Dorchester Fishing Club

The Club is a private one, founded in 1877, of approximately fifty-nine members and six Town Rod subscribers. The Club's waters consist of about 7 miles of wild brown trout fishing in the main River Frome (mostly both banks) together with attendant carriers and side streams, including half a mile of the River Cerne. The waters extend both above and below the town of Dorchester and the Club employs a part-time keeper.

The waters hold a good head of wild trout as well as specimen grayling below Dorchester. Although trout are not stocked on a regular basis the Managing Committee review the position from time to time and restock with brown trout as circumstances permit.

During the early spring days the Club is blessed with some astounding hatches of Grannom and as the weather improves these are joined by Blue Winged Olive's, falls of Hawthorn Fly and Black Gnat. Towards the end of May early June the Mayfly appear, bringing the larger fish to the surface. After the Mayfly and until the end of the season, there is always the evening fall of spinners and sedges, during the day fish can still be found rising to hatching Pale Watery's and Blue Winged Olives. After the trout season Members are entitled to fish below Dorchester for Grayling and Pike through until February.

Fishing is limited to a single upstream dry fly or nymph. No dog may accompany a member or guest along the river. The Club also promotes the true sporting traditions of upstream fishing with imitative dry fly and nymph patterns and focus attention away from limit bags of unnaturally large easy to catch, stew-fed fish. Fishing for River Frome ‘wild’ trout can be, at times, very challenging and it requires a combination of drab clothing, slow wading, stalking and subtle and precise casting.

The Club maintains a very healthy Waiting List and an application for membership should be made to the Honorary Secretary (Please Email for application form) You will be notified when a vacancy is available, usually about January/February each year. It is regretted that applications cannot be accepted from persons under 18 years of age.

Day Tickets:   The Club does issue day tickets during the trout season, only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays & Bank Holidays, but not during mayfly season (16th May - 15th June) when the water is reserved exclusively for members. Day tickets (maximum 45 per year). To view availability Click Here  

Map of Club Waters

trout fishing Season 1st April - 14th October
grayling & pike 15th October - 28th February 

The Field - May 2006
The Dorchester Fishing Club has fishing on seven miles of the River Frome in Dorset. There is a very healthy waiting list, but once you have reached the top of it you'll enjoy access to some of the country's best (and best value) dry-fly fishing for wild trout.
Charles Rangley-Wilson

Comments
Must do more fishing next year! Must stop saying "must do more fishing next year" & actually do it!
The river has been great when I've been out. Particular thanks to you John & John A. for all your hard work. Website is great and blog is looked at often - to see what I'm missing!!

On the 6th September last I experienced the greatest pleasure whilst fly fishing on the River Frome by the purchase of a day ticket which was kindly arranged by Mr Ray Aplin the father of your river keeper. I have always taken great interest in chalk streams and I found the River Frome to be a delight - albeit a challenge. I would like to express my appreciation of the day ticket facility and offer my best wishes for the continued success of the Dorchester Fishing Club.

I am pleased to enclose my catch return for the season. Upon reflection I have not been enough times - but those I did were memorable and the river is in great condition. Thanks very much indeed and here's to next season!

Also seen on River, a otter on the Lower Water near fisherman's hut, one grass snake, one water vole, mink at Loud's Mill and many kingfishers.

A second super season - thanks to all concerned for this fabulous fishery. Had a couple of excellent grayling sessions recently too!

Sadly worsening arthritis in the knees makes it hard to enjoy fishing - will miss the Frome.

Great fishing last year! Same again next season please!

Hope to spend more time on the river next year!

Great to read the 'blog comments'. It kept me in touch despite my time away in USA & London. Hope to contribute more next season.

I seldom get down to the river, but consider it a benefit to other members, that I do not disturb our water! But, one day, I will retire and have the time to make full use of my membership..

I look forward to retirement when I can get down to Dorset more!

Read how a visitor from the USA enjoyed his day on the Frome

For any more details please email the Honorary Secretary
John Grindle

Photo: Glyn Williams