Welcome
Dart Angling Association - Est 1895
Established in 1895, the Dart Angling Association is one of the region’s longest-standing angling clubs, founded on a deep respect for the River Dart, its wildlife, and the enduring traditions of responsible fly fishing. For well over a century, the Association has carefully balanced conservation with the enjoyment of sustainable, well-managed angling, ensuring the river is protected while remaining accessible to those who value it most.
Members enjoy access to several miles of the River Dart, widely regarded as one of the South West’s most beautiful and ecologically important rivers. The Association offers classic fly water for salmon, sea trout, and wild brown trout, providing varied, challenging, and rewarding fishing throughout the season.
More than simply a fishing club, the Association is a welcoming and inclusive community where anglers of all ages and experience levels share knowledge, friendship, and a strong commitment to stewardship — working together to ensure the River Dart remains healthy, thriving, and respected for generations to come.
Fishing on the Dart
The river Dart is home to a variety of species to include Salmon, Sea Trout, Brown Trout, Eels, Minnows and Sticklebacks.
Working in Partnership to Protect and Enhance the River Dart
The Dart Angling Association is a proud member of the Angling Trust and works in close alignment with a number of respected organisations dedicated to protecting and enhancing our natural environment. These include the South West Rivers Trust, the Duchy of Cornwall, the University of Exeter, the Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA), Friends of the Dart, and the Environment Agency. Through collaboration and shared expertise, we are committed as a team to improving river health, promoting sustainable fisheries management, supporting scientific research, and safeguarding the River Dart and its surrounding ecosystems for future generations.
Angling Trust
Dart Angling Association are members of Angling Trust
The Angling Trust, as the national governing body for angling in England, promotes river conservation, fishery protection, and high standards of conduct. It represents anglers at government level, works to combat pollution and illegal fishing, and supports the long-term health of waterways. Membership also provides recognised public liability cover.
The Dart Angling Association manages defined stretches of the River Dart, ensuring fishing is structured, regulated, and conservation-led. It sets seasons and rules, monitors stocks, and helps protect spawning habitats and riverbanks. This ensures that access is controlled and fish populations remain sustainable.
Together, these memberships demonstrate:
- Adherence to nationally recognised standards
- Support for environmental protection
- Responsible and legitimate access
- Active stewardship of a sensitive river ecosystem
On a river such as the Dart, where ecology and heritage are closely intertwined, membership signals that angling is undertaken with care, accountability, and respect for future generations.
