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Shropshire Union Canal Fishing Guide

North West · England & Wales · UK Canal · Fully Navigable
North West Fully Navigable 🌎 Free stretches available 117.1km WQ: Moderate

About Shropshire Union Canal

The Shropshire Union's 117km length holds roach, bream, pike, perch and tench, with consistent sport from shallow margins and deeper sections; a rod licence plus Canal & River Trust day or annual licence are required to fish.

Length
117.1 km
CRT Region
North West
Navigation
Fully Navigable
Water Quality
Moderate
Fishing
Moderate
Close Season
No close season (canals & stillwaters)
Managed by
Canal & River Trust
Free stretches
WW Scheme

Fish Species in Shropshire Union Canal

Shropshire Union Canal holds roach, bream, tench, perch, pike, carp, chub, dace. 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.

roachbreamtenchperchpikecarpchubdace

Free Fishing — Waterways Wanderers

The following stretches of the Shropshire Union 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 17 to Bridge 20 Dirty Lane
Bridge 21 to Bridge 23

Always verify current free-fishing extents on the Canal & River Trust website before your session, as extents may change.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Planning a Trip to Shropshire Union Canal

To fish Shropshire Union 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 Shropshire Union 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.

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