Gloucester and Sharpness Canal Fishing Guide

About Gloucester and Sharpness Canal

This 22.9km tidal canal connects Gloucester to Sharpness and offers straightforward fishing opportunities for coarse anglers seeking dace and eels in a gently flowing environment. The canal's character is relatively sheltered with good accessibility along much of its length, making it suitable for both experienced and novice anglers. Permits are typically required and can be obtained from the Canal & River Trust; check local regulations before fishing as some sections may have restrictions.

Gloucester and Sharpness Canal observes the standard close season: No close season (canals & stillwaters). Always check local byelaws before your visit. A rod licence alone does not grant access — most stretches require club membership or a day ticket in addition.

Sections of Gloucester and Sharpness Canal are covered by the Canal & River Trust Waterway Wanderers scheme, allowing members to fish designated stretches with a CRT licence.

Current Water Conditions

Water level data from the Environment Agency Real Time Flood Monitoring API. Nearest gauging station. Always verify conditions on arrival.

Fish Species in Gloucester and Sharpness Canal

Gloucester and Sharpness Canal holds dace, eel.

An EA rod licence is required by law to fish Gloucester and Sharpness Canal. Club membership or a day ticket is also required on most stretches.

Waterway Wanderers on Gloucester and Sharpness Canal

Waterway Wanderers stretches:

• Offside Canal from Bridge 23 High Orchard to 190m south to the boundary fence

A CRT fishing licence is required. Stretches are marked on the bank with Waterway Wanderers signage.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What fish can I catch in Gloucester and Sharpness Canal?+
  The canal holds Dace, Eel.
• What is the close season on Gloucester and Sharpness Canal?+
  No close season (canals & stillwaters) Always confirm with the landowner or club before fishing out of normal season.
• Do I need a licence to fish Gloucester and Sharpness Canal?+
  Yes — a valid Environment Agency (EA) rod licence is required by law to fish Gloucester and Sharpness Canal. Licences are available online from gov.uk. In addition to the rod licence, most stretches require club membership or a day ticket from the controlling club or landowner.
• What is the water quality like in Gloucester and Sharpness Canal?+
  The Environment Agency classifies Gloucester and Sharpness Canal as having Moderate water quality. Fish status is rated as Moderate. Water quality can affect fishing conditions — check the EA's Catchment Data Explorer for up-to-date information.
• What is the Waterway Wanderers scheme on Gloucester and Sharpness Canal?+
  The Canal & River Trust Waterway Wanderers scheme allows permit holders to fish designated stretches of Gloucester and Sharpness Canal without joining a local club. A CRT fishing licence is required. Stretches are marked on the bank. Known Waterway Wanderers stretches include: Offside Canal from Bridge 23 High Orchard to 190m south to the boundary fence.

Planning a Trip to Gloucester and Sharpness Canal

To fish Gloucester and Sharpness Canal, you need a valid EA rod licence, available online from gov.uk. Annual, day and 8-day licences are available. In addition to the rod licence, you will need club membership or a day ticket from the controlling angling club or riparian owner for most stretches of Gloucester and Sharpness Canal.

Always check conditions before you visit. Water quality, access and rules can change seasonally. The EA's Catchment Data Explorer provides up-to-date water quality information for Gloucester and Sharpness Canal.

Nearby Rivers & Canals

Other UK fishing waters near Gloucester and Sharpness Canal on PiscaMaps:

• Stroudwater Canal
• Shorn Brook
• Gilgal Brook
• Longhope Brook
• Ley Brook
• Daniel's Brook
• Doverte Brook
• Little Avon River
• Plummer's Brook
• Nailsworth Stream
• Marlees Brook
• Peacocks Brook