Canal and River Trust is the UK's largest canal charity, caring for a 2,000-mile network of stunning canals and navigable rivers.
Connecting many of the UK's urban and rural areas, we provide essential spaces for wildlife and people, helping us all feel happier and healthier.
Fishing
Fishing is famous for being one of the best ways to get outside, relax and enjoy a healthier, happier life.
Our canals and rivers teem with a rich diversity of fish, and our dedicated team of fisheries and angling experts work hard so you can enjoy a good day's fishing every day.
Did you know that we look after 2,000 miles of canals and rivers, plus eight commercial fisheries, and you can fish almost all of this?
Our commercial fisheries
Going fishing? We're proud to manage eight fisheries around the country that offer something for all types of anglers. Find out more about each venue, and how to book a match or buy a season permit.
Fishery list
Remember, to fish on any of the 2,000 miles of canals, rivers and reservoirs we look after, you will need a rod licence. If you want to fish on a stretch of water that we lease to an angling club, you will need a permit directly from the club.
For unleased areas that are not currently rented to angling clubs, you will need one of our Waterway Wanderers permits.
Our guide to good fishing
There’s nothing better than relaxing on the canal bank and waiting for a fish to bite. Please use our website for details of our common-sense safety tips to keep in mind and make sure your fishing is enjoyable and safe for everyone.
Lets Fish Events
Each year, typically between March and October, we host hundreds of learn-to-fish introductory taster events called Let's Fish! which are supported by local angling clubs. They're suitable for adults and children aged six or over. Although, at the coach's discretion, slightly younger children may be able to share a slot with an older person.
It's fun and it's all about fishing. We'll get you catching in no time. It's a great way to relax outdoors with your family.
Everyone is welcome
Children under the age of 13 don't need a rod licence. Anyone aged 13 years old or over must have a rod licence. However, junior rod licences are available for free to all those aged between 13 and 17.
Let's Fish events for children and families age 6 and over.
Please check our website for any restrictions.
The decision as to whether to allow night fishing or not is made by the managing angling club. Night fishing is allowed on Waterway Wanderers stretches, but please show consideration to people living nearby.
To find your nearest fishery, please Visit the Where to Fish page on the Canal River Trust website
Please see our website for the costs you will need to consider before you fish.
There's no free fishing on any of our canals or rivers unless you're taking part in one of our free "Let's Fish!" events
Visit the Where can I Fish for Free? page on the Canal River Trust website
Before you go
To fish on any canal or river, you'll need to buy your rod licence from the Environment Agency, plus a permit to fish from either the local angling club or our Waterways Wanderers Scheme.
Remember, our waterways can be lively places. Please read our guide on Sharing the Space. Read about how we're supported and guided by a group of skilled angling professionals in our National Angling Advisory Group.
Learn to Fish
New to fishing? Or perhaps you're an improver or a champion? Whatever your skill level as an inland waterways angler, please see our website where we've put together a series of videos as well as hints and tips to help you get the best out of fishing from our towpaths.
Phone: 0303 040 4040
Email: fisheries@canalrivertrust.org.uk
For more information about Canal and River Trust search Canal and River Trust in this directory.
Visit the Canal and River Trust website
Visit the Canal and River Trust Angling Facebook page
