The  RCFMT was formed in 1985 in response to the return of salmon and sea trout to the Clyde.

It was comprised, in the main of the local angling clubs and associations which had been looking after the river and it's tributaries over the previous century, during which the industrial pollution had rendered academic the matter of the ownership of any salmon fishings.

Subsequently, the Crown estates Commissioners re-acquired fishing rights over the entire catchment, making exception only in a few cases where riparian owners could establish title. The Crown then leased its fishings back to the local bodies. All leaseholders were required to subscribe to the RCFMT, which initially administered the leases on behalf of the Crown. More recently, leases have been granted directly to the clubs, and a proportion of the resulting income has been remitted directly to the Trust in the form of a grant.

In general terms, it would be fair to say that the Clyde's reputation for providing affordable fishing to the "working man" has, so far , survived its re-colonisation by migratory species.

The RCFMT is committed to the wellbeing of all species and has carried out much good work over the years. It is a well established organisation enjoying widespread recognition both locally and by the Scottish angling community as a whole.