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The Stratford-upon-Avon Canal is a scenic 39.8km waterway offering predominantly still-water fishing with a mix of shallow and deeper sections ideal for coarse fish. Expect good catches of bream, chub and roach, particularly in the lower sections, with pike present for specialist anglers seeking larger quarry. Access is generally good at multiple points along the canal, though an Environment Agency rod licence and canal fishing permit from the navigation authority are required.
Stratford-upon-Avon Canal holds bream, chub, roach, tench, dace, perch, pike, gudgeon, eel, bleak, 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.
To fish Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon 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.