The Wild Trout Trust is a small river conservation charity, working throughout the UK and Ireland. We work with landowners and fishing clubs to improve habitat for wild trout through practical advice and ’in river’ projects. Our advice is generally free, and involves a discussion on the river bank followed by a report with recommendations. Our projects vary in scale from big weir removals and recreating natural river channels to smaller scale volunteer based projects. The smaller projects are great opportunities for training people in the art of river habitat restoration. We provide the in-depth expertise on trout and river habitat and work in partnership with local people and organizations.
The Wild Trout Trust Auction
In March each year we hold a big fundraising auction on our website. It has become quite an event in the fishing calendar! This year we have over 400 lots, most of them fishing days, often fishing on private, exclusive and hard to access waters. Many of the Lots are accompanied by top guides and fishing writers. It’s primarily trout fishing in the UK and Ireland, but there are lots covering a wide range of other species. Sea bass, pike, roach, grayling and carp are available as well, for example.
In addition to fishing, we have flies, tackle, books and art. Fulling Mill have very kindly donated a fantastic box of 200 flies. Fulling Mill Ambassadors Phillipa Hake and Lisa Isles have also donated their expertly tied flies.
The auction takes place on our secure auction website from March 17-26 2023 with lots closing through the late afternoon and evening of 26 March. This makes it easy for bidders from Europe and the US to participate. It’s a great way to support a really good cause!
Exclusive chalk stream fishing available
We are very lucky to be able to offer some stunning chalk stream fishing on private beats, thanks to our generous supporters. Some of this exclusive fishing has literary and historical connections, for example G.E.M. Skues fished the Itchen at Abbots Barton and the Winchester College waters and Viscount Grey of Falloden fished the Itchen at Chilland. Harry Plunket-Green is forever associated with ‘Where the Bright Waters Meet’ on the River Bourne.
Local, expert knowledge to enhance your day
Many of the lots are accompanied by the donor. They may be local anglers, professional guides or fishing writers who know the waters and will be your good companion for the day. Fishing guide and writer Charles Jardine will host a day on an exclusive beat of the River Lambourn near Basingstoke. This is a beautifully managed chalk stream beat, wild fish only, quiet and secluded. Charles will cook you lunch and give you a sketch to remind you of your day. His son Alex, an excellent fishing guide, will accompany the winning bidder for a day on the River Avon in Wiltshire.
The wilder side of fishing
It’s not only chalk stream fishing on offer in the auction. The auction map helps you locate fishing lots all over the UK and Ireland. From loch fishing and accommodation at the Altnaharra Hotel in Scotland to fishing for sea bass off the coast of Dorset with Luke Kozak. There are adventures to be had in the mountains of Scotland, Wales, the Lake District and the moors of Devon. Or, if you prefer, gentler wild trout fishing on the Derbyshire Wye. This is on the exclusive waters of the Cressbrook and Litton Flyfishers with writer Jon Beer or with inclusive accommodation at the Peacock Hotel.
Fishing for sea bass off the Dorset coast with Luke Kozak
How do we spend the money raised?
The auction is our biggest fundraising event, and the money raised plays a vital role in getting projects off the ground; crucially, it helps leverage more funds from other sources as well as helping us keep our hard-working team of Conservation Officers equipped with tools like chainsaws and waders for them and for the volunteers we help.
We will use wisely whatever money is raised and keep overheads to an absolute minimum (for example, our staff all work from home) to maximize the amount we spend on practical improvement of habitat for wild trout. Additionally, we run this auction on our own secure site, so costs are minimal, and we are blessed with fantastic volunteers who are vital to its success.
With over 400 lots, with start prices from £10 upwards, there is something for every interest and budget, and by bidding in the auction you will be helping us to make our rivers better for trout and all wildlife.
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