With the new coarse fishing season almost a week old and with the recent spell of massive heat finally dying off I was itching to get back onto the bank to try to snag one or two of the Wandle’s often elusive fish. So after work last night, I headed in the direction of one of the local London parks and settled on a swim which has been very reliable for me in the past couple of seasons.  The swim in question does not look that inspiring at first glance, being rather shallow and a little muddy.  There is however a ‘deeper’ channel on the far side underneath the overhanging bank and tre ..read more

We are anxious to involve the membership to a greater degree in the running of the club and to this end we have funds available to enable members to undertake training courses which have relevance in promotion and application of angling on the Wandle – or indeed any Wandle related activity. These could include First Aid, Coaching (including DBS checks) river management, tool handling skills (chainsaws and the like) or any suitable training that you might have in mind. Let us know at the committee and we can make a decision. If you are – and hopefully you will be – interested please get in cont ..read more

Before his tragically sudden and early death on 10 September this year, Will Tall was a leading figure in the project to restore the River Wandle – playing prominent roles in the launch of the Wandle Piscators’ riverfly monitoring programme and the rehabilitation of Cannon Hill Lake. Will grew up in Chesham Bois, and learned to fish in childhood on the nearby River Chess. He took a degree in General Science at Durham University, where he played rugby in the second row for Hatfield College. After university, he played in the same position for Rosslyn Park while carving out a successful career ..read more

“Over the next couple of years I heard a bit more about Tenkara and, as with most things related to fishing the fly,  I paid attention and assimilated information I came across in the hope that that it might be applied in the future.” That’s just a mere snippet of an enjoyable Tenkara article written by our very own Piscator Paul Williams. Read the full article here ..read more

“Let’s get one thing straight… Some folks think that naming and recognising different tactics is “elitist” (which I’m told is a “bad thing”). I’m just not too sure on how that fits with me being a bait angler, fly fisher, sea angler, Czech nympher, French leader fisher, largemouth bass/finesse worm angler – all at the same time. For me, recognising that folks have put a ton of effort into developing great tactics just makes them even more enjoyable to learn about and use. Basically, you should take what you want from this – I’m not here to tell you how you should fish; only how you CAN fish (a ..read more

It’s been a long while arriving, but finally it’s here: the latest issue of the Wandle Piscators’ Chronicle. If you fancy a bit of reading for these long cold January nights, you will find it by clicking this link. Alternatively, you’ll find both issues of the Piscators’ Chronicle so far on the Ezine page of this website. We think there is something in here for everyone, and we hope you’ll enjoy reading it. Many thanks to all the contributors, especially our Editors Garrett Fallon and Adrian Grose-Hodge ..read more

Not every trip to the Wandle requires a journey to the tackle shop, as I found out on a session on the Wandle last month, where I had a clear vision of catching a Barbel from the middle reaches. The first part of the trip, however, was set to be the on the upper Wandle, a length I still haven’t quite got to grips with. Internet research a few years ago coupled with a Wandle Trust clean up accompanied by local MP Tom Brake led me to a section of the river that’s lightly fished, with a deeper far bank channel and one guaranteed to spot some natural wildlife to boot. Access demands long trousers ..read more

If anyone is at a loose end on August 30th and 31st between 11am and 4pm and fancies a bit of fly casting practice in Morden Hall Park, then this event is right up your street. Join the talented coaches Marina and Damon in Morden Hall Park (next to the Snuff Mill) for your chance to have a go at this exciting and popular pastime.  No previous experience is required so whether you are a complete novice or a more seasoned angler then this is an event for you.  It is completely free and suitable for all the family (all equipment provided by Orvis). We hope to see a few of you there ..read more

Following the posting online last week on social media of what looked like a couple of medium sized Wels Catfish being illegally released into the River Wandle, we have received the following information from the Environment Agency: “Quick update on this; we carried out some electric fishing on Friday but didn’t see any sign of the catfish. We fished from the small, notched weir downstream of STW discharge up to Goat Bridge weir. Lots of other fish present; barbel, chub, big roach, carp and brown trout (including juveniles bred in the river). We were planning to carry out some more electric f ..read more

After a blank first session at the beginning of the season I was keen to make amends and start seeing a bend in the rod, so mindful of successful sessions in Ravensbury Park last Autumn, my destination for the weekend was an easy decision to make. Silver fish first, then as night fell, my attention would move to barbel. Heading to my favourite swim at the deeper end of the Park, I tackled up with trotting gear and kicked off with running red maggot through the middle channel, complemented with regular handfuls of free offerings. First trot through resulted in a missed bite, the next was a conn ..read more