East Midlands Trout Fishers Association
EAST MIDLANDS TROUT FISHERS ASSOCIATION
BEDFORDSHIRE’S FLY FISHNG CLUB
Established over 50 years we are a friendly and welcoming club with a great variety of members
both young and old.
We enjoy a wealth of fly fishing experience ranging from beginners to full internationals.
You can learn the finer art and enjoy yourself with our friendly club competitions.
EMTFA is proud to be “Clubmark” accredited which was awarded in 2011 by the Angling
Development Board, a guarantee of safe, effective coaching for juniors.
Interested???? Just leave you details on our enquiry page of the website and one on the members
will contact you.
East Midlands Trout Fishers Association was formed in 1967, when a group of anglers met in a hotel
in Bedford. Since its formation EMTFA has prided itself in the enthusiasm and dedication of its
members.
In 1965 Grafham Water was under construction to provide water to the Eastern Counties. It was
planned that the reservoir, when completed, would be stocked with Rainbow and Brown Trout.
The original stock fish gained weight at an astonishing rate. When the reservoir opened for angling in
1966 the catches were fantastic. Many anglers made the transition from coarse fishing to trout
fishing and Grafham Water quickly became the Country’s premier still water trout fishery. EMTFA
became one of the regions most successful Fishing Associations and became renowned for
producing competition anglers of the highest calibre.
The Association went on to boast over 30 anglers that have fished for England including
Brian Leadbetter who became World Champion on two occasions, John Lindsey, Brian Thomas and
Simon Kidd who have all represented England in the World Championships.
Stevie Rayner was the Captain of the England Ladies team in 2001 and was club treasurer for many
years. She represented England for the ninth time in 2005 when she fished in Ireland. As well as
having a tremendous record in competitions EMTFA has some excellent anglers who have no
interest in fishing matches at all and prefer a nice pleasure day with likeminded people.
We have had numerous members for the English Youth Team come up through EMTFA naming
Aidan Grieves, Adam Worker and Kieran Bonus as just a few.
Our membership even now includes absolute beginners to England internationals all of whom share
the love and passion for all types of angling. If you are in the area and want to know more about
EMTFA get in touch, you are sure of a warm welcome. Our fixtures are updated annually on our
website. Just book in with either the website or with the organiser as listed then come along and
enjoy the day.
Come along and explore the best reservoirs in the country with some of the most innovative fly
fishermen around.
Free membership for the first year.