Aylesbury Arm of the Grand Union Canal

Fishery guide · Buckinghamshire

Aylesbury Arm of the Grand Union Canal

A cracking 6.25-mile canal stretch between Aylesbury and Marsworth, controlled by The Tring Anglers and best known for its carp fishing. It offers a proper mix of canal species, far-bank features and reed-lined margins, with day tickets starting at £5.

“7.6/10 — A long canal stretch with carp to about 30 lb plus tench, bream, chub, perch, roach and gudgeon.”

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The lowdown

The Aylesbury Arm of the Grand Union Canal is a proper long-distance canal venue, not a neat little lake with everything packed into one bowl. The fishery is controlled by The Tring Anglers, with around 6.25 miles of fishing between Aylesbury and Marsworth.

  • 4 lakes: Red House–Buckland section, Bridges 7–8, Puttenham, around Bridge 9, Wilstone, around Bridge 10, Dixons Gap at Marsworth, around Bridge 11
  • Fish: carp, tench, bream, roach, perch, chub, rudd, crucian
  • Tickets from: Adult canal day ticket — £5
  • Find it: Aylesbury · HP20 1EB

Plan your session

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Aylesbury Arm of the Grand Union Canal

Aylesbury · HP20 1EB

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The full rundown on Aylesbury Arm of the Grand Union Canal

The Aylesbury Arm of the Grand Union Canal is a proper long-distance canal venue, not a neat little lake with everything packed into one bowl. The fishery is controlled by The Tring Anglers, with around 6.25 miles of fishing between Aylesbury and Marsworth. The wider arm runs for approximately 10 km and has 16 locks, so there’s plenty of water to explore and a fair few pegs and access points to get your head around.

It’s classic narrow-canal fishing, with the central track reaching up to about 4 ft. The far bank and reed-lined margins are the obvious starting points, especially if you like picking apart cover and watching for signs of fish. Boat traffic is described as moderate, so pack light enough to move if needed, keep an eye on the water and be ready for the swim to change when a boat comes through.

Carp are the headline attraction, with fish present to about 30 lb. Recommended baits include corn, worms, floating crust and dog biscuit, giving you a decent spread of options. A margin approach with corn or worm could be worth considering, while floating crust or dog biscuit gives you a cheeky surface option when fish are showing up top. Take a few choices rather than piling every bait in the car, then let the conditions and fish activity guide you.

There’s plenty more to target when the carp are being moody. Chub are present to about 5 lb 6 oz, tench to about 7 lb, bream to about 5 lb, perch to about 3 lb and roach to about 1 lb 4 oz. Gudgeon are also reported, particularly around Puttenham. A simple all-round canal setup, with lighter tackle available for smaller species, should give you flexibility without turning the session into a massive faff.

The named sections make planning a little easier. Red House–Buckland covers Bridges 7–8, Puttenham is around Bridge 9, Wilstone is around Bridge 10 and Dixons Gap at Marsworth is around Bridge 11. Before setting off, it’s worth checking the latest access and parking position with the club or a patrolling bailiff, particularly as parking is limited or roadside at several points. Wilstone and Dixons Gap have reported disabled parking or accessible pegs; at Wilstone Village Green, parking is reserved for disabled anglers, while other anglers should use the village hall car park.

Non-members can buy day tickets online or from a patrolling bailiff, with prices starting at £5 and concessions from £2.50. Fishing is available all year, from one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset, with no night fishing. Keep at least 25 metres from locks and 15 metres from moored boats, avoid clearly signed overhead power lines, and carry your Environment Agency rod licence. Members also need valid proof of membership. Parking isn’t secure, so don’t leave valuables visible. A tidy box of baits, mobile tackle and a willingness to move could see you properly bagged up along this cracking bit of canal.

Straight from anglers online

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Aylesbury Arm of the Grand Union Canal FAQs

How long is the fishery stretch?

The club-controlled fishery stretch is approximately 6.25 miles long, running between Aylesbury and Marsworth.

What is the biggest reported fish?

Carp are present to about 30 lb. Tench are reported to about 7 lb, chub to about 5 lb 6 oz and bream to about 5 lb.

Do I need to book a day ticket in advance?

Generally no. Ordinary day tickets can be bought online or from a patrolling bailiff.

Is parking secure?

No. Parking is not secure, and valuables should not be left visible.

Where's the nearest tackle shop?

We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Aylesbury Arm of the Grand Union Canal. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Aylesbury.

Do I need to bring food?

We haven't seen any food on site, so bring your own grub and drinks. A flask and a stove (where allowed) make a long day much better.

Are there toilets on site?

Not that we've seen listed. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.

Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?

Yes — disabled parking or accessible pegs at wilstone and dixons gap. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.

What's the postcode for the sat nav?

HP20 1EB.

How much is a ticket?

Adult canal day ticket: £5; Concession day ticket: £2.50; Full membership 2026–2027: £70; Senior membership 2026–2027: £50; Disabled membership 2026–2027: £50; Family membership 2026–2027: £100; Student membership 2026–2027: £20; Junior membership 2026–2027: £20; Cadet membership 2026–2027: £7; Members-only guest ticket: £10 per day. Prices last checked 2026-10-08 — they can change, so check before you go.

Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?

Day tickets are available on Red House–Buckland section, Bridges 7–8, Puttenham, around Bridge 9, Wilstone, around Bridge 10, Dixons Gap at Marsworth, around Bridge 11. Busy weekends can fill up, so ring ahead if you've got your heart set on a swim.

What fish are in there?

Across the lakes you'll find carp, tench, bream, roach, perch, chub, rudd, crucian, pike, eel, zander, catfish, trout, barbel. See each lake tab for which fish live where.

How many lakes are there?

4 — Red House–Buckland section, Bridges 7–8 (Not published), Puttenham, around Bridge 9 (Not published), Wilstone, around Bridge 10 (Not published), Dixons Gap at Marsworth, around Bridge 11 (Not published).

Is night fishing allowed?

No — Fishing is permitted from one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset only.

Can I bring my dog?

Not covered in the rules we've checked. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.

Are bait boats allowed?

No — Fishing is prohibited within 15 metres of moored boats.

Do I need barbless hooks?

Most UK fisheries prefer barbless or micro-barbed hooks — ask on arrival if unsure.

Do I need my own unhooking mat or cradle?

Bring one either way — most fisheries expect it and the fish deserve it.

Is it suitable for disabled anglers?

The fishery lists disabled parking or accessible pegs at wilstone and dixons gap. Ring ahead to check which swims suit you.

Do I need a rod licence?

Yes — anyone 13 or over fishing in England and Wales needs an Environment Agency rod licence (or Natural Resources Wales in Wales), on top of your fishery ticket.

When's the best time of year to fish here?

Late spring through autumn is prime for most species. Check our live weather edge for this venue before you go — it updates daily.

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