Our Club
A Rich History of Wakefield Metropolitan Angling Club
The Wakefield Metropolitan Angling Club has a storied history that dates back to 1950. It all began when the angling officers of the former West Riding County Council, with a passion for fishing and a vision for the future, sought permission from the authority governing Bretton Hall College to gain fishing rights at Bretton Lower Lake. The officers’ request was granted, and shortly thereafter, the West Riding County Officers Angling Club was established, reserved exclusively for County Officers and their families.
The lake, with its serene waters and picturesque surroundings, quickly became a haven for local anglers. Early in its history, the Club took proactive steps to enhance the lake’s ecosystem, supplementing the existing fish population with more bream and the introduction of carp. These efforts ensured a vibrant and sustainable fishery, attracting members eager to enjoy their new angling privileges.
In the 1960s, the Club further expanded its offerings by securing a lease for the fishing rights of trout and grayling on a scenic stretch of the River Nidd at Summerbridge. This expansion marked a significant milestone, diversifying the fishing experiences available to members and helping to establish the Club as a prominent organisation in the local angling community.
The winds of change came in 1974 with the reorganisation of local government, leading to the dissolution of the West Riding County Council. In response, the Club rebranded itself as the Wakefield Metropolitan Angling Club, adjusting its membership criteria to accommodate not only previous County Council members but also staff of the newly formed Wakefield Metropolitan District Council. As the Club evolved, it also opened its doors to anglers beyond Council employment, expanding its membership and increasing its reach.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Club’s history has been its enduring relationship with Bretton Lower Lake. Even after Bretton College passed out of Council control in 1992, eventually closing under the management of Leeds University, the Club managed to retain its fishing rights. Today, the lake, nestled within the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, remains a cherished fishing venue for members, with the rights now leased on an annual basis. While the College is poised for redevelopment into a hotel complex, the angling tradition at Bretton Lower Lake continues to thrive, a testament to the Club’s resilience and commitment to its members.
In the early 1980s, the Club extended its reach even further, acquiring fishing rights on the River Wharfe at Harewood, along with two nearby ponds. These waters, rich in aquatic life and natural beauty, provided yet another outlet for members to enjoy their angling pursuits. More recently, in 2009, the Club secured additional fishing rights on the River Calder at Stanley, offering further opportunities for anglers to explore new locations and refine their craft.
Today, the Wakefield Metropolitan Angling Club stands as a symbol of community, tradition, and dedication. Over the decades, it has weathered changes in governance, economic pressures, and evolving landscapes, yet it remains as vibrant and committed to its founding principles as ever. The Club’s legacy, built on a passion for angling and a love for the natural environment, continues to flourish, offering its members not only a place to fish but also a community of like-minded individuals united by a shared respect for the art and sport of angling.
As the Club looks to the future, with new developments on the horizon and a growing membership, its history serves as a reminder of how far it has come—from humble beginnings at Bretton Lower Lake to becoming a cornerstone of the Wakefield angling community. The waters that flow through the rivers and lakes the Club manages are more than just fishing spots—they are the lifeblood of a proud and enduring tradition.