Welcome to our comprehensive guide to canal fishing in the UK. We have meticulously selected all the canals across the country to help you find the perfect fishing spot. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner looking to start canal fishing, this guide has something for everyone. With abundant canals throughout the UK, you’ll never be far from a great fishing experience. So, grab your tackle and dive into the beautiful world of canal fishing!
Here is a table showing all canals in the UK along with some recommended fishing spots on each one with postcodes.
| Canal Name | Best Areas for Fishing (with Postcode) |
|---|---|
| Aire and Calder Navigation | 1. Castleford, West Yorkshire (WF10 1QZ) 2. Woodlesford, West Yorkshire (LS26 8PX) 3. Knottingley, West Yorkshire (WF11 8EA) 4. Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire (DN14 5TB) |
| Andover Canal | 1. Andover, Hampshire (SP10 1LL) 2. Stockbridge, Hampshire (SO20 6HF) |
| Arbury Canals | 1. Nuneaton, Warwickshire (CV11 6SS) |
| Ashby-de-la-Zouch Canal | 1. Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire (LE65 1BQ) 2. Snarestone, Leicestershire (DE12 7DD) 3. Hinckley, Leicestershire (LE10 0JR) |
| Ashton Canal | 1. Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester (OL6 6UJ) 2. Dukinfield, Greater Manchester (SK16 4TX) 3. Manchester, Greater Manchester (M1 2WE) |
| Barnsley Canal | 1. Barnsley, South Yorkshire (S70 2JW) 2. Wakefield, West Yorkshire (WF1 1UZ) |
| Basingstoke Canal | 1. Basingstoke, Hampshire (RG21 7NP) 2. Fleet, Hampshire (GU51 3QY) 3. Woking, Surrey (GU21 4AA) |
| Bentley Canal | 1. Bentley, West Midlands (WS2 0LE) 2. Wednesfield, West Midlands (WV11 1TZ) |
| Beverley Beck | 1. Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire (HU17 0NQ) |
| Birmingham and Warwick Junction Canal | 1. Olton, Solihull (B92 7RP) 2. Tyseley, Birmingham (B11 2AA) |
| Blyth Navigation | 1. Blythburgh, Suffolk (IP19 9LQ) |
| Bradford Canal | 1. Bradford, West Yorkshire (BD1 1TU) |
| Bridgewater Canal | 1. Castlefield Basin, Manchester (M15 4ST) 2. Worsley, Greater Manchester (M28 2WQ) 3. Lymm, Cheshire (WA13 0AF) 4. Runcorn, Cheshire (WA7 1BG) |
| Bridgwater and Taunton Canal, Somerset | 1. Bridgwater, Somerset (TA6 3BG) 2. Taunton, Somerset (TA1 1JL) 3. Creech St. Michael, Somerset (TA3 5DP) |
| Bude Canal | 1. Bude, Cornwall (EX23 8LG) 2. Marhamchurch, Cornwall (EX23 0HP) |
| Caistor Canal | 1. Caistor, Lincolnshire (LN7 6RX) |
| Calder and Hebble Navigation | 1. Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire (HX6 2AG) 2. Mirfield, West Yorkshire (WF14 8NA) 3. Wakefield, West Yorkshire (WF1 5DY) |
| Caldon Canal | 1. Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire (ST1 3EJ) 2. Cheddleton, Staffordshire (ST13 7HL) 3. Froghall, Staffordshire (ST10 2HA) |
| Chard Canal | 1. Chard, Somerset (TA20 1QA) |
| Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation | 1. Chelmsford, Essex (CM2 6NX) 2. Maldon, Essex (CM9 5HG) 3. Heybridge, Essex (CM9 4RH) |
| Cheshire Ring | 1. Marple, Greater Manchester (SK6 7DH) 2. Middlewich, Cheshire (CW10 9BZ) 3. Lymm, Cheshire (WA13 0AF) 4. Kidsgrove, Staffordshire (ST7 1EF) |
| Chesterfield Canal | 1. Chesterfield, Derbyshire (S41 7JB) 2. Worksop, Nottinghamshire (S80 1TF) 3. Retford, Nottinghamshire (DN22 6EN) |
| Chichester Canal | 1. Chichester, West Sussex (PO19 8DE) 2. Donnington, West Sussex (PO20 7PL) 3. Hunston, West Sussex (PO20 1PD) |
| Cinderford Canal | 1. Cinderford, Gloucestershire (GL14 2QR) |
| Coombe Hill Canal | 1. Coombe Hill, Gloucestershire (GL19 4BB) |
| Coventry Canal | 1. Coventry Basin, Coventry (CV1 4LY) 2. Atherstone, Warwickshire (CV9 2AD) 3. Fradley Junction, Staffordshire (WS13 7DN) 4. Tamworth, Staffordshire (B79 7ND) |
| Cromford Canal | 1. Cromford, Derbyshire (DE4 3RQ) 2. Ambergate, Derbyshire (DE56 2EJ) |
| Digbeth Branch Canal | 1. Digbeth, Birmingham (B5 5SU) |
| Driffield Navigation, East Yorkshire | 1. Driffield, East Riding of Yorkshire (YO25 6NS) 2. Wansford, East Riding of Yorkshire (YO25 8NP) |
| Droitwich Canal | 1. Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire (WR9 8DS) 2. Hanbury, Worcestershire (WR9 7EE) |
| Dudley Canal | 1. Dudley, West Midlands (DY1 4SB) 2. Netherton, West Midlands (DY2 9RE) |
| Erewash Canal | 1. Langley Mill, Nottinghamshire (NG16 4AA) 2. Eastwood, Nottinghamshire (NG16 3BS) 3. Sandiacre, Derbyshire (NG10 5EE) 4. Ilkeston, Derbyshire (DE7 5RQ) |
| Exeter Ship Canal | 1. Exeter, Devon (EX2 4AB) 2. Topsham, Devon (EX3 0JB) |
| Forth and Clyde Canal | 1. The Kelpies, Falkirk (FK2 7ZT) 2. Auchinstarry, North Lanarkshire (G65 9SG) 3. Bowling, West Dunbartonshire (G60 5AF) 4. Maryhill, Glasgow (G20 0AQ) |
| Gloucester and Sharpness Canal | 1. Gloucester, Gloucestershire (GL1 2LG) 2. Sharpness, Gloucestershire (GL13 9UN) 3. Frampton on Severn, Gloucestershire (GL2 7HE) |
| Grand Union Canal | 1. Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire (MK9 3PD) 2. Foxton Locks, Leicestershire (LE16 7RA) 3. Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire (HP4 1AZ) 4. Tring Reservoirs, Hertfordshire (HP23 4LJ) |
| Grand Western Canal | 1. Tiverton, Devon (EX16 4HX) 2. Sampford Peverell, Devon (EX16 7EJ) 3. Burlescombe, Devon (EX16 7JZ) |
| Herefordshire and Gloucestershire Canal | 1. Gloucester, Gloucestershire (GL2 5FZ) 2. Hereford, Herefordshire (HR4 0SE) |
| Horncastle Canal | 1. Horncastle, Lincolnshire (LN9 5AE) |
| Huddersfield Broad Canal | 1. Huddersfield, West Yorkshire (HD1 6BP) 2. Aspley, West Yorkshire (HD1 3LD) |
| Huddersfield Narrow Canal | 1. Huddersfield, West Yorkshire (HD1 6BP) 2. Slaithwaite, West Yorkshire (HD7 5AB) 3. Stalybridge, Greater Manchester (SK15 2JN) |
| Itchen Navigation | 1. Winchester, Hampshire (SO23 7DD) 2. Southampton, Hampshire (SO19 7JR) |
| Kennet and Avon Canal | 1. Devizes, Wiltshire (SN10 1JQ) 2. Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire (BA15 1DE) 3. Newbury, Berkshire (RG14 5AS) 4. Reading, Berkshire (RG1 3EQ) |
| Kennet and Avon Canal | 1. Reading, Berkshire (RG1 3JH) 2. Newbury, Berkshire (RG14 5AU) 3. Devizes, Wiltshire (SN10 1JQ) |
| Lancaster Canal | 1. Glasson Dock, Lancashire (LA2 0BP) 2. Garstang, Lancashire (PR3 1PH) 3. Carnforth, Lancashire (LA5 9EA) 4. Hest Bank, Lancashire (LA2 6HN) |
| Leeds and Liverpool Canal | 1. Bingley Five Rise Locks, West Yorkshire (BD16 4DS) 2. Apperley Bridge, West Yorkshire (BD10 0PU) 3. Wigan, Greater Manchester (WN1 2XN) 4. Burnley, Lancashire (BB11 1AA) |
| Llangollen Canal | 1. Llangollen, Denbighshire (LL20 8TA) 2. Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Wrexham (LL20 7TG) 3. Ellesmere, Shropshire (SY12 0AL) 4. Whitchurch, Shropshire (SY13 1PG) |
| Macclesfield Canal | 1. Macclesfield, Cheshire (SK11 6JZ) 2. Bosley Locks, Cheshire (SK11 0AX) 3. Marple, Greater Manchester (SK6 7DH) 4. Bollington, Cheshire (SK10 5JT) |
| Macclesfield Canal | 1. Macclesfield, Cheshire (SK11 7AW) 2. Congleton, Cheshire (CW12 3DE) 3. Marple, Greater Manchester (SK6 7DH) |
| Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal | 1. Bolton, Greater Manchester (BL1 8HU) 2. Bury, Greater Manchester (BL9 0LN) |
| Market Weighton Canal | 1. Market Weighton, East Riding of Yorkshire (YO43 3BB) |
| Middle Level Navigations | 1. March, Cambridgeshire (PE15 8TG) 2. Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire (PE7 1RH) |
| Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal | 1. Brecon, Powys (LD3 7PL) 2. Talybont-on-Usk, Powys (LD3 7YJ) 3. Pontypool, Torfaen (NP4 0AL) 4. Newport, Wales (NP20 2AU) |
| Montgomery Canal | 1. Welshpool, Powys (SY21 7AQ) 2. Maesbury, Shropshire (SY10 8JG) |
| New Junction Canal | 1. Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire (DN14 8FB) 2. Rawcliffe, East Riding of Yorkshire (DN14 8HN) |
| North Walsham & Dilham Canal | 1. North Walsham, Norfolk (NR28 0DZ) 2. Dilham, Norfolk (NR28 9PN) |
| Nottingham Canal | 1. Nottingham, Nottinghamshire (NG1 7HB) |
| Ouse Navigation | 1. Bedford, Bedfordshire (MK40 1BJ) 2. Kempston, Bedfordshire (MK42 7FY) |
| Oxford Canal | 1. Banbury, Oxfordshire (OX16 5AB) 2. Cropredy, Oxfordshire (OX17 1PQ) 3. Rugby, Warwickshire (CV21 3LA) 4. Napton-on-the-Hill, Warwickshire (CV47 8HX) |
| Oxford Canal | 1. Oxford, Oxfordshire (OX1 1RQ) 2. Banbury, Oxfordshire (OX16 2AD) 3. Rugby, Warwickshire (CV21 1EA) |
| Peak Forest Canal | 1. Marple, Greater Manchester (SK6 7DH) 2. Whaley Bridge, Derbyshire (SK23 7LB) 3. New Mills, Derbyshire (SK22 3JZ) |
| Pocklington Canal | 1. Pocklington, East Riding of Yorkshire (YO42 2QZ) 2. Melbourne, East Riding of Yorkshire (YO42 4QJ) 3. Bielby, East Riding of Yorkshire (YO42 4JN) 4. East Cottingwith, East Riding of Yorkshire (YO42 4TT) |
| Pocklington Canal | 1. Pocklington, East Riding of Yorkshire (YO42 2RH) 2. Bielby, East Riding of Yorkshire (YO42 4JT) |
| Regent’s Canal | 1. Little Venice, London (W9 1EE) 2. Camden Lock, London (NW1 8AF) 3. King’s Cross, London (N1C 4LW) 4. Victoria Park, London (E3 5TB) |
| Ribble Link | 1. Preston, Lancashire (PR2 2ZH) |
| Ripon Canal | 1. Ripon, North Yorkshire (HG4 1UG) |
| River Lee Navigation | 1. Ware, Hertfordshire (SG12 9XF) 2. Waltham Abbey, Essex (EN9 1XQ) 3. Tottenham, London (N17 0XD) 4. Limehouse Basin, London (E14 7JZ) |
| River Stort Navigation | 1. Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire (CM23 2ER) 2. Harlow, Essex (CM20 1AN) 3. Roydon, Essex (CM19 5EJ) 4. Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire (CM21 9AR) |
| Rochdale Canal | 1. Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire (HX7 6AZ) 2. Littleborough, Greater Manchester (OL15 8AQ) 3. Rochdale, Greater Manchester (OL16 1JF) 4. Manchester, Greater Manchester (M1 2WE) |
| Royal Military Canal | 1. Hythe, Kent (CT21 5LE) 2. Rye, East Sussex (TN31 7LP) |
| Sankey Canal | 1. St Helens, Merseyside (WA9 1DD) 2. Warrington, Cheshire (WA5 2UL) |
| Selby Canal | 1. Selby, North Yorkshire (YO8 3UT) 2. Brayton, North Yorkshire (YO8 9EA) |
| Sheffield and South Yorkshire Navigation | 1. Sheffield, South Yorkshire (S3 8GZ) 2. Rotherham, South Yorkshire (S60 1RB) 3. Doncaster, South Yorkshire (DN1 3BU) 4. Thorne, South Yorkshire (DN8 4AA) |
| Shropshire Union Canal | 1. Market Drayton, Shropshire (TF9 1PS) 2. Ellesmere, Shropshire (SY12 0EP) 3. Whitchurch, Shropshire (SY13 1PG) 4. Chester, Cheshire (CH1 2JH) |
| Sleaford Navigation | 1. Sleaford, Lincolnshire (NG34 7DY) 2. Anwick, Lincolnshire (NG34 9SR) |
| Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal | 1. Stourport-on-Severn, Worcestershire (DY13 9EN) 2. Kinver, Staffordshire (DY7 6HL) 3. Penkridge, Staffordshire (ST19 5NX) 4. Great Haywood, Staffordshire (ST18 0RQ) |
| Stainforth and Keadby Canal | 1. Stainforth, South Yorkshire (DN7 5HS) 2. Keadby, North Lincolnshire (DN17 3DY) |
| Stratford-upon-Avon Canal | 1. Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire (CV37 7AA) 2. Wilmcote, Warwickshire (CV37 9XJ) |
| Tame Valley Canal | 1. Perry Barr, Birmingham (B42 1TY) 2. Hamstead, West Midlands (B43 5RB) |
| Trent and Mersey Canal | 1. Shardlow, Derbyshire (DE72 2HL) 2. Fradley Junction, Staffordshire (WS13 7DN) 3. Great Haywood, Staffordshire (ST18 0SL) 4. Middlewich, Cheshire (CW10 9BZ) |
| Trent and Mersey Canal | 1. Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire (ST4 7AA) 2. Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire (DE14 1YH) 3. Middlewich, Cheshire (CW10 9AB) |
| Ulverston Canal | 1. Ulverston, Cumbria (LA12 9AY) |
| Walsall Canal | 1. Walsall, West Midlands (WS1 1RL) 2. Darlaston, West Midlands (WS10 8JG) |
| Wardle Canal | 1. Middlewich, Cheshire (CW10 9AB) |
| Wednesbury Old Canal | 1. Tipton, West Midlands (DY4 8XE) |
| Wey and Arun Junction Canal | 1. Loxwood, West Sussex (RH14 0SY) 2. Alfold, Surrey (GU6 8HW) |
| Wey and Godalming Navigations | 1. Guildford, Surrey (GU1 1RR) 2. Godalming, Surrey (GU7 1HY) |
| Wilts and Berks Canal | 1. Swindon, Wiltshire (SN5 3PA) 2. Abingdon, Oxfordshire (OX14 3YD) |
| Worcester and Birmingham Canal | 1. Tardebigge Locks, Worcestershire (B97 6RW) 2. Alvechurch, Worcestershire (B48 7SQ) 3. Kings Norton, Birmingham (B30 3LA) 4. Gas Street Basin, Birmingham (B1 2JT) |
| Worcester and Birmingham Canal | 1. Worcester, Worcestershire (WR1 2NE) 2. Birmingham, West Midlands (B1 2JU) 3. Alvechurch, Worcestershire (B48 7SQ) |
| Wyrley and Essington Canal | 1. Pelsall, West Midlands (WS3 4BP) 2. Brownhills, West Midlands (WS8 6EQ) |
More About Canal Fishing
After browsing our canal listings, you may be eager to learn more about canal fishing in the UK. This fascinating pastime has gained popularity over the years, and it’s easy to see why. Canals offer a serene, picturesque environment for anglers, making it an enjoyable way to unwind and connect with nature. Before you head out to cast your line, it’s essential to consider a few key points.
Canal fishing near me
One of the great things about canal fishing is that there’s likely a spot not too far from where you live. The UK is home to a vast network of canals, so you’re bound to find a location close to you. Simply refer to our canal listings to find the perfect spot for your next fishing trip.
Canal fishing season
While canal fishing can be enjoyed year-round, the season typically starts in mid-June and runs until mid-March. During this period, fish are more active and easier to catch, making it the ideal time for anglers to enjoy the sport. Note that there may be local restrictions or closed seasons for certain species, so check the specific regulations for the area you plan to fish in.
Tips for a successful canal fishing experience:
- Travel light: Canal fishing often involves moving from one spot to another, so it’s best to pack only the essentials. A lightweight tackle box, a foldable chair, and a simple rod and reel setup should suffice.
- Be stealthy: Fish in canals can be skittish due to the proximity of footpaths and human activity. Move quietly and avoid casting a shadow over the water to increase your chances of success.
- Use appropriate bait: Popular baits for canal fishing include maggots, worms, bread, and sweetcorn. Experiment with different baits to find out what works best for the fish species in your chosen canal.
- Observe the water: Watch the water and look for signs of fish activity, such as bubbles or swirls. This will help you determine the best spots to cast your line.
Boat Traffic and Fishing
Boat traffic and fishing on a canal can coexist, but it’s essential for both boaters and anglers to be aware of each other and share the space respectfully.
Boat traffic can sometimes cause disturbance to fish, but it can also create areas where fish congregate, such as near locks or in the shade of bridges. When fishing near boats, anglers should know their surroundings and avoid casting lines near moving vessels. Additionally, anglers should be aware of the boating traffic schedule and avoid fishing in busy areas during peak hours.
Similarly, boaters should be aware of anglers and avoid creating wakes or disturbing fishing areas. Boaters should also be mindful of their speed and maintain a safe distance from anglers.
In general, communication and respect are key to sharing the space on a canal. Anglers and boaters should communicate with each other and be aware of their surroundings to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Canal Fishing Memories
Canal fishing is often the first place where many children are introduced to the sport of fishing. It’s a great location for families to spend quality time together, enjoying the peaceful surroundings and trying their luck at catching fish. The canal’s calm waters and easy accessibility make it a perfect spot for kids to learn the basics of fishing and develop a lifelong love for the sport.
One of the magical aspects of canal fishing is that you never know what you might catch. The canals are home to various fish species, including roach, perch, bream, carp, pike, and more. Every fishing trip is an opportunity to catch a new and exciting fish species, creating an element of surprise and wonder for children and adults alike.
Personally, I have some of my best fishing memories from the canal. I remember going fishing with my dad as a kid and being thrilled when I caught my first fish. It’s a memory that has stayed with me and helped foster my love for fishing.
Overall, canal fishing is a great place for families and children to experience the joys of fishing and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions about Canal Fishing in the UK
- Are canals good for fishing?
Yes, canals are excellent for fishing. They provide a diverse and thriving ecosystem that supports a variety of fish species. Canals also offer a more tranquil and less crowded environment than many lakes and rivers, making them ideal for anglers looking for a peaceful and scenic setting.
- Do you need a license to fish on a canal in the UK?
Yes, you need a valid Environment Agency rod licence to fish on canals in the UK. You may also need a permit or membership from the relevant angling club or the Canal & River Trust to fish on specific canals. Always check the local regulations and requirements before you start fishing.
- Can you fish canals in winter?
Yes, you can fish canals during the winter months. Although fish tend to be less active in colder temperatures, many anglers still enjoy the challenge of winter canal fishing. It’s essential to adapt your tactics and consider using smaller baits and lighter tackle to increase your chances of success during this time.
- What time is best for canal fishing?
The best time for canal fishing can vary depending on factors like weather conditions and fish species. However, early morning and late afternoon are often considered the most productive times to fish, as fish are generally more active during these periods. Overcast days can also be excellent for canal fishing, as the fish are more likely to be found in shallow waters.
- What fish can you catch in canals in the UK?
The fish species you can catch in UK canals can vary depending on the location and water quality. Common fish species found in canals include roach, bream, perch, pike, carp, tench, and chub. In some urban canals, you may even find species such as zander and barbel.