Britain’s thousands of miles of canals offer superb predator fishing, so why not give one of these stretches a go this weekend?
South Stratford Canal, Warwickshire
Try Broomhall Bridge to Old Warwick Road for the chance of a big surprise. The going can be tough, but the fish tend to be quality, with a good head of perch and zander often falling to light lure approaches. The club now controls another section between Bridge 53 and Lock 50 too. Parking and access details are on the website.
Price: Day tickets £5 in advance online
More info: www.lureanglerscanalclub.co.uk
Grand Union Canal, Aylesbury Arm, Bucks
This semi-urban canal at Aston Clinton offers consistent winter action and some cracking big perch fishing around cover and structures. The long pound area between Red House and Broughton is well worth a go, but keep on the move until you find a pod of fish. Parking at Aston Clinton, Red House, Bridge 9.
Price: Day tickets are £5; £2.50 for OAPs and U17s; 14-day tickets can be purchased for £15
More info: www.tringanglers.org.uk
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Staffs & Worcester Canal, Stoke Prior, Worcs
A peaceful stretch, running from Shaw Lane road bank, Boat & Railway Inn public house to Astwood Lane, has been fishing well, with big perch and chunky pike. It comes under the Canal and River Trust’s Waterway Wanderers Scheme, which gives access to hundreds of miles of fishing.
Price: £25 a year from date of purchase; concessions, OAPs and Angling Trust members pay just £15; £5 a year for juniors
More info: www.canalrivertrust.co.uk
Shropshire Union Canal, Shropshire
Lots of overhanging trees and features to target, and one of the better areas is the section off bridge 53. Day-ticket anglers can access a hefty 120 pegs, and you can get to the canal by parking at the bridge.
More info: www.hodnetanglingclub.co.uk
Stainforth & Keadby Canal, Thorne, South Yorks
Well-known for early winter sport, the stretch at Thorne is a great bet for pike and perch. It’s run by Thorne and District AA, and there are 504 pegs to access, starting at Mauds Bridge and running to Dunstans Hill Bridge. Much of this never gets fished, so is capable of producing something special.
Price: £3 a day on the bank, £2 for juniors
More info: www.thorneanddistrictaa.weebly.com
Fossdyke Canal, Burton Waters, Lincoln
This historic canal is controlled by Lincoln DAA and this venue has produced perch to over 4lb. The section in front of the Burton Waters Marina is excellent, as is the water between the Pyewipe Inn pub and where the Fossdyke meets the Catchwater Drain. Try drop shotting real lobworms into likely-looking holes and deeper areas near structure.
Price: Day tickets £10 on the bank or from the club website; £5 for OAPs/juniors/concessions
More info: www.lincolnangling.org
PERCH CAN BE TAKEN ON A HUGE VARIETY OF LURES, OUR BUYERS GUIDEINCLUDES MANY OF THE BEST TO HELP YOU CATCH ON YOUR NEXT SESSION.
Leeds & Liverpool Canal, Bingley, West Yorks
Bingley AC’s three-mile stretch from Dowley Gap Top Lock to Swine Lane Bridge is alive with big fish and comes into its own for lure anglers in winter. It’s around 5ft deep and it’s best to target the pike and perch using a roving lure approach. Open all year round.
Price: £4 adults, £2 concessions from WH Kershaw Vacuum Cleaner Shop, Shipley, Bingley AC
More info: www.bingleyanglingclub.co.uk
Birmingham Old Line Canal, Gas Street, Birmingham
Hidden among Birmingham’s concrete is some fantastic pike fishing. Try the wider areas including the pegs opposite the Barclaycard Arena off Broad Street. There’s plenty of parking, and on Sundays it’s free. Part of the Waterway Wanderers Scheme.
Price: £25 a year; concessions, OAPs and Angling Trust members £15; £5 juniors
More info: www.canalrivertrust.co.uk
Coventry Canal, Warks
If canal zander are on your wish list, then this 14-plus-mile stretch run by Tusses Angling Club is a must. It begins at Leicester Row Bridge No1 and ends at Glebe Farm Bridge No34. Good numbers of perch, pike and even chub are also on offer, and the club has 18 miles of the Oxford canal on its books too.
Price: £5 for 24 hours, in advance from website, or £25 a year
More info: www.tussesangling.co.uk
Kennet & Avon Canal, West Berkshire
Try the Froxfield or Salmon Cut areas for quality perch, with individual specimens to 3lb-plus. There’s loads of water to go at – 3km at Froxfield, and just over half that at Salmon Cut – and pike are also plentiful.
Price: £10 a day, dawn to dusk
More info: www.rdaa.co.uk
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