The canal - or navigation, to give it it's correct title- is a commercial as well as a pleasure waterway.
There are various locks along its length which are large enough to take the commercial barges that transport sand and gravel to various locations. The width varies but is usually approx. 30 meters wide with other areas that are slightly narrower. The average depth is 12 feet in the main boat channel (which can be close in) but shallows up to about 6 feet in other places. The water flows gently toward Goole but can stop or back up due to lock usage.
The main target species are roach, with bags of over 30lb recorded. Bream and skimmers are in abundance along with perch and some truly humungous gudgeon. Other species that are caught to a lesser extent are trout, eels, carp, chub, rudd and tench.
Most anglers use the pole as the main method of attack but stick float, waggler and feeder tactics all work. Main baits are maggot, pinkie, squat and caster but never forget to take some hemp as this usually sorts out the better quality roach. Most anglers tend to fish these baits over a bed of groundbait also over the last few years big Perch fishing has become popular.
Available to fish on a cheap year book basis at £15 per year, which must be bought in advance before fishing. Tel 01405 767614 for more details.
1. Anglers must not occupy pegs that have been booked for a match.
2. Anglers must respect the legitimate right of others to use the canal and its adjacent footpaths, even if this might sometimes cause the angler some inconvenience.Behave responsibly and respect other canal users. Do not unnecessarily block the towpath (e.g. by leaving poles across the path).
3. Cars must not be driven along the canal bank behind the pegs (even just to ‘drop off’ tackle) other than at Beavers Bridge where there is a recognised roadway.
5. No fish to be killed - all fish (including pike)must be returned. Removing or deliberately killing fish is a criminal offense under the Theft Act. The Joint Angling Committee reports all such offenses to the Police and if necessary will instigate a private prosecution to guarantee such cases are brought before the court.
6. No fish to be transferred to or from other waters. It is an offense under the Salmon & Freshwater Fisheries Act to introduce fish without the necessary permission.
7. No litter of any description, including discarded tackle, is to be left. Any angler caught deliberately leaving litter will face an immediate life-time ban.
8. Fishing is permitted by rod (or pole) and line only. No angler may fish more than two rods at any one time.
9. Tackle must not be left in the water unattended.
10. No fires to be lit anywhere on the canal bank or surrounding land, nor is any digging of the canal bank allowed.
11. Follow the Country Code. Keep gates closed. Cars must not be parked in a manner which causes problems to other anglers, landowners, farmers or members of the public.
12. Do not damage trees or bushes and do not interfere with the wildlife.
13. Children under 14 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
14. The following applies to anglers who are fishing specifically for pike:
· Wire traces must always be used and must not be less than 15 inches in length.
· Treble hooks larger than size 8 must not be used and must not be made of stainless steel and treble hooks must not be used that have more than one barb per hook.
· Traces and main line must not be less than 12lb breaking strain.
· No gaffs or pike gags to be used.
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