 50 Years!
IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION
• KWAA 07908264889, email info@kentangling.co.uk
• Report Poaching 0800 555111
• Report Pollution 0800 807060
• Welfare & Safeguarding Officer at wsg@kentangling.co.uk
• Carlson’s Tackle Shop Kendal Tel 01539 724867
KWAA IS SUPPORTED BY CARLSON’S TACKLE SHOP, RIGGED AND READY FISHING
