Fishery guide · Leicestershire
Leicester Navigation
A proper River Soar and canal venue around Sileby and Mountsorrel, with barbel, chub, bream, carp and a decent spread of other river species. Day tickets are available, but check the exact section, seasonal access and permit details before setting off.
“6.7/10 — A varied species list including barbel, chub, carp, pike and zander gives the venue plenty of angling appeal.”
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The lowdown
Leicester Navigation is a mixed River Soar and canal venue around Sileby and Mountsorrel. The listed stretch starts below Sileby weir, runs to the Waterside Inn at Mountsorrel, then carries on downstream to the A6 bridge. It’s one water on the listing, but with different bits to explore rather than a neat lake complex with rows of pegs.
- 2 lakes: Below Sileby weir to Waterside Inn, Mountsorrel, Waterside Inn, Mountsorrel to A6 bridge
- Fish: barbel, chub, bream, carp, pike, perch, roach, zander
- Tickets from: Peglore day ticket — £5
- Find it: Leicester · LE12 7BB
Plan your session
Fishery map of Leicester Navigation
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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
Photos courtesy of Photo: Leicester Navigation (official website). Catch dates not confirmed.
Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Leicester Navigation
Leicester Navigation is a mixed River Soar and canal venue around Sileby and Mountsorrel. The listed stretch starts below Sileby weir, runs to the Waterside Inn at Mountsorrel, then carries on downstream to the A6 bridge. It’s one water on the listing, but with different bits to explore rather than a neat lake complex with rows of pegs.
This is proper moving-water fishing, so expect a more natural session. You’ll need to stay within your swim and make sure you’re not getting in the way of anyone else. Have a wander first if you can, spot likely features and watch how the flow is behaving before chucking in. On a new river, a little less faff and a bit more looking can save a fair chunk of the day.
The species list is a decent one. Barbel and chub give the river angler plenty to aim for, with bream, carp, pike, perch, roach and zander adding more options. A simple float approach, a legered bait or a predator setup could all have a place, depending on the section and conditions. Bring kit that lets you change gears rather than banking everything on one method.
Day tickets are listed at £5 by Peglore, while the club’s e-day ticket page lists a £6 ticket including the administration charge. The e-day ticket is sold per person and is valid only on the date of purchase. It covers the Loughborough Soar Angling Society river and canal sections, plus Stonebow Pond and Dishley Pool. Buy the ticket before fishing, or purchase it online on the fishing day.
Day-ticket fishing is dawn until dusk. Night fishing is restricted to season-ticket holders, so a standard day ticket won’t cover an overnight session. The river closed season runs from 15 March to 15 June, while the canal section from Swingbridge to Bishop Meadow Lock is open all year, subject to local restrictions. Check the exact section with Loughborough Soar Angling Society before travelling, as that’s the easiest way to avoid a wasted trip.
Access needs a bit of planning. Parking is limited near Sileby marina and on the verge near the Waterside Inn, while the Waterside Inn car park is not agreed fishing parking. No toilets are reported on the stretch. Dogs, fires and overnight camping with a day ticket are not permitted, and rubbish must go home. All fish must be returned, with landing nets and unhooking mats required for specimen barbel, pike, tench and carp. Maximum three rods are allowed, and an Environment Agency rod licence is also needed.
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.
Leicester Navigation FAQs
What does the e-day ticket cost?
The club e-day ticket page lists £6, including the stated ticket price and administration charge. It is valid only on the date of purchase.
When can I fish on a day ticket?
Day-ticket fishing is dawn until dusk.
Is parking easy?
Parking is limited near Sileby marina and on the verge near the Waterside Inn. The Waterside Inn car park is not agreed fishing parking.
What should I check before travelling?
Verify prices, rules and the exact section with Loughborough Soar Angling Society before travel.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Leicester Navigation. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Leicester.
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?
Yes — the fishery lists no toilets reported.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
Yes — limited parking near sileby marina. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
LE12 7BB.
How much is a ticket?
Peglore day ticket: £5; Club e-day ticket, including administration charge: £6; Annual adult membership: £45; Annual OAP membership: £25; Annual junior membership up to age 18: £5; Full winter permit from 1 November: £20. 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?
Day tickets are available on Below Sileby weir to Waterside Inn, Mountsorrel, Waterside Inn, Mountsorrel to A6 bridge. 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 barbel, chub, bream, carp, pike, perch, roach, zander. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
2 — Below Sileby weir to Waterside Inn, Mountsorrel (Not published), Waterside Inn, Mountsorrel to A6 bridge (Not published).
Is night fishing allowed?
No — Night fishing is restricted to season-ticket holders.
Can I bring my dog?
No — Dogs and fires are not permitted.
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?
Yes, it's required — Landing nets and unhooking mats are required for specimen barbel, pike, tench and carp.
Do I need my own unhooking mat or cradle?
Yes, it's required — Landing nets and unhooking mats are required for specimen barbel, pike, tench and carp.
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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Day ticket · turn up
Below Sileby weir to Waterside Inn, Mountsorrel: a mixed river soar section with barbel, chub and plenty of options.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- barbel, chub, bream, carp, pike, perch, roach, zander
This listed section runs from below Sileby weir to the Waterside Inn at Mountsorrel. It’s river water rather than a formal lake, so swims and conditions will have a proper say in how the session unfolds.
Barbel and chub are the obvious river targets, with bream, carp and a good predator selection also listed. Keep mobile in your thinking, watch the water and work the margins when the fish are on the munch.
1860-branded water according to the listing title.
Lake photographs
A look around Below Sileby weir to Waterside Inn, Mountsorrel
Leicester Navigation
Below Sileby weir to Waterside Inn, Mountsorrel
We’re checking the fishery’s Below Sileby weir to Waterside Inn, Mountsorrel pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers after varied River Soar species
- Those happy adapting between barbel, chub and predator approaches
Maybe not for
- Anglers wanting fixed lake-style pegs, toilets or generous parking
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Below Sileby weir to Waterside Inn, Mountsorrel
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.
barbel
Pellet and boilie for the lake barbel
Lake barbel feed hard and fight harder, and this lake runs alongside the river. Use a strong rod and line, and rest them properly in the net before release.
- Halibut pellet or small boilie over a bed of pellet.
- Strong hooklink and a size 10–12 hook.
- Never hold barbel out of water long — keep them in the net until they've recovered.
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.
Below Sileby weir to Waterside Inn, Mountsorrel FAQs
Can I fish this section on a day ticket?
Day tickets are listed, and the club e-day ticket covers its river and canal sections.
Is night fishing allowed?
Night fishing is restricted to season-ticket holders.
What's the lake record on Below Sileby weir to Waterside Inn, Mountsorrel?
Going by what the fishery says: 1860-branded water according to the listing title. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Below Sileby weir to Waterside Inn, Mountsorrel?
barbel, chub, bream, carp, pike, perch, roach, zander. 1860-branded water according to the listing title.
How big is Below Sileby weir to Waterside Inn, Mountsorrel and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A mixed River Soar section with barbel, chub and plenty of options..
Which baits work well on Below Sileby weir to Waterside Inn, Mountsorrel?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Below Sileby weir to Waterside Inn, Mountsorrel 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 Below Sileby weir to Waterside Inn, Mountsorrel get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. It's a day-ticket lake, so popular swims go early — arrive at first light or midweek if you can.
What weather suits bigger catches on Below Sileby weir to Waterside Inn, Mountsorrel?
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 Leicester Navigation before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Below Sileby weir to Waterside Inn, Mountsorrel?
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 Below Sileby weir to Waterside Inn, Mountsorrel on a day ticket?
Yes — Below Sileby weir to Waterside Inn, Mountsorrel is on the day ticket. Tickets: Peglore day ticket £5; Club e-day ticket, including administration charge £6; Annual adult membership £45; Annual OAP membership £25; Annual junior membership up to age 18 £5; Full winter permit from 1 November £20 (last checked 2026-10-09).
Who does Below Sileby weir to Waterside Inn, Mountsorrel suit?
Good for: Anglers after varied River Soar species; Those happy adapting between barbel, chub and predator approaches. Less suited to: Anglers wanting fixed lake-style pegs, toilets or generous parking.
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
Day ticket · turn up
Waterside Inn, Mountsorrel to A6 bridge: the downstream listed stretch, with mixed river and canal fishing.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- barbel, chub, bream, carp, pike, perch, roach, zander
A further section runs downstream from the Waterside Inn to the A6 bridge. It forms part of the same listed River Soar and Leicester Navigation venue around Mountsorrel.
The species mix gives you plenty to aim at, from roach and perch to chub, barbel, carp, bream, pike and zander. Parking is limited, so plan the access side before lugging all the gear down the bank.
1860-branded water according to the listing title.
Lake photographs
A look around Waterside Inn, Mountsorrel to A6 bridge
Leicester Navigation
Waterside Inn, Mountsorrel to A6 bridge
We’re checking the fishery’s Waterside Inn, Mountsorrel to A6 bridge pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Exploratory anglers who like mixed species water
- Predator and general coarse anglers
Maybe not for
- Anyone relying on agreed car-park fishing at the Waterside Inn
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Waterside Inn, Mountsorrel to A6 bridge
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.
barbel
Pellet and boilie for the lake barbel
Lake barbel feed hard and fight harder, and this lake runs alongside the river. Use a strong rod and line, and rest them properly in the net before release.
- Halibut pellet or small boilie over a bed of pellet.
- Strong hooklink and a size 10–12 hook.
- Never hold barbel out of water long — keep them in the net until they've recovered.
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
Waggler and groundbait for bream
If they're within waggler range, float fishing over balls of groundbait is a great way to pick off bream.
- Ball in groundbait with casters and chopped worm at the start.
- Set the float a touch over-depth and watch for slow lifts.
- Top up when bites slow.
Waterside Inn, Mountsorrel to A6 bridge FAQs
Can I use the Waterside Inn car park for fishing?
No. It is not agreed fishing parking.
Are there toilets on this stretch?
No toilets are reported on the stretch.
What's the lake record on Waterside Inn, Mountsorrel to A6 bridge?
Going by what the fishery says: 1860-branded water according to the listing title. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Waterside Inn, Mountsorrel to A6 bridge?
barbel, chub, bream, carp, pike, perch, roach, zander. 1860-branded water according to the listing title.
How big is Waterside Inn, Mountsorrel to A6 bridge and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. The downstream listed stretch, with mixed river and canal fishing..
Which baits work well on Waterside Inn, Mountsorrel to A6 bridge?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Waterside Inn, Mountsorrel to 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: with the fish the fishery lists here, a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Waterside Inn, Mountsorrel to A6 bridge get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. It's a day-ticket lake, so popular swims go early — arrive at first light or midweek if you can.
What weather suits bigger catches on Waterside Inn, Mountsorrel to 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 Leicester Navigation before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Waterside Inn, Mountsorrel to 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 Waterside Inn, Mountsorrel to A6 bridge on a day ticket?
Yes — Waterside Inn, Mountsorrel to A6 bridge is on the day ticket. Tickets: Peglore day ticket £5; Club e-day ticket, including administration charge £6; Annual adult membership £45; Annual OAP membership £25; Annual junior membership up to age 18 £5; Full winter permit from 1 November £20 (last checked 2026-10-09).
Is night fishing allowed on Waterside Inn, Mountsorrel to A6 bridge?
No — Night fishing is restricted to season-ticket holders.
Who does Waterside Inn, Mountsorrel to A6 bridge suit?
Good for: Exploratory anglers who like mixed species water; Predator and general coarse anglers. Less suited to: Anyone relying on agreed car-park fishing at the Waterside Inn.
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
Do I need an Environment Agency rod licence?
An Environment Agency rod licence is additionally required.
- No
Can I fish at night on a day ticket?
Night fishing is restricted to season-ticket holders.
- Seasonal
Is there a river closed season?
The river is closed from 15 March to 15 June.
- Yes
Can I use three rods?
A maximum of three rods is permitted.
- No
Can I bring a dog or light a fire?
Dogs and fires are not permitted.
- Must
Do I have to return the fish?
All fish must be returned.
- Must
Do specimen anglers need a landing net and unhooking mat?
Landing nets and unhooking mats are required for specimen barbel, pike, tench and carp.
- No
Can I camp overnight on a day ticket?
Overnight camping is prohibited with a day ticket.
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.
Below Sileby weir to Waterside Inn, Mountsorrel
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.
barbel
Pellet and boilie for the lake barbel
Lake barbel feed hard and fight harder, and this lake runs alongside the river. Use a strong rod and line, and rest them properly in the net before release.
- Halibut pellet or small boilie over a bed of pellet.
- Strong hooklink and a size 10–12 hook.
- Never hold barbel out of water long — keep them in the net until they've recovered.
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.
Waterside Inn, Mountsorrel to A6 bridge
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.
barbel
Pellet and boilie for the lake barbel
Lake barbel feed hard and fight harder, and this lake runs alongside the river. Use a strong rod and line, and rest them properly in the net before release.
- Halibut pellet or small boilie over a bed of pellet.
- Strong hooklink and a size 10–12 hook.
- Never hold barbel out of water long — keep them in the net until they've recovered.
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
Waggler and groundbait for bream
If they're within waggler range, float fishing over balls of groundbait is a great way to pick off bream.
- Ball in groundbait with casters and chopped worm at the start.
- Set the float a touch over-depth and watch for slow lifts.
- Top up when bites slow.
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
6.7/10 from Tackle Index: A varied species list including barbel, chub, carp, pike and zander gives the venue plenty of angling appeal.
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 River Soar and canal venue around Sileby and Mountsorrel, with barbel, chub, bream, carp and a decent spread of other river species. Day tickets are available, but check the exact section, seasonal access and permit details before setting off.”
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 Leicester Navigation
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