The idea to form the Kirby Muxloe “87” Angling Club was conceived in 1987 although the actual membership started on 1st June 1988 (the start of the annual fishing season in those days).

In 1987, the Kirby Muxloe Sports Club was offered the opportunity to hold the lease for fishing the Moat at the Kirby Muxloe Castle but felt unable to take up this opportunity. In 1987, Mr.M.V.Hammond and a couple of colleagues decided to lease the fishing rights for the Moat at Kirby Muxloe Castle from the Winstanley Trust and in 2017 Mr.M.V.Hammond is still the Chairman of the Club.

Prior to the fishing rights belonging to the Kirby Muxloe “87” Angling Club, Birstall British Legion held the lease for a number of years.

In 2017, the Kirby Muxloe “87” Angling Club is a private club and has approximately 100 members, many of whom are local people. It is affiliated to the Kirby Muxloe Sports Club, where it holds its annual Fur and Feathers fishing match celebrations each November.

The Angling Club has always worked closely with English Heritage, who look after the Castle, in order to comply with their strict requirements. It is illegal to fish the Moat unless you are a member of this Angling Club.