Wigan and District AA

Now over 120 years old, Wigan & District Angling Association has stood the test of time, surviving two world wars, the rise and fall of the great match circuits of the 1950s–70s, and today’s competition from commercial fisheries. The club’s roots run deep into Lancashire’s industrial past, when miners and factory workers first formed groups to fish the local canal and lakes for chickens, cash and a day out of the pit.

The Association became hugely popular in the 50s, 60s and 70s, with matches regularly drawing hundreds of anglers and the club expanding its water portfolio as far as Windermere and Carlisle. Today, key waters include Heapey Reservoirs (a popular night fishing venue and the water of choice for many local carp and pike anglers), Fan Lodge (also a noted carp water with night permits available), stretches of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, and Morans Moat among others.

Wigan AA is, quite simply, outstanding value, for a full member, a year’s fishing across the Association’s waters works out at the equivalent of around 12p per day, and just over 5p per day for an OAP. Members affiliated through clubs or match groups pay even less. Day tickets are available from the team of bailiffs, and the Association continues to host an active match calendar including the Leeds & Liverpool Canal and Morans Moat fixtures.