Canal bream fishing rarely gets talked about with the same enthusiasm as commercials or big natural waters do. But when conditions align and you target the right stretches, canals can produce proper red-letter days, with big nets of skimmers and bream.
The challenge is knowing where those productive lengths are, because not every canal fishes the same, and some sections are far better suited to bream than others. From deep, boat-worn channels to quieter lengths with settled fish and consistent form, these are some of the best canal stretches in the country to bag up on bream.
New Junction Canal, Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Quality skimmers and bream are to be had using standard feeder tactics, or fishing the long pole over groundbait.
Contact: www.ddaa.co.uk
Bridgewater Canal, Leigh, Lancashire
Head to the stretch at Leigh and target the wider areas for fish to over 4lb. Pole fished casters can work well here.
Contact:www.bridgewatercanal.co.uk
Droitwich Canal, Droitwich, Worcs
Head to Mildenham for quality bream. Feed groundbait and fish worms or casters over the top, with regular top-ups.
Contact: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk
Shropshire Union Canal, Goldstone, Shropshire
Hodnet AC controls some great water on the Shroppy. Target the wider areas on the pole, or with a small waggler.
Contact: www.hodnetanglingclub.co.uk
Grand Union Canal, Leamington Spa, Warks
The Lure Anglers Canal Club’s waters aren’t all about predators – there are good bream to be caught too. Day tickets online.
Contact: www.lureanglerscanalclub.co.uk
Staffs and Worcester Canal, Wombourne, Staffordshire
There’s always a chance of a few quality skimmers in the stretch at Wombourne. It’s controlled by Wolverhampton AA, who offer £20 annual permits.
Contact: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk
Kennet and Avon Canal, Great Bedwyn, Wilts
Fish two lines – one close to cover and one in deeper water – and rotate them to keep the bream coming.
Contact: www.katrust.org.uk
Oxford Canal, Kidlington, Oxon
Kidlington AS offers fishing on this canal for just £24 a year. Bread can result in good catches.
Contact: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk
Grand Western Canal, Tiverton, Devon
Targeting far-bank cover will produce skimmers and quality bream. There are plenty of tench present too, so don’t go too light!
Contact: www.tivertoncanal.co.uk
Bridgwater and Taunton Canal, Somerset
Large bream are present in this scenic canal. The fish are nomadic, so prebaiting can swing the odds in your favour. Day tickets are available online.
Contact: www.bridgwaterangling.co.uk
