About Richmond & District Angling Society

• To strive to improve the ecology of the river.
• To promote the sport of angling.
• To improve the fishing on club waters.
• Collaborate with other organisations to combat pollution, reduce litter, prevent illegal fishing, reduce rural crime and to protect the environment.
• Engender inclusivity and diversity.

President: Lord Zetland

Vice President: Robin Dundas, The Earl of Ronaldshay

Chairman: Ron Wood TD

Secretary : Allan Harder

Treasurer: Jamie Shewan

Committee: Kev Woodcock (Membership Secretary), Steve McCormack (H&S, INNS), Pat Bush (Welfare), Jason Sartin (Juniors), Paul Price (Citizen Science), William Moody (Habitat and Environmental Development, H&DE), Nigel Banks (Development).

Trustees: Gordon Alexander, Paul Price, Steve Plumb, Mark Sewart.

The society controls the fishing rights on over twelve miles of the beautiful River Swale in North Yorkshire, above and below the historic Georgian market town of Richmond. Our members enjoy fishing in scenic surroundings where there is an abundance of wildlife. Otters, Deer, Kingfishers, Heron, Buzzards and other species are often seen. The Swale is a spate river presenting anglers with many stretches of fast flowing ripples, slow glides and deep pools. Something to suit every style of fishing. 

Day permits are available for visitors. 

The following species can be found in our waters:

• Wild Brown Trout (throughout, including many 3 - 5lb specimens)
• Grayling in abundance (though very few exist upstream of the Falls)
• Chub (throughout in the waters downstream of the Falls).
• Barbel (There are some Barbel)
• Dace (In certain locations)
• Pike (There are pike downstream of the Falls, especially lower down the river i.e. Great Langton). 
• Perch (can be found but are very few in number).
• Salmon & Sea Trout (few in number).

The society currently has 268 members (February 2025). There is a core group of local people but the majority are from North Yorkshire and County Durham with others from the Midlands, The South, Scotland and overseas.  

We offer excellent fishing in beautiful surroundings at an amazingly affordable price. 

Richmond And District Angling Society was founded in 1912 with the principal aim of providing affordable fishing for local anglers. The society has since its creation had a strong link with the Zetland family. Over the years many prominent land owners and individuals have supported the society including gifting of fishing rights. The society has always had the  support of Richmond Town Council and Richmondshire District council prior to reorganization.