North West · England & Wales · UK Canal · Fully Navigable
North West Fully Navigable🌎 Free stretches available70.3kmWQ: Good
About Llangollen Canal
The 70km fully navigable canal holds roach, bream, pike and perch, offering consistent sport across its entire length with productive swims near locks and junctions. You'll need a valid rod licence plus a Canal & River Trust day or annual permit to fish.
Length
70.3 km
CRT Region
North West
Navigation
Fully Navigable
Water Quality
Good
Fishing
Moderate
Close Season
No close season (canals & stillwaters)
Managed by
Canal & River Trust
Free stretches
WW Scheme
Fish Species in Llangollen Canal
Llangollen Canal holds roach, bream, pike, perch, tench, carp, chub, crucian carp. 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.
roachbreampikeperchtenchcarpchubcrucian carp
Free Fishing — Waterways Wanderers
The following stretches of the Llangollen 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:
Free Fishing Stretches
Bridge 47 to Bridge 50 Hampton Bank
Bridge 51 Lyneal Lane to Bridge 55 Little Mill
Bridge 59 White Ellesmere to Frankton Junction
Ellesmere Arm, Llangollen Canal
Frankton Junction to Bridge 17W
Bridge 28W to Bridge 49aW Kings House
Always verify current free-fishing extents on the Canal & River Trust website before your session, as extents may change.
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Yes — you need both an Environment Agency rod licence (from gov.uk/get-a-fishing-licence) and a Canal & River Trust licence or day permit. Both can be bought online before your session.
Is there a close season on Llangollen Canal?+
No close season (canals & stillwaters) Always check current byelaws before fishing.
Are there free fishing sections on Llangollen Canal?+
Yes — certain stretches are included in the Waterways Wanderers scheme, giving free fishing with a valid EA rod licence. Sections include: Bridge 47 to Bridge 50 Hampton Bank; Bridge 51 Lyneal Lane to Bridge 55 Little Mill. Check the CRT website for current extents.
Can boats use the Llangollen Canal?+
The Llangollen Canal is fully navigable and managed by the Canal & River Trust. Hire boats and private craft are common during the season — anglers on the towpath should allow boat traffic to pass freely.
Planning a Trip to Llangollen Canal
To fish Llangollen 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 Llangollen 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.
