Nottingham Federation of Anglers

Waters

Canal, Pond, River

Formed in 1908 as the Nottingham & District Federation of Angling Societies, the Nottingham Federation of Anglers (“Notts Fed”) is one of the most storied angling organisations in the country and a who’s-who of legendary Trent matchmen has fished its waters, from John Dean and Jan Porter to Wayne Swinscoe, Frank Barlow, Roy Toulson, Tony Greaves, Don Slaymaker and Pete Palmer. The Trentmen made the Federation’s name; the Federation, in turn, gave the Trent its modern match-fishing pedigree.

The Federation controls some of the finest river fishing in and around Nottingham, with multiple stretches of the River Trent, including Wilford Ferry Field, Clifton Bridge, Hazelford, Thrumpton, Carlton on Trent, Gunthorpe (Pentons Field), Radcliffe Viaducts, and Powergen Water, alongside the Nottingham Canal and Wellow Dam. Classic Trent fishing here means quality roach on the stick float, big bream and barbel to feeder tactics, and the chance of a serious chub or carp at any time.

The Federation’s headquarters has moved over the decades, from the Hornes Castle Hotel in 1916, through the Wheatsheaf at Bobbers Mill, and now to the Horse and Groom in Basford, Nottingham – but its core remains unchanged: a friendly, knowledgeable membership built around the Trent, with day tickets available on selected waters and a vibrant match calendar that anchors the Nottingham angling year.