
Fishery guide · Derbyshire
Trent and Mersey Canal – Shardlow Stretch
A proper stretch of canal water controlled by Pride of Derby Angling Association, running from the Trent and Mersey confluence near Shardlow west towards Stretton. Shardlow itself is described as one of the best areas, with productive lock sections, boatyards and far-bank tree cover.
“7.1/10 — A long canal stretch with reported roach, perch, gudgeon, chub and bream, plus productive locks and boatyards.”
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The lowdown
The Trent and Mersey Canal – Shardlow Stretch is proper canal fishing rather than a lake complex. Pride of Derby Angling Association controls the water and leases approximately 12 miles of the Trent and Mersey Canal, starting near the confluence by Shardlow and running westwards towards Stretton near Burton-on-Trent.
- 4 lakes: Shardlow Stretch, Derwent Mouth Lock to Clay Mills, Shardlow Lock to the A6 Bridge, Weston-on-Trent section
- Fish: roach, perch, chub, bream, crucian
- Tickets from: Adult standard membership 2026-2027 — £100 per year
- Find it: Shardlow · DE72 2HP
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Fishery map of Trent and Mersey Canal – Shardlow Stretch
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Trent and Mersey Canal – Shardlow Stretch
Shardlow · DE72 2HP
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How busy was it?
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No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Fishery
Trent and Mersey Canal – Shardlow Stretch
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Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Trent and Mersey Canal – Shardlow Stretch
The Trent and Mersey Canal – Shardlow Stretch is proper canal fishing rather than a lake complex. Pride of Derby Angling Association controls the water and leases approximately 12 miles of the Trent and Mersey Canal, starting near the confluence by Shardlow and running westwards towards Stretton near Burton-on-Trent. Around 1.5 miles near Weston-on-Trent are excluded from the lease, so it pays to check exactly where your ticket covers before setting off.
Shardlow is the big draw here, and it’s described as having some of the best canal fishing on the stretch. The water below the various locks is reported to fish well, while the boatyards around Shardlow are productive areas to investigate. Don’t just plonk down in the first easy-access swim, either. Have a wander, look for cover and watch how the water changes before getting the gear out.
There’s a decent mixed bag on offer. Roach, perch and gudgeon are reported, along with large chub to about 5 lb. Bream to about 6 lb are also reported around boats and boatyards. That gives you a few ways to tackle the place, whether you fancy working a float through quieter water or focusing on cover and boatyard features. Keep the kit mobile and bring tackle that lets you adapt rather than locking yourself into one plan.
Far-bank tree cover can provide good fishing for anglers willing to walk. It’s the sort of venue where a bit of scouting can be well worth the faff, especially if you’re happy carrying light tackle and moving between swims. A simple approach is to take your time, watch for signs of fish and ask the bailiff or fellow members which areas are currently worth a look. Conditions, boat traffic and water levels can all change what looks best on the day.
The rules need a proper read before you go. No night fishing is allowed, and fishing is banned between Shardlow Lock and the A6 Bridge. From Derwent Mouth Lock to Clay Mills, fishing is towpath-only. Stay at least 25 metres from lock approaches and landing tie-up bollards, and don’t fish from boats or bridges. A maximum of two rods may normally be used. Live fish bait and fixed bolt rigs are prohibited, while unhooking mats are compulsory when carp or pike fishing.
Membership or a valid canal ticket is required, along with a separate Environment Agency rod licence. Adult standard membership for 2026-2027 is £100 per year, with a £20 joining fee for new members. A gate key costs £10 where required, making the first-year adult standard total including joining fee and gate key £130. The adult canal-only season ticket is £25 per year, sold through Fishamania in Derby and Burton-on-Trent, while the junior canal ticket is £5 for 2026-2027. Pack light, keep everything tidy, use designated parking and check the precise access rules before chasing a cheeky Shardlow chub.
Straight from anglers online
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Trent and Mersey Canal – Shardlow Stretch FAQs
Who controls the Shardlow Stretch?
The water is controlled by Pride of Derby Angling Association, which leases approximately 12 miles of the Trent and Mersey Canal.
What ticket options are available?
Adult standard membership, an adult canal-only season ticket and a junior canal ticket are available. The canal-only ticket is sold through Fishamania in Derby and Burton-on-Trent.
Are unhooking mats required?
Yes. Unhooking mats are compulsory when carp or pike fishing.
Can I bring a junior without another ticket?
A member over 21 may take one accompanied junior without an additional ticket. The junior may use one rod, and parent or guardian permission is required for the junior canal ticket.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Trent and Mersey Canal – Shardlow Stretch. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Shardlow.
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 — designated parking areas. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
DE72 2HP.
How much is a ticket?
Adult standard membership 2026-2027: £100 per year; New adult standard joining fee: £20; Gate key where required: £10; First-year adult standard total including joining fee and gate key: £130; Adult canal-only season ticket: £25 per year; Junior canal ticket 2026-2027: £5; Published canal match peg fee: £5 per peg. Prices last checked 2026-10-09 — they can change, so check before you go.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Trent and Mersey Canal – Shardlow Stretch isn't day-ticket water — Shardlow Stretch, Derwent Mouth Lock to Clay Mills, Shardlow Lock to the A6 Bridge, Weston-on-Trent section are members or syndicate only.
What fish are in there?
Across the lakes you'll find roach, perch, chub, bream, crucian. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
4 — Shardlow Stretch (Not published), Derwent Mouth Lock to Clay Mills (Not published), Shardlow Lock to the A6 Bridge (Not published), Weston-on-Trent section (Not published).
Is night fishing allowed?
No — No night fishing is allowed on the Trent and Mersey Canal.
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 from boats and bridges is prohibited.
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?
We haven't seen disabled access listed. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
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.
Anglers' photos
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Syndicate · invite only
Shardlow Stretch: the main shardlow area, with lock sections, boatyards and far-bank cover.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- roach, perch, chub, bream, crucian
This is the core Shardlow area of the leased canal. It’s described as having some of the best canal fishing on the stretch.
Good fishing is reported below the various locks, while the boatyards can produce bream and other fish around the boats and cover.
Lake photographs
A look around Shardlow Stretch
Trent and Mersey Canal – Shardlow Stretch
Shardlow Stretch
We’re checking the fishery’s Shardlow Stretch pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Mobile anglers happy to walk and search out tree cover
- Float anglers and specimen hunters targeting chub or bream around structure
Maybe not for
- Anglers wanting night fishing or a static lake-style session
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Shardlow Stretch
roach
Float maggot for roach
On a mixed lake a waggler and a pint of maggots is the easiest way to keep the float going under all day.
- Feed six to ten maggots every cast.
- Shallow up if bites come on the drop.
- Size 18 hook and light hooklength.
perch
Worm or small lure for the perch
Perch hang round cover, boats and drop-offs. A lobworm on a light float, or a small lure worked along the features, will find them.
- Fish lobworm under a float tight to cover.
- On lures, try a small drop shot or soft shad near features.
- Feed chopped worm to keep them in the swim.
chub
Bread or worm tight to cover for chub
Chub sit under overhanging trees and snags and are cautious, so a quiet approach and a natural bait near cover catches them.
- Bread flake or lobworm on a size 8 hook with a link leger.
- Keep low and quiet on the bank.
- In summer, try a free-lined slug or floating crust.
bream
Groundbait feeder at range for bream
Bream shoal up and graze over open, silty areas. A steady stream of groundbait in one spot keeps a shoal in front of you.
- Clip up and hit the same spot every cast.
- Start with 8–10 feeders quickly, then recast every 5 minutes.
- Worm, maggot or corn on a size 14–16.
Shardlow Stretch FAQs
What fish are reported here?
Roach, perch, gudgeon, chub to about 5 lb and bream to about 6 lb are reported around the stretch.
Where are the likely areas to try?
Below the various locks, around the Shardlow boatyards and along far-bank tree cover are highlighted areas.
What's the lake record on Shardlow Stretch?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Shardlow Stretch that we've found. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
What fish are in Shardlow Stretch?
roach, perch, chub, bream, crucian.
How big is Shardlow Stretch and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. The main Shardlow area, with lock sections, boatyards and far-bank cover..
Which baits work well on Shardlow Stretch?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Shardlow Stretch further up this page — it's built from the lake's features and the venue rules. As a rule, match your approach to the stock: a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Shardlow Stretch get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on Shardlow Stretch?
A mild south-westerly with falling pressure is the classic carp trigger, and overcast days usually beat bright, still ones. Check our live weather edge for Trent and Mersey Canal – Shardlow Stretch before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Shardlow Stretch?
Honestly, we don't rank pegs — the fish move with wind, pressure and pressure from other anglers. Have a walk and watch the water before you set up; the tips section above has what we've found so far.
Can I fish Shardlow Stretch on a day ticket?
No — Shardlow Stretch is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on Shardlow Stretch?
No — No night fishing is allowed on the Trent and Mersey Canal.
Who does Shardlow Stretch suit?
Good for: Mobile anglers happy to walk and search out tree cover; Float anglers and specimen hunters targeting chub or bream around structure. Less suited to: Anglers wanting night fishing or a static lake-style session.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Syndicate · invite only
Derwent Mouth Lock to Clay Mills: a towpath-only section with specific access rules.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- roach, perch, chub, bream
Fishing from Derwent Mouth Lock to Clay Mills is allowed from the towpath only. That makes access straightforward, but the bank you fish from is not optional.
As with the wider stretch, expect canal species and keep mobile where practical, while staying clear of lock approaches and landing tie-up bollards.
Lake photographs
A look around Derwent Mouth Lock to Clay Mills
Trent and Mersey Canal – Shardlow Stretch
Derwent Mouth Lock to Clay Mills
We’re checking the fishery’s Derwent Mouth Lock to Clay Mills pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers happy fishing from the towpath
- Those who prefer a clearly defined bank and a roaming approach
Maybe not for
- Anyone planning to fish from the opposite bank or from a boat
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Derwent Mouth Lock to Clay Mills
roach
Float maggot for roach
On a mixed lake a waggler and a pint of maggots is the easiest way to keep the float going under all day.
- Feed six to ten maggots every cast.
- Shallow up if bites come on the drop.
- Size 18 hook and light hooklength.
perch
Worm or small lure for the perch
Perch hang round cover, boats and drop-offs. A lobworm on a light float, or a small lure worked along the features, will find them.
- Fish lobworm under a float tight to cover.
- On lures, try a small drop shot or soft shad near features.
- Feed chopped worm to keep them in the swim.
chub
Bread or worm tight to cover for chub
Chub sit under overhanging trees and snags and are cautious, so a quiet approach and a natural bait near cover catches them.
- Bread flake or lobworm on a size 8 hook with a link leger.
- Keep low and quiet on the bank.
- In summer, try a free-lined slug or floating crust.
bream
Groundbait feeder at range for bream
Bream shoal up and graze over open, silty areas. A steady stream of groundbait in one spot keeps a shoal in front of you.
- Clip up and hit the same spot every cast.
- Start with 8–10 feeders quickly, then recast every 5 minutes.
- Worm, maggot or corn on a size 14–16.
Derwent Mouth Lock to Clay Mills FAQs
Can I fish from either bank?
No. From Derwent Mouth Lock to Clay Mills, fishing is allowed from the towpath only.
Can I fish close to the lock?
No. Fishing is prohibited within 25 metres of lock approaches and lock landing tie-up bollards.
What's the lake record on Derwent Mouth Lock to Clay Mills?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Derwent Mouth Lock to Clay Mills that we've found. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
What fish are in Derwent Mouth Lock to Clay Mills?
roach, perch, chub, bream.
How big is Derwent Mouth Lock to Clay Mills and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A towpath-only section with specific access rules..
Which baits work well on Derwent Mouth Lock to Clay Mills?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Derwent Mouth Lock to Clay Mills further up this page — it's built from the lake's features and the venue rules. As a rule, match your approach to the stock: a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Derwent Mouth Lock to Clay Mills get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on Derwent Mouth Lock to Clay Mills?
A mild south-westerly with falling pressure is the classic carp trigger, and overcast days usually beat bright, still ones. Check our live weather edge for Trent and Mersey Canal – Shardlow Stretch before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Derwent Mouth Lock to Clay Mills?
Honestly, we don't rank pegs — the fish move with wind, pressure and pressure from other anglers. Have a walk and watch the water before you set up; the tips section above has what we've found so far.
Can I fish Derwent Mouth Lock to Clay Mills on a day ticket?
No — Derwent Mouth Lock to Clay Mills is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on Derwent Mouth Lock to Clay Mills?
No — No night fishing is allowed on the Trent and Mersey Canal.
Who does Derwent Mouth Lock to Clay Mills suit?
Good for: Anglers happy fishing from the towpath; Those who prefer a clearly defined bank and a roaming approach. Less suited to: Anyone planning to fish from the opposite bank or from a boat.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Syndicate · invite only
Shardlow Lock to the A6 Bridge: a named section where fishing is not allowed.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- roach, perch, chub, bream
Fishing is not allowed between Shardlow Lock and the A6 Bridge. Treat this as a no-fishing section when planning a Shardlow-area session.
It’s worth checking your intended peg carefully, especially if you’re walking the canal and moving between the permitted areas.
Lake photographs
A look around Shardlow Lock to the A6 Bridge
Trent and Mersey Canal – Shardlow Stretch
Shardlow Lock to the A6 Bridge
We’re checking the fishery’s Shardlow Lock to the A6 Bridge pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers who check the boundary before setting up
- Roaming anglers prepared to move to a permitted section
Maybe not for
- Anyone looking to fish between Shardlow Lock and the A6 Bridge
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Shardlow Lock to the A6 Bridge
roach
Float maggot for roach
On a mixed lake a waggler and a pint of maggots is the easiest way to keep the float going under all day.
- Feed six to ten maggots every cast.
- Shallow up if bites come on the drop.
- Size 18 hook and light hooklength.
perch
Worm or small lure for the perch
Perch hang round cover, boats and drop-offs. A lobworm on a light float, or a small lure worked along the features, will find them.
- Fish lobworm under a float tight to cover.
- On lures, try a small drop shot or soft shad near features.
- Feed chopped worm to keep them in the swim.
chub
Bread or worm tight to cover for chub
Chub sit under overhanging trees and snags and are cautious, so a quiet approach and a natural bait near cover catches them.
- Bread flake or lobworm on a size 8 hook with a link leger.
- Keep low and quiet on the bank.
- In summer, try a free-lined slug or floating crust.
bream
Groundbait feeder at range for bream
Bream shoal up and graze over open, silty areas. A steady stream of groundbait in one spot keeps a shoal in front of you.
- Clip up and hit the same spot every cast.
- Start with 8–10 feeders quickly, then recast every 5 minutes.
- Worm, maggot or corn on a size 14–16.
Shardlow Lock to the A6 Bridge FAQs
Can I fish between Shardlow Lock and the A6 Bridge?
No. Fishing is not allowed in that section.
Does the ban only apply at night?
No. The section is closed to fishing generally, not just during night hours.
What's the lake record on Shardlow Lock to the A6 Bridge?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Shardlow Lock to the A6 Bridge that we've found. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
What fish are in Shardlow Lock to the A6 Bridge?
roach, perch, chub, bream.
How big is Shardlow Lock to the A6 Bridge and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A named section where fishing is not allowed..
Which baits work well on Shardlow Lock to the A6 Bridge?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Shardlow Lock to the A6 Bridge further up this page — it's built from the lake's features and the venue rules. As a rule, match your approach to the stock: a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Shardlow Lock to the A6 Bridge get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on Shardlow Lock to the A6 Bridge?
A mild south-westerly with falling pressure is the classic carp trigger, and overcast days usually beat bright, still ones. Check our live weather edge for Trent and Mersey Canal – Shardlow Stretch before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Shardlow Lock to the A6 Bridge?
Honestly, we don't rank pegs — the fish move with wind, pressure and pressure from other anglers. Have a walk and watch the water before you set up; the tips section above has what we've found so far.
Can I fish Shardlow Lock to the A6 Bridge on a day ticket?
No — Shardlow Lock to the A6 Bridge is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on Shardlow Lock to the A6 Bridge?
No — No night fishing is allowed on the Trent and Mersey Canal.
Who does Shardlow Lock to the A6 Bridge suit?
Good for: Anglers who check the boundary before setting up; Roaming anglers prepared to move to a permitted section. Less suited to: Anyone looking to fish between Shardlow Lock and the A6 Bridge.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Syndicate · invite only
Weston-on-Trent section: approximately 1.5 miles around weston-on-trent are excluded from the lease.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- roach, perch, chub, bream
Around 1.5 miles of canal near Weston-on-Trent are excluded from Pride of Derby’s lease. That means it isn’t covered as part of this fishery.
Check the exact boundaries before fishing nearby, as a valid Pride of Derby membership or canal ticket does not automatically cover excluded water.
Lake photographs
A look around Weston-on-Trent section
Trent and Mersey Canal – Shardlow Stretch
Weston-on-Trent section
We’re checking the fishery’s Weston-on-Trent section pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers who confirm the fishery boundary before travelling
- Those happy to fish the leased sections away from the excluded mileage
Maybe not for
- Anyone assuming the whole canal around Weston-on-Trent is included
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Weston-on-Trent section
roach
Float maggot for roach
On a mixed lake a waggler and a pint of maggots is the easiest way to keep the float going under all day.
- Feed six to ten maggots every cast.
- Shallow up if bites come on the drop.
- Size 18 hook and light hooklength.
perch
Worm or small lure for the perch
Perch hang round cover, boats and drop-offs. A lobworm on a light float, or a small lure worked along the features, will find them.
- Fish lobworm under a float tight to cover.
- On lures, try a small drop shot or soft shad near features.
- Feed chopped worm to keep them in the swim.
chub
Bread or worm tight to cover for chub
Chub sit under overhanging trees and snags and are cautious, so a quiet approach and a natural bait near cover catches them.
- Bread flake or lobworm on a size 8 hook with a link leger.
- Keep low and quiet on the bank.
- In summer, try a free-lined slug or floating crust.
bream
Groundbait feeder at range for bream
Bream shoal up and graze over open, silty areas. A steady stream of groundbait in one spot keeps a shoal in front of you.
- Clip up and hit the same spot every cast.
- Start with 8–10 feeders quickly, then recast every 5 minutes.
- Worm, maggot or corn on a size 14–16.
Weston-on-Trent section FAQs
Is all the canal around Weston-on-Trent included?
No. Approximately 1.5 miles around Weston-on-Trent are excluded from the lease.
Does the canal ticket cover the excluded section?
The checked facts only confirm that the section is excluded from the lease, so check the local permission before fishing there.
What's the lake record on Weston-on-Trent section?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Weston-on-Trent section that we've found. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
What fish are in Weston-on-Trent section?
roach, perch, chub, bream.
How big is Weston-on-Trent section and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. Approximately 1.5 miles around Weston-on-Trent are excluded from the lease..
Which baits work well on Weston-on-Trent section?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Weston-on-Trent section further up this page — it's built from the lake's features and the venue rules. As a rule, match your approach to the stock: a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Weston-on-Trent section get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on Weston-on-Trent section?
A mild south-westerly with falling pressure is the classic carp trigger, and overcast days usually beat bright, still ones. Check our live weather edge for Trent and Mersey Canal – Shardlow Stretch before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Weston-on-Trent section?
Honestly, we don't rank pegs — the fish move with wind, pressure and pressure from other anglers. Have a walk and watch the water before you set up; the tips section above has what we've found so far.
Can I fish Weston-on-Trent section on a day ticket?
No — Weston-on-Trent section is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on Weston-on-Trent section?
No — No night fishing is allowed on the Trent and Mersey Canal.
Who does Weston-on-Trent section suit?
Good for: Anglers who confirm the fishery boundary before travelling; Those happy to fish the leased sections away from the excluded mileage. Less suited to: Anyone assuming the whole canal around Weston-on-Trent is included.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Venue Rule Checker
- No
Is night fishing allowed?
No night fishing is allowed on the Trent and Mersey Canal.
- No
Is fishing allowed between Shardlow Lock and the A6 Bridge?
Fishing is not allowed in this section.
- No
Can I fish from a boat or bridge?
Fishing from boats and bridges is prohibited.
- Must
Are there lock exclusion zones?
Fishing is prohibited within 25 metres of lock approaches and lock landing tie-up bollards.
- Must
Can I fish from either bank between Derwent Mouth Lock and Clay Mills?
Fishing is allowed from the towpath only on this section.
- Must
How many rods can I use?
A maximum of two rods may normally be fished at once.
- No
Are live fish bait and fixed bolt rigs allowed?
Live fish bait and fixed bolt rigs are prohibited.
- Must
Do I need permission and an Environment Agency rod licence?
Membership or a valid canal ticket is required, along with a separate Environment Agency rod licence.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 9 October 2026. Rules change — always check with the fishery before you go.
Rules and prices change through the season. Follow and we'll flag changes the fishery or other anglers report.
Tips & guides worth reading
How we'd fish each lake
Our own suggestions, worked out from each lake's features, its main fish and the venue rules. They're tried-and-tested methods, not reports from this venue, so watch the water and ask in the tackle shop on the day.
Shardlow Stretch
roach
Float maggot for roach
On a mixed lake a waggler and a pint of maggots is the easiest way to keep the float going under all day.
- Feed six to ten maggots every cast.
- Shallow up if bites come on the drop.
- Size 18 hook and light hooklength.
perch
Worm or small lure for the perch
Perch hang round cover, boats and drop-offs. A lobworm on a light float, or a small lure worked along the features, will find them.
- Fish lobworm under a float tight to cover.
- On lures, try a small drop shot or soft shad near features.
- Feed chopped worm to keep them in the swim.
chub
Bread or worm tight to cover for chub
Chub sit under overhanging trees and snags and are cautious, so a quiet approach and a natural bait near cover catches them.
- Bread flake or lobworm on a size 8 hook with a link leger.
- Keep low and quiet on the bank.
- In summer, try a free-lined slug or floating crust.
bream
Groundbait feeder at range for bream
Bream shoal up and graze over open, silty areas. A steady stream of groundbait in one spot keeps a shoal in front of you.
- Clip up and hit the same spot every cast.
- Start with 8–10 feeders quickly, then recast every 5 minutes.
- Worm, maggot or corn on a size 14–16.
Derwent Mouth Lock to Clay Mills
roach
Float maggot for roach
On a mixed lake a waggler and a pint of maggots is the easiest way to keep the float going under all day.
- Feed six to ten maggots every cast.
- Shallow up if bites come on the drop.
- Size 18 hook and light hooklength.
perch
Worm or small lure for the perch
Perch hang round cover, boats and drop-offs. A lobworm on a light float, or a small lure worked along the features, will find them.
- Fish lobworm under a float tight to cover.
- On lures, try a small drop shot or soft shad near features.
- Feed chopped worm to keep them in the swim.
chub
Bread or worm tight to cover for chub
Chub sit under overhanging trees and snags and are cautious, so a quiet approach and a natural bait near cover catches them.
- Bread flake or lobworm on a size 8 hook with a link leger.
- Keep low and quiet on the bank.
- In summer, try a free-lined slug or floating crust.
bream
Groundbait feeder at range for bream
Bream shoal up and graze over open, silty areas. A steady stream of groundbait in one spot keeps a shoal in front of you.
- Clip up and hit the same spot every cast.
- Start with 8–10 feeders quickly, then recast every 5 minutes.
- Worm, maggot or corn on a size 14–16.
Shardlow Lock to the A6 Bridge
roach
Float maggot for roach
On a mixed lake a waggler and a pint of maggots is the easiest way to keep the float going under all day.
- Feed six to ten maggots every cast.
- Shallow up if bites come on the drop.
- Size 18 hook and light hooklength.
perch
Worm or small lure for the perch
Perch hang round cover, boats and drop-offs. A lobworm on a light float, or a small lure worked along the features, will find them.
- Fish lobworm under a float tight to cover.
- On lures, try a small drop shot or soft shad near features.
- Feed chopped worm to keep them in the swim.
chub
Bread or worm tight to cover for chub
Chub sit under overhanging trees and snags and are cautious, so a quiet approach and a natural bait near cover catches them.
- Bread flake or lobworm on a size 8 hook with a link leger.
- Keep low and quiet on the bank.
- In summer, try a free-lined slug or floating crust.
bream
Groundbait feeder at range for bream
Bream shoal up and graze over open, silty areas. A steady stream of groundbait in one spot keeps a shoal in front of you.
- Clip up and hit the same spot every cast.
- Start with 8–10 feeders quickly, then recast every 5 minutes.
- Worm, maggot or corn on a size 14–16.
Weston-on-Trent section
roach
Float maggot for roach
On a mixed lake a waggler and a pint of maggots is the easiest way to keep the float going under all day.
- Feed six to ten maggots every cast.
- Shallow up if bites come on the drop.
- Size 18 hook and light hooklength.
perch
Worm or small lure for the perch
Perch hang round cover, boats and drop-offs. A lobworm on a light float, or a small lure worked along the features, will find them.
- Fish lobworm under a float tight to cover.
- On lures, try a small drop shot or soft shad near features.
- Feed chopped worm to keep them in the swim.
chub
Bread or worm tight to cover for chub
Chub sit under overhanging trees and snags and are cautious, so a quiet approach and a natural bait near cover catches them.
- Bread flake or lobworm on a size 8 hook with a link leger.
- Keep low and quiet on the bank.
- In summer, try a free-lined slug or floating crust.
bream
Groundbait feeder at range for bream
Bream shoal up and graze over open, silty areas. A steady stream of groundbait in one spot keeps a shoal in front of you.
- Clip up and hit the same spot every cast.
- Start with 8–10 feeders quickly, then recast every 5 minutes.
- Worm, maggot or corn on a size 14–16.
Good background reading. Most of it is a few years old, so treat it as a starting point and ask on the day.
Videos linked by the fishery
What anglers reckon
7.1/10 from Tackle Index: A long canal stretch with reported roach, perch, gudgeon, chub and bream, plus productive locks and boatyards.
Straight from anglers online
Short, unedited extracts from public reviews, credited to the person who posted them. Not checked by us and not a Tackle Index view.
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Our take on the feedback
Our read
Checked Sept '26 — “A proper stretch of canal water controlled by Pride of Derby Angling Association, running from the Trent and Mersey confluence near Shardlow west towards Stretton. Shardlow itself is described as one of the best areas, with productive lock sections, boatyards and far-bank tree cover.”
This is our own summary of recurring public feedback and the venue details we checked, not a copied customer review or a promise you’ll catch. Feedback changes, so we keep it separate from the Tackle Index score.
Angler score
What our readers rate Trent and Mersey Canal – Shardlow Stretch
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