There’s good news for local fishing fanatics considering dusting off their waders and heading down to the water as a Salford group has won the right to fish in a 12-mile stretch of canal in Manchester.
Salford Friendly Anglers Society (SFAS), which is the world’s oldest angling society, currently has fishing rights on the River Irwell, as well as a few small lakes and reservoirs in Greater Manchester.
From the end of April, their members will be able to fish for the roach, bream, perch, pike, carp, tench and eels which swim between the Rochdale Canal’s many locks.
The new stretch of water open to SFAS members for the first time starts in Castlefield and runs through Manchester city centre all the way to Middleton.
The Society has worked hard to support a massive upswing in water quality in the River Irwell in recent years.
In 2013 they made headlines after complaints that a sewerage leak poured hundreds of gallons of filthy water, used condoms and rubbish into the river.
Read: Row erupts as Irwell sewage ruins Salford fishing
Recent analysis by Sport England found that over 200,000 people over the age of 16 go fishing in the UK at least once a week, putting it in the top ten most popular sports in the country.
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John Ellis, national fisheries and angling manager with the Canal & River Trust, is delighted the Rochdale Canal will soon become a mecca for anglers.
He said: “The canal provides a green corridor of peace and tranquillity through the busy urban streets. The water quality has improved greatly in recent years and we are very pleased to welcome Salford anglers as a friendly presence on our towpaths.”
Mike Duddy, chairman of the SFAS, added: “The rejuvenation of the Rochdale Canal through Manchester is great for anglers but also for walkers, joggers, boaters and cyclists too.
“It’s wonderful for people to escape to the canal to enjoy a piece of countryside in the middle of the city. I have recently spotted kingfishers and red shanks flying over the water.
“It’s a wonderful, peaceful place to enjoy a spot of fishing.”
Anyone wanting to fish on the Rochdale Canal should visit the Salford Friendly Anglers Society online, where membership is free.
