Scenic UK carp lake at dawn

Fishery guide · Leicestershire

Grand Union Canal (Leicester Line)

Proper canal fishing on the Grand Union’s Leicester Line, with WDNAC’s guide covering Foxton Bridge 60 through to Husbands Bosworth tunnel beyond Bridge 46. Roach, gudgeon and perch feature, with occasional bream and the possibility of carp or tench adding a bit of intrigue.

“6.5/10 — A mixed coarse-fishing line-up gives the stretch appeal, without supporting any promise of big weights or easy catches.”

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The lowdown

This is proper cut fishing, not a row of stocked lakes with a reception at the gate. The Grand Union Canal’s Leicester Line around Market Harborough is the setting, and Wellingborough & District Nene Angling Club — WDNAC for short — documents the local stretch. Its guide describes water running from Foxton Bridge 60 to Husbands Bosworth tunnel beyond Bridge 46.

  • 4 lakes: The Stables, The Spinney, Theddingworth turning bay, The Piggeries
  • Fish: carp
  • Tickets from: 2026 adult club membership — annual, not a canal day ticket — £60
  • Find it: Market Harborough · LE16 7RA

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Fishery map of Grand Union Canal (Leicester Line)

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Grand Union Canal (Leicester Line)

Market Harborough · LE16 7RA

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The full rundown on Grand Union Canal (Leicester Line)

This is proper cut fishing, not a row of stocked lakes with a reception at the gate. The Grand Union Canal’s Leicester Line around Market Harborough is the setting, and Wellingborough & District Nene Angling Club — WDNAC for short — documents the local stretch. Its guide describes water running from Foxton Bridge 60 to Husbands Bosworth tunnel beyond Bridge 46. Those bridge numbers are the useful starting point when sorting out where you want to fish.

There are a few named sections to get your bearings. The Stables sits between bridges 59 and 60, while The Spinney, Theddingworth turning bay and The Piggeries also appear in the club guide. Treat those as sections of one canal venue, rather than separate fisheries. The turning bay is a named feature worth recognising, but there’s no checked detail here on depths, individual pegs or which swim produces what. No need to dress it up as a guaranteed hotspot.

The species mix gives this stretch its appeal. Roach, gudgeon and perch feature in the club’s canal guide, with bream making occasional appearances. Tench and carp have been caught here too. That makes it an interesting option for someone who enjoys mixed coarse fishing rather than choosing a venue purely for big lumps. Keep the distinction clear, though: carp and tench being present is not a promise of regular action, and there are no checked fish weights to hang a PB claim on.

For permits, the useful starting point is WDNAC membership. Advertised 2026 annual rates are £60 for adults, £45 for senior citizens and £10 for juniors. Membership runs from 1 January to 31 December, so this is a calendar-year ticket rather than twelve months from whenever you join. Don’t mistake the adult price for a canal day ticket. A current canal-specific day-ticket price isn’t confirmed, and neither are individual peg-booking requirements. Get those details straight with the club before planning a cheeky one-off session.

Joining can be done through the club website, with PayPal payment when ordering, or through local tackle dealers. The club allows immediate fishing using the confirmation email alongside a matching-name EA rod licence, subject to the rules for the particular water. Your membership book follows by Royal Mail second class and needs signing to be valid. That’s handy if you’re keen to get going without waiting for the post, but the water-specific conditions still matter.

For the Foxton end, fishing events use Gumley Road, Foxton, LE16 7RA. The mapped location identifies Gumley Road Bridge 60, not a fishery reception. Foxton Locks has short-stay and long-stay visitor car parks, with dedicated Blue Badge spaces in the short-stay car park. Finally, check fishing hours, seasonal restrictions, night permission and bait or hook rules before heading out. Boat-lock operating times aren’t fishing hours, and the club’s lake night permits shouldn’t be treated as permission for this canal.

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Grand Union Canal (Leicester Line) FAQs

Which stretch does the club guide describe?

Foxton Bridge 60 to Husbands Bosworth tunnel beyond Bridge 46, with named sections including The Stables, The Spinney, Theddingworth turning bay and The Piggeries.

What can I catch?

The canal guide includes roach, gudgeon and perch, with occasional bream. Tench and carp have also been caught here. Those are stretch-wide details, not promises for individual swims.

Is the £60 adult membership a day ticket?

No. It is WDNAC’s advertised 2026 annual adult membership. Membership runs from 1 January to 31 December; a current canal-specific day-ticket price isn’t confirmed.

Where should I head for the Foxton end?

Foxton fishing events use Gumley Road, Foxton, LE16 7RA. The mapped point is Gumley Road Bridge 60, not a reception. Foxton Locks has short-stay and long-stay visitor car parks, with Blue Badge spaces in the short-stay car park.

Where's the nearest tackle shop?

We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Grand Union Canal (Leicester Line). Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Market Harborough.

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 — foxton locks short-stay visitor car park. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.

What's the postcode for the sat nav?

LE16 7RA.

How much is a ticket?

2026 adult club membership — annual, not a canal day ticket: £60; 2026 senior-citizen club membership: £45; 2026 junior club membership: £10. Prices last checked 2026-10-03 — they can change, so check before you go.

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

Some lakes need booking ahead. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.

What fish are in there?

Across the lakes you'll find carp. See each lake tab for which fish live where.

How many lakes are there?

4 — The Stables (Not published), The Spinney (Not published), Theddingworth turning bay (Not published), The Piggeries (Not published).

Is night fishing allowed?

It depends — Canal night permission isn’t confirmed. Do not assume the club’s lake night permits cover this water.

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?

It depends — These restrictions aren’t confirmed; check the club’s canal rules before fishing.

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.