IN THE 1960s, not having a long-term secure fishing in St Albans, the club literally dug this fishery out of disused watercress beds. Since then, we have extended the area to what you see today and it has become the club's prime local water. Set in now idyllic (and secure) surroundings it is very popular with members being so very local and have easy access for for juniors and our less active members. A number of dedicated disabled pegs are available close to parking. Within this setting, kingfisher, little grebes, heron and even munkjac deer are often seen. All this within a short distance of the centre of the City of St Albans. And the fishing is superb!

In recent years roach over 2lb, carp over 20lb, crucians over 3lb, tench and bream over 5lb have been reported. Plus rudd, perch, gudgeon  and even rumoured odd catfish (we don't know where they came from!). Trout fishing is available during the coarse close season at extra cost. Any trout caught during the coarse season may be retained at no charge. Matches are held on this water. In recent seasons results have soared and 80lb in five hours and 49lb in three hours are the best recorded weights (2018). Pleasure fishing bags often well exceed this. During 2017 a new  permanent club house was installed. This is replacing many of the existing portable buildings to provide meeting (coaching) rooms, kitchen unit and toilet block. This will ensure that Riverside remains a great venue to run coaching events and similar. Our Open Days, held on alternate years, are very popular.

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The lake suits many styles of angling with simple float tactics in the margins accounting for many quality fish. When it's busy a long pole, waggler or even small bomb can be worth trying. Bait wise pellet, hemp and caster, maggot and worm are all good. Paste, bread, corn and meat also account for many fish (no cans please).

In the winter the clear water can make things more challenging - but the fish are still to be caught and light feeding and being prepared to stay until the light fades can often produce surprising results.