THE RIVER TAW is regarded as one of England’s most beautiful and finest game fishing rivers. Well documented in angling literature, the River Taw is deeply embedded in the history of the Devon countryside.

Only through constant care, vigilance and investment can the River Taw's health and sporting prospects be cared for and maintained into the future

River Taw Fisheries & Conservation Association (RTFCA) exists for the protection and improvement of one of Devon’s main assets. Supported by membership, and through connections with Westcountry Rivers Trust, the Environment Agency and South West Rivers Association, RTFCA helps protect the River Taw from its main threat, pollution, as well as from the threats of abstraction and poaching.

RTFCA actively seeks to find and implement the most effective methods of maintaining and improving the River Taw's stocks of salmon, sea trout and brown trout.

River Taw Fisheries and Conservation Association
AGM 2026

Photo: Ian Blewett

River conservation was at the top of the agenda for the 40+ members and guests who attended the 2026 AGM on 13 March.

Chairman Andy Gray highlighted the extensive work being undertaken across the River Taw catchment with a collaborative science based approach to tackle the many issues that impact on river health. Agricultural pollution and sewage discharge has been identified as having the most detrimental impact.

Read report

About RTFCA

we updated our name from 'River Taw Fisheries Association' to River Taw Fisheries & Conservation Association in March 2021 . This decision was made by our membership to emphasise our commitment to improving water quality and the broader ecological health of the whole River Taw catchment.

RTFCA welcomes Membership Applications from those who fish the River Taw, those interested in the well-being of the River Taw system and the river's fish stocks, and those who wish to contribute to the river’s future.

Membership enables people to make their voices heard and also provides access to important information and news about what is happening on the river today, as well as future plans.

RTFCA maintains a close relationship with Westcountry Rivers Trust and the Environment Agency. We strongly support the Angling Trust, and are members of South West Rivers Association. We also work hand in hand with Torridge Rivers Association on matters of common interest. RTFCA plays an important role in the Exmoor Rivers and Streams Group, the Dartmoor Steering Group and North Devon Catchment Partnership. All these relationships are aimed at improving our river and fishing.

RTFCA Committee Members

CHAIR

Andy Gray

SECRETARY

Ian Blewett

TREASURER

Richard Nickell

MEMBERSHIP

Chris Whittingslow

LOWER TAW

Alex Gibson, Mark Maitland-Jones, Peter Tyjas

UPPER TAW

Joah Madden, John Smith, Matthew Lane

RIVER MOLE

Eddie Rands, Andrew Maund, Sam Baycock

The objectives of RTFCA are:

To maintain, improve and develop the indigenous fishery of the River Taw and its tributaries.
To protect and enhance the status of the water quantity and quality in the River Taw and its tributaries.
To protect and enhance the River Taw and its tributaries, its ecology, natural fish and dependent wildlife and habitat.
To represent the interests of riparian owners and anglers of the River Taw and its tributaries.

SOURCE: The Constitution of the River Taw Fisheries & Conservation Association.