Fishery guide · East Riding of Yorkshire
Driffield Navigation
A proper canal venue around Wansford, with roughly 4 miles of HDAA-controlled fishing water. Roach, perch, eels and occasional pike make up the main interest, with clear water, summer weed and some tricky access to think about.
“6.8/10 — A varied canal mix of roach, perch, eels, occasional pike, limited trout and isolated bream or chub gives it proper natural-water interest.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
Driffield Navigation is a canal fishery centred around Wansford, about 3 miles south-east of Driffield. The club-controlled fishing section runs for roughly 4 miles and forms part of the wider Driffield Navigation, which stretches for approximately 11 miles through canal sections and part of the River Hull.
- 2 lakes: Wansford canal section, Canal Head, Driffield
- Fish: trout, roach, perch, eel, pike, bream, chub, carp
- Tickets from: 2026 standard adult HDAA membership — £45
- Find it: Driffield · YO25 8NX
Plan your session
Fishery map of Driffield Navigation
Pick a pin or venue to see live bank-side conditions.
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How busy was it?
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Water updates from anglers
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Photos courtesy of Des Blenkinsopp. See the originals. Catch dates not confirmed.
Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Driffield Navigation
Driffield Navigation is a canal fishery centred around Wansford, about 3 miles south-east of Driffield. The club-controlled fishing section runs for roughly 4 miles and forms part of the wider Driffield Navigation, which stretches for approximately 11 miles through canal sections and part of the River Hull.
This is natural canal fishing rather than a tidy commercial lake setup. The water is usually clear for much of the year, but it can be badly silted and very shallow when levels drop. Summer weed can also get extensive, so a bit of watercraft and accurate plumbing will pay off.
Roach are the main draw, with perch generally present in limited numbers. Eels may turn up too, while pike occur occasionally. Bream and chub may be present in isolated areas, and a few carp were reportedly stocked in the distant past. There are also limited stocks of trout, with the HDAA booklet noting that some may be large.
Tackle-wise, this looks more like a venue for light float work, punchy roach sessions and sneaky margin fishing than an out-and-out carp trip. Clear water means a quiet approach is sensible. Keep an eye out for deeper-looking channels, firm spots in the silt and any cover where the fish can tuck away.
Access is generally from the B1249 between Driffield and North Frodingham, and anglers must approach from the B1249 side of the canal. Parking is available in Wansford village, with occasional lay-bys possibly usable beside the road. Some banks are awkward because of trees and bushes, so expect a few swims to involve a bit of faff.
The fishery is operated by Hull & District Anglers Association with the East Riding Fisheries Consultative and landowners. HDAA membership is required, there are no day tickets, and there is no separate booking system for eligible members. Fishing runs from 5:00am to 10:00pm, with no night fishing.
There are purpose-built fishing stances for anglers with disabilities in Wansford, which is a handy touch. Just remember that all fish must be returned alive, keepnets are not allowed under the general HDAA rules, and pike fishing is restricted to 1 October through 31 March.
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.
We haven’t found any public angler reviews of this venue yet. Fished it? Add yours below.
Driffield Navigation FAQs
Where is the fishery?
The canal fishing section is centred around Wansford, approximately 3 miles south-east of Driffield, with access generally from the B1249.
Is this a commercial lake?
No. It is canal fishing on the Driffield Canal section of the wider Driffield Navigation.
What parking is available?
Parking is available in Wansford village. Occasional lay-bys beside the B1249 may also be possible.
Is access easy?
Not everywhere. Some sections have difficult access because of trees and bushes, although purpose-built stances for anglers with disabilities are available in Wansford.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Driffield Navigation. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Driffield.
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 — parking in wansford village. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
YO25 8NX.
How much is a ticket?
2026 standard adult HDAA membership: £45; 2026 senior HDAA membership: £30; 2026 junior HDAA membership: £10; New adult and senior members joining fee in first year: £10. Prices last checked 2026-10-06 — they can change, so check before you go.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Driffield Navigation isn't day-ticket water — Wansford canal section, Canal Head, Driffield are members or syndicate only.
What fish are in there?
Across the lakes you'll find trout, roach, perch, eel, pike, bream, chub, carp. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
2 — Wansford canal section (Not published), Canal Head, Driffield (Not published).
Is night fishing allowed?
No — Standard fishing hours are 5:00am to 10:00pm. Night fishing is not permitted.
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?
We haven't seen a bait-boat rule listed. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
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
Wansford canal section: four miles of clear, sometimes shallow canal around the main wansford fishery section.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- trout, roach, perch, eel, pike, bream, chub, carp
The Wansford section is the heart of the Driffield Canal fishery, with roughly 4 miles of club-controlled water. It is canal fishing all the way, with no separate commercial lake-style swims or published lake acreage.
Roach are present, with limited perch, eels and occasional pike. Trout stocks are limited, but some may be large according to the HDAA information booklet.
A few carp have reportedly been stocked in the distant past.
Lake photographs
A look around Wansford canal section
Driffield Navigation
Wansford canal section
We’re checking the fishery’s Wansford canal section pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Roach anglers, light float fishing and anglers who enjoy reading natural canal water
- Those happy to fish carefully around clear water, weed and changing depths
Maybe not for
- Anglers after guaranteed carp action, big bags or easy, uniform access
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Wansford canal section
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
trout
Fly fishing for the trout
Stocked lake trout cruise and feed up in the water, so you need to find the depth they're at. Start just under the surface and go deeper if nothing's happening.
- A 9ft 6–7 weight rod with a floating line covers most days; carry an intermediate or sinking line for cold or bright spells.
- Early season and cold days: lures like a Cat's Whisker, Blob or Damsel, pulled back in steady strips.
- Warmer days with fish rising: buzzers, Diawl Bachs or a dry fly fished slowly, or static under an indicator.
- Count your fly down (5, 10, 15 seconds) and change depth till you get a pull — then repeat that count.
- Use 6–8lb fluorocarbon tippet, and check the fishery's rules on catch-and-release, bag limits and barbless hooks before you start.
Venue rule: Bag limits and catch-and-release rules vary a lot on trout waters — ask at the lodge before your first cast.
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.
Wansford canal section FAQs
How do I fish this section?
You need HDAA membership. There are no day tickets and no separate booking system for eligible members.
Can I fish at night?
No. Standard fishing hours are 5:00am to 10:00pm and night fishing is not permitted.
What's the lake record on Wansford canal section?
Going by what the fishery says: A few carp have reportedly been stocked in the distant past. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Wansford canal section?
trout, roach, perch, eel, pike, bream, chub, carp. A few carp have reportedly been stocked in the distant past.
How big is Wansford canal section and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. Four miles of clear, sometimes shallow canal around the main Wansford fishery section..
Which baits work well on Wansford canal section?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Wansford canal 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: with the fish the fishery lists here, a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Wansford canal 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 Wansford canal 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 Driffield Navigation before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Wansford canal 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 Wansford canal section on a day ticket?
No — Wansford canal section is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on Wansford canal section?
No — Standard fishing hours are 5:00am to 10:00pm. Night fishing is not permitted.
Who does Wansford canal section suit?
Good for: Roach anglers, light float fishing and anglers who enjoy reading natural canal water; Those happy to fish carefully around clear water, weed and changing depths. Less suited to: Anglers after guaranteed carp action, big bags or easy, uniform access.
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
Canal Head, Driffield: a named part of the navigation where angling is strictly prohibited.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Canal Head in Driffield is part of the wider navigation, but it is not an angling area for this fishery.
Angling is strictly prohibited here, so do not treat it as an alternative access point or spare swim.
Lake photographs
A look around Canal Head, Driffield
Driffield Navigation
Canal Head, Driffield
We’re checking the fishery’s Canal Head, Driffield pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Navigation visitors observing the local restrictions
Maybe not for
- Any angler planning to cast a line at Canal Head
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Canal Head, Driffield
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
Canal Head, Driffield FAQs
Can I fish Canal Head?
No. Angling is strictly prohibited at the Canal Head in Driffield.
Does Canal Head have a published lake size?
No separate lake size is published because this is a canal venue.
What's the lake record on Canal Head, Driffield?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Canal Head, Driffield 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 Canal Head, Driffield?
carp.
How big is Canal Head, Driffield and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A named part of the navigation where angling is strictly prohibited..
Which baits work well on Canal Head, Driffield?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Canal Head, Driffield 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 Canal Head, Driffield get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on Canal Head, Driffield?
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 Driffield Navigation before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Canal Head, Driffield?
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.
Is night fishing allowed on Canal Head, Driffield?
No — Standard fishing hours are 5:00am to 10:00pm. Night fishing is not permitted.
Who does Canal Head, Driffield suit?
Good for: Navigation visitors observing the local restrictions. Less suited to: Any angler planning to cast a line at Canal Head.
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
- Must
Is HDAA membership required?
HDAA membership is required to fish the canal.
- No
Are day tickets available?
There are no day tickets.
- No
Is a separate booking needed?
There is no published booking system; eligible HDAA members fish without a separate booking.
- No
Can I fish at night?
Standard fishing hours are 5:00am to 10:00pm. Night fishing is not permitted.
- Must
Must all fish be returned?
All fish must be returned alive, including trout and pike.
- No
Are keepnets allowed?
Keepnets are not allowed under the general HDAA rules.
- Seasonal
Can I target pike all year?
Pike fishing under HDAA rules is permitted only from 1 October to 31 March.
- No
Can I fish at Canal Head?
Angling is strictly prohibited at the Canal Head in Driffield.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 6 October 2026. Rules change — always check with the fishery before you go.
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.
Wansford canal section
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
trout
Fly fishing for the trout
Stocked lake trout cruise and feed up in the water, so you need to find the depth they're at. Start just under the surface and go deeper if nothing's happening.
- A 9ft 6–7 weight rod with a floating line covers most days; carry an intermediate or sinking line for cold or bright spells.
- Early season and cold days: lures like a Cat's Whisker, Blob or Damsel, pulled back in steady strips.
- Warmer days with fish rising: buzzers, Diawl Bachs or a dry fly fished slowly, or static under an indicator.
- Count your fly down (5, 10, 15 seconds) and change depth till you get a pull — then repeat that count.
- Use 6–8lb fluorocarbon tippet, and check the fishery's rules on catch-and-release, bag limits and barbless hooks before you start.
Venue rule: Bag limits and catch-and-release rules vary a lot on trout waters — ask at the lodge before your first cast.
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.
Canal Head, Driffield
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
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
6.8/10 from Tackle Index: A varied canal mix of roach, perch, eels, occasional pike, limited trout and isolated bream or chub gives it proper natural-water interest.
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.
We haven’t found any public angler reviews of this venue yet. Fished it? Add yours below.
Our take on the feedback
Our read
Checked Sept '26 — “A proper canal venue around Wansford, with roughly 4 miles of HDAA-controlled fishing water. Roach, perch, eels and occasional pike make up the main interest, with clear water, summer weed and some tricky access to think about.”
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 Driffield Navigation
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