Stoke-on-Trent Angling Society

Founded in 1899 by a group of dedicated anglers fishing Stanley Reservoir, Stoke-on-Trent Angling Society has grown into one of the most prominent fishing organisations in the UK with members spanning seniors, ladies, juveniles, and disabled anglers from across the country. The Society’s mission is straightforward: to manage, serve, and promote angling, and to make the sport accessible to as many people as possible.

The Society controls some of the North West’s finest waters, including Stanley Reservoir, Knypersley Reservoir, Rudyard Lake, Blithfield Reservoir, Astbury Country Park, two prime stretches of the River Dove, and miles of the Trent and Mersey Canal and Caldon Canal. Whether you’re after a still water packed with carp and silvers, a specialist water with specimen fish, or a river teaming with barbel, grayling, chub or trout, there’s a venue here to suit.

The Society runs the Stoke-on-Trent Angling Academy, formed in 2021 with backing from the Angling Improvement Fund, which delivers structured coaching events and junior competitions across society waters. In partnership with Canal & River Trust’s Let’s Fish programme, coaches deliver dozens of free intro events each year, including a flagship summer programme on the Trent and Mersey Canal at Middleport that has put a rod in hundreds of children’s hands. Senior, Senior Citizen, Disabled, and Juvenile memberships are available, with night permits required for Astbury Mere.