Bowland Game-Fishing Association

Annual Hugh Falkus Memorial Lecture 

Hugh Falkus, well known for his seminal books on salmon and seatrout and for his delightful natural history films, was for many years a member and the Vice President of BGFA. On his death, to celebrate his contribution to angling, the Association organised the annual Hugh Falkus Memorial Lecture.

There has always been a close BGFA connection with Hugh. Malcolm Greenhalgh, was a co-author with him on “The Salmon and Seatrout Fisher`s Handbook” and often stayed with Hugh and Kathleen at Crag Cottage. One of Hugh`s closest friends, Bill Arnold, who owned the fishing rights on the Cumbrian Esk where ”Portrait of a Happy Man” was filmed is also a member of BGFA .

Initially, for the Memorial Lecture, we invited well-known anglers to address the Association. More recently, whilst we still have a speaker and maintain the Falkus connection, the evening has become more of a social gathering with an element of a mini-game fair. Local artists, tackle makers and dealers, fly tyers, the Ribble Catchment Conservation Trust, the EA, the Grayling Society all contribute to the success of the evening. The event, now run by a committee from Hodder clubs, is well attended and is a fixture in local anglers' diaries. The proceeds are donated to organisations such as  the   Hodder Consultative, and Ribble Catchment Conservation Trust .

 The Opening Meeting

This meeting, held in the early Spring of each year, is very popular with the members affording as it does an opportunity to meet fellow anglers, to recall last year's fish and to discuss tactics and tackle for the coming season, For many years now, this event has been held at BAE`s Sports snd Social Club at Salmesbury and is also open to members` friends. We always end the evening with a hot pot supper.

Stocks Competition

An Evening for Fly Dressers    

We have in the Association many excellent fly dressers who are only too willing to demonstrate their considerable skills whether it be dressing minute dry- flies, popular local sea trout, or favourite salmon patterns - all of which we are assured are guaranteed to catch fish!!

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