The History of Verulam Angling Club
Founded in 1934, Verulam Angling Club began as a small group of anglers from St Albans who came together to enjoy competitive fishing. Over the decades, the club has grown into one of the UK’s largest and most respected angling clubs, continually investing in fisheries, facilities and opportunities for its members.
Our Journey
- 1934 – Verulam Angling Club is founded.
- 1936 – The club secures fishing rights at Smallford, its first major water.
- 1942 – Affiliation with the London Anglers Association and introduction of the annual Club Championship.
- 1950 – Despite uncertainty over fishing venues, the club survives a difficult period and continues to grow.
- 1964 – Fishing rights secured on the River Great Ouse at Felmersham.
- 1965 – The club begins fishing at Frogmore, now one of its flagship fisheries.
- 1967–1970 – Development begins on what would become Riverside Road Fishery.
- 1978 – Purchase of the freehold at Leasey Bridge on the River Lee.
- 1982–1988 – Major expansion of Riverside Road, creating the fishery members enjoy today.
- 1985 – The club becomes a Company Limited by Guarantee, strengthening its long-term future.
- 1996 – Further improvements at Leasey Bridge and a complete remodelling of Frogmore.
- 2000 – The Verulam Angling Club website launches.
- 2001 – Membership exceeds 1,000 for the first time.
- 2002 – New clubhouse facilities open at Riverside Road.
- 2005 – The club takes over management of the Moor Mill gravel pits.
- 2006 – The first public Open Day attracts over 400 visitors.
- 2010 – Purchase of Bellows Mill, funded through member debentures.
- 2012 – Membership passes 2,000.
- 2015 – Plans submitted for a new facilities building at Riverside Road.
Looking Ahead
Today, Verulam Angling Club continues to invest in its fisheries, fish stocks and facilities while offering members access to an extensive range of waters across Hertfordshire and beyond.
Alongside pleasure fishing, the club has a thriving match scene, dedicated trout fisheries, regular coaching sessions with qualified coaches, and events throughout the year for anglers of all ages and experience levels.
More than 90 years after it was founded, Verulam Angling Club remains committed to providing outstanding fishing and protecting the future of angling for generations to come.
Riverside Road Turns 50
In December 1969, Verulam Angling Club took a major step forward when planning permission was granted to create a new lake on disused watercress beds beside Verulam Golf Club.
At a Special General Meeting attended by 85 members, the Club approved an ambitious funding plan. Members contributed through advance subscriptions, life memberships, loans and a small increase in annual fees, allowing the project to move ahead.
Building the Fishery
The lease became effective on 25 December 1969, with fencing installed by March 1970 and excavation completed just three months later.
The lake was quickly stocked with tench, common and mirror carp, followed by 8,000 roach transferred from Verulamium Park in early 1971. Trout fishing was later introduced in 1977, giving members another exciting way to enjoy the venue.
Growing with the Club
By the early 1980s, Riverside Road had become a popular fishery despite ongoing battles with weed growth. As membership continued to increase, the Club looked to expand.
Planning permission for an extension was secured in 1985, with the enlarged lake completed in 1988. Further improvements followed, including changes to improve water circulation and overall water quality.
More Than Just a Fishery
As Riverside Road became the Club’s flagship venue, better facilities were needed.
In 2002, Club President Dennis Bateman officially opened the meeting room, which remains the home of Club Committee meetings today. A kitchen and toilet block were also installed—famously craned over the railway embankment after proving too large to fit beneath the bridge.
Investing for the Future
The original buildings have since been replaced by the modern clubhouse that members enjoy today, complete with improved toilet and washing facilities.
More than 50 years after work first began, Riverside Road continues to evolve through ongoing investment, ensuring it remains a safe, welcoming and enjoyable fishery for members, their families and future generations.
