The Chesterfield Canal's 56km of fully navigable water holds roach, bream, pike, and perch, with steady swims ideal for feeder and float work, particularly around locks and moorings. A rod licence plus a Canal & River Trust day or annual licence are mandatory for all fishing.
Chesterfield Canal holds roach, bream, pike, perch, carp, tench, eel, chub. The mixed species make it a good all-round coarse venue.
An Environment Agency rod licence is required alongside a Canal & River Trust day or annual fishing licence. Both available online.
The following stretches of the Chesterfield Canal are included in the Waterways Wanderers free-fishing scheme. These sections are open to anglers holding a valid Environment Agency rod licence at no extra cost:
Always verify current free-fishing extents on the Canal & River Trust website before your session, as extents may change.
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To fish Chesterfield Canal, you need a valid Environment Agency rod licence, available from gov.uk, plus a Canal & River Trust fishing licence or day permit. Both can be purchased online before your visit. Day tickets, weekly and annual CRT licences are all available.
The towpath alongside Chesterfield Canal provides bank access for most of its length. Some stretches may be managed by local angling clubs — check for club-only water before setting up. Always leave gates as you find them and take all litter home.