The Trent and Mersey Canal holds roach, bream, pike, and perch throughout its length, offering reliable sport on both float and feeder tactics, particularly in deeper sections and around lock approaches. A valid Environment Agency rod licence plus Canal & River Trust day or annual licence are required to fish.
Trent and Mersey Canal holds roach, bream, perch, pike, carp, tench, chub, dace, eels, rudd. Carp are particularly popular with specimen anglers — handle all fish with care and return them promptly.
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 Trent and Mersey 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.
Filter UK canals and rivers by species, navigation and free-fishing status. Plus French, Belgian and Dutch public waters.
To fish Trent and Mersey 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 Trent and Mersey 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.