Wateway Wanderers Permit
A permit is required to fish anywhere on the UK canals but a special permit, introduced in the North West Region of British Waterways, will make the fullest use of these facilities possible.
Most of our waterways are let to recognised angling clubs who normally make the facilities available to casual anglers, but inevitably as clubs change a percentage of fisheries are not available during the transition period. These temporarily unfished waters, together with some which cannot be let for various reasons, are available to anglers through the Waterways Wanderers Scheme which covers all such waters throughout the North West.
Due to the nature of the scheme, the waters available will change - but waters will remain in the scheme for a twelve month period. Waters currently available include 43 miles of the Shropshire Union Canal, 40 miles of the Llangollen Canal, 45 miles of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, 55 miles of the Lancaster Canal together with parts of eight additional waterways totalling a further 30 miles.
The Fisheries
Roach, bream and gudgeon form the bulk of catches in the navigated lengths, with some dace and chub in pockets. Most anglers are happy to catch large numbers of the smaller fish, but those who are selective in their methods and locations, seek out the bigger fish.
Carp are widespread with fish up to 28lb reported in the North West Region and specimen eels lurk in many lengths of waterway. Un-navigable waterways are very different in character. Clear and weedy, they form havens for larger roach, rudd and tench often with good numbers of pike to provide sport for rod benders.
Facilities
Most of the urban stretches have easy access with convenient parking and prove very popular. Somewhat surprisingly, for those prepared to walk and search out quiet spots, many of the rural lengths provide the opportunity for secluded fishing where the fish have not seen a hook before.
Disabled Facilities
The ambulant disabled will find many urban locations close to parking and accessible. It is possible to approach the water's edge in a wheelchair at a good number of spots, particularly in urban locations. Some pegs have been specially constructed for disabled anglers.
Match Fishing
Sections of canal can be reserved for match fishing, and are very popular. Match booking forms are available from British Waterways Agent:-
John Harding, 34, Nantwich Road, Tarporley, CW6 9UW.Permit Charges for the Waterways Wanderers Scheme are set out below:
12 Months: Adult - £15; Junior, OAP & Disabled - £10;
One day: Adult - £ 2; Junior, OAP & Disabled - £1.50;
One month: Adult - £10; Junior, OAP & Disabled - £7.50.
Monthly and day permits are available but should
be obtained in advance.
Night fishing is available by special additional permit only.
All permits and further information are available from :
Service Manager
British Waterways
Navigation Road
Northwich
Cheshire
CW8 1BH
Tel: 01606 723905
Environment Agency rod licence
A rod licence is required for any angler over the age of 12. Find out more from the Environment Agency website.
Please note:
Electric power-lines cross the canals in a number of places. Please check each peg for safety before fishing and do not fish under or near electric power-lines. Do not assemble tackle near power-lines (which may also run behind the hedge), and do not carry assembled tackle from peg to peg.
contact us
print page