The Erewash Canal is a 17.6km urban waterway offering steady sport for coarse anglers, particularly in the lower reaches where barbel and bream are well-established. Despite poor water quality conditions, fish stocks remain healthy, making it a worthwhile destination for anglers targeting chub and roach along its accessible towpath. Permits are required and can typically be obtained through the Canal & River Trust or local angling clubs.
Erewash Canal holds barbel, bream, chub, roach, tench, dace, perch, pike, gudgeon, grayling, trout, eel, ruffe. Pike are the apex predator on this canal — lure and deadbait tactics both produce well in autumn and winter.
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 Erewash 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 Erewash 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 Erewash 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.