Course dates: 13th to 16 May 2011 and 19th to 26th August 2011

High up in the Yorkshire Dales lies a tarn, full of genuinely wild brown trout, that is described by many anglers as “the forgotten tarn”. In fact, where many commercial fisheries attract 100 anglers in a month or even less, Malham Tarn sometimes doesn’t make that figure in a year.

Why? Because not many people know it is there. What a pity, because it is an extremely beautiful and unique spot.

Malham Tarn is one of only two upland “natural” lakes in the Yorkshire Dales, and is one of the eight upland alkaline lakes in Europe. It was brought to the surface by the North Craven Fault so subsequently the tarn lies on a floor of 400 million years old impervious silurian slate which is covered with thick glacial drift and marl deposits. The tarn has a surface area of around 150 acres but only has an average depth of 2.4 metres and the maximum depth is around 4.4 metres.

The banks of the tarn are part of a site of special scientific interest nature reserve; therefore the water can only be fished from boats and there are only four of these available. The setting of this place is nothing short of spectacular and if one is looking for a peaceful day with amazing scenery then the tarn is hard to beat. The only drawback is that you are high up at 398 metres and very exposed so if one does decide to fish there extra clothing is a must.

The tarn and the surrounding area is owned and looked after by the National Trust. Malham Tarn Field Centre is run by the Field Studies Council (FSC) which is an national environmental education charity committed to helping people understand and be inspired by the natural world. Thousands of students every year experience the FSC through fieldwork and cross-curricular courses at their network of 17 centres across the UK

The Malham Centre is unique as, because of its location, it can provide a series of fly fishing courses which will offer anyone interested in the angling scene the opportunity to enjoy the experience of fly fishing and at the same time learn some of the techniques involved and something of the life of the trout in the Tarn and in the surrounding waters. In general terms, the courses are aimed at newcomers to fly fishing who wish to try the sport but also to other anglers who wish to extend their skills and knowledge. It is hoped that the courses will enable students to fish more successfully, but above all offer the angler the chance to pursue a satisfying sport amidst a unique environment and provide an enjoyable relaxing yet instructive holiday.

For over 20 years the courses have proved an inspiration for many anglers. They have had the pleasure to fish not only the tarn but also to experience fishing in the beautiful Wharfe Valley. The courses not only cover bank and boat fishing but the techniques involved in fishing the spate rivers of the North of England.

And what happens after the days fishing? Students at the Malham Tarn Centre can expect to find a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and although not luxurious, the accommodation is warm and comfortable, situated in Tarn House itself and the converted stable blocks. There are four well equipped study rooms, drying rooms, libraries, a bar, TV lounge and facilities for making drinks at all times. In addition to a cooked breakfast and wholesome evening meal, facilities are provided for the students to make picnic lunches to enjoy wherever the course may take them.

Couples are most welcome, even if only one is on the fly fishing course as there are other courses running concurrently at the centre which the partner might wish to take advantage of, e.g. painting, entomology etc. There are also some superb country walks in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales ...or simply relax.

It is the philosophy of the Malham Tarn Centre to promote fly fishing to all ages throughout the United Kingdom to which, up to date, they have excelled all expectations.

For more information or to book a course please contact the Field Studies Centre via one of the following methods:-

Tel: 01729 830331 Fax: 01729 830658 Email: enquiries.mt@field-studies-council.org

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"A glint of sun has warmed the air,The flies will soon hatch out, To lure and tempt from their deep lair, The bonnie speckled trout." SKB tackle supporter. I love Furled Leaders.