Fishery guide · North Lanarkshire
Monkland Canal
Monkland Canal beside Drumpellier Country Park is a free-access canal venue with around 50 pegs on the Blairhill section. Clear water, heavy weed and some properly difficult carp make it an interesting bit of fishing, especially early and late in the day.
“7.5/10 — A varied canal species list, clear water, weed and reported difficult carp give the fishing plenty of interest.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
Monkland Canal, also listed locally as Canal Pit, runs along the southern edge of Drumpellier Country Park near Coatbridge. It’s a public canal rather than a commercial stocked fishery, with fishing listed as one of the park’s activities. A handy urban-edge venue, then, with a bit of proper canal character rather than a manicured day-ticket setup.
- 2 lakes: Blairhill section, Basin
- Fish: carp, bream, roach, tench, perch, chub, crucian
- Find it: Coatbridge · ML5 2EH
Plan your session
Fishery map of Monkland Canal
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Photos courtesy of Photo: Monkland Canal (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 Monkland Canal
Monkland Canal, also listed locally as Canal Pit, runs along the southern edge of Drumpellier Country Park near Coatbridge. It’s a public canal rather than a commercial stocked fishery, with fishing listed as one of the park’s activities. A handy urban-edge venue, then, with a bit of proper canal character rather than a manicured day-ticket setup.
The Blairhill section is reported to have around 50 fishing pegs, so there should be room to have a look around before settling in. The canal is roughly 10–13 metres wide, with an average depth of about 4 feet. There’s also a wider basin at around 25 metres across, giving you another feature to consider, especially if you’re targeting the bream reported there.
This is clear water, and the lack of boat traffic means weed growth can be heavy. That can create cover and holding areas, but it can also turn a simple rig into a proper faff if you’re not careful. Take time to look for clean gaps, fishable margins and sensible lines before clipping up. Keeping terminal tackle tidy and carrying a few options for dealing with weed would be bob on.
Early and late fishing are reported as the most effective approaches. That’s worth bearing in mind when planning the day, particularly on a clear canal where quieter periods may help. Carp are present and were heavily introduced historically, with reports of large, difficult fish. Don’t expect an automatic bend in the rod; this looks more like a water where watching, feeling your way in and adapting could make the difference.
There’s a decent mix beyond the carp, too. Bream are present, particularly around the basin, while roach, gudgeon, tench and chub are also reported. Perch were included in historical stocking during the mid-1980s, although current numbers aren’t specified. Match your approach to the target, take a few bait and rig options, and let the swim tell you what’s happening rather than forcing one plan all day.
The country park makes the practical side fairly straightforward, with parking, public toilets, accessible facilities, a visitor centre, café service and accessible paths provided. The towpath is used by walkers and cyclists, and National Cycle Network Route 75 runs beside the canal, so keep bankside kit tidy and stay aware of people passing. Dogs are allowed in the park but should be kept under control.
Access is free as a public canal and park area, with no current fishery-specific ticket price or booking system found. Scottish Canals states that fish must not be removed from or introduced to the canal, and no fishery-specific night-fishing position has been found for this section. Before setting up, check the latest local rules with North Lanarkshire Council or Scottish Canals. Do that, pick a clean swim and you could be in for a cheeky canal challenge.
We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.
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.
Monkland Canal FAQs
Is Monkland Canal free to fish?
It is free to access as a public canal and park area, subject to applicable fishing regulations. A permit charge is reported as not currently being taken.
When is fishing reported to be best?
Early and late fishing are reported as the most effective approaches.
Are there carp in the canal?
Yes. Carp are present and were heavily introduced historically, with reports of large, difficult fish.
What facilities are nearby?
The park provides parking, public toilets including accessible facilities, a visitor centre with café service, and accessible paths and facilities.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Monkland Canal. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Coatbridge.
Do I need to bring food?
There's visitor centre with café listed, but opening times vary, so pack snacks and plenty of water just in case — especially on a long session.
Are there toilets on site?
Yes — the fishery lists public toilets, including accessible facilities.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
Yes — parking in drumpellier country park. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
ML5 2EH.
How much is a ticket?
We haven't got current prices. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Day tickets are available on Blairhill section, Basin. 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, bream, roach, tench, perch, chub, crucian. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
2 — Blairhill section (Not published), Basin (Not published).
Is night fishing allowed?
It depends — No night-fishing permission or restriction specific to this canal section was found. Check with North Lanarkshire Council or Scottish Canals.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, it's required — Dogs are allowed in the park but should be kept under control.
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?
The fishery lists public toilets, including accessible facilities. 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.
Anglers' photos
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Day ticket · turn up
Blairhill section: around 50 pegs, clear water and some seriously tricky carp.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, bream, roach, tench, perch, chub, crucian
The Blairhill section is the main named fishing stretch beside Drumpellier Country Park, with approximately 50 reported pegs. The canal is around 10–13 metres wide and averages about 4 feet deep.
It’s very clear, with potentially heavy weed because there is no boat traffic. Early and late sessions are reported as the most effective, while the historical carp stocking gives the stretch a proper target-fish angle.
Carp were heavily introduced historically; historical stocking took place in the mid-1980s.
Lake photographs
A look around Blairhill section
Monkland Canal
Blairhill section
We’re checking the fishery’s Blairhill section pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers who enjoy clear canal water, careful presentation and challenging carp.
- Short early or late sessions targeting carp, tench, chub, roach or mixed silverfish.
Maybe not for
- Anyone wanting a heavily stocked commercial water or guaranteed bites.
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Blairhill section
carp
Solid PVA bag over the snaggy bits
With the features and a busy bottom, a solid bag keeps the hook point masked on the drop and sat neatly in a little pile of bait however rough the lakebed is.
- Tie a short, stiff hooklink (4–6in) so it packs into the bag without kinking.
- Fill the bag with a damp crumb mix and pack it tight — loose bags spill on the cast.
- Nick a wafter or small pop-up on the hair so it settles over the mix, not under it.
- Cast a few yards short of the feature, recast every couple of hours with a fresh bag.
carp
Chod or helicopter style over soft weed and silt
Where the bottom drops in and out of holes or there might be soft silt or weed, a pop-up that slides up the leader sits over the muck instead of disappearing into it — no need to find a perfectly clean spot.
- Single pop-up, 2–3in off the bottom.
- Fish it as a single hookbait or with a light scattering of freebies — a big bed defeats the point.
- Cast to likely holes and let the lead settle; don't drag it back.
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.
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.
Blairhill section FAQs
How wide and deep is the Blairhill section?
It is approximately 10–13 metres wide, with a reported average depth of about 4 feet.
What fish are present?
Carp, bream, roach, gudgeon, tench and chub are reported, with perch included in historical stocking.
What's the lake record on Blairhill section?
Going by what the fishery says: Carp were heavily introduced historically; historical stocking took place in the mid-1980s. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Blairhill section?
carp, bream, roach, tench, perch, chub, crucian. Carp were heavily introduced historically; historical stocking took place in the mid-1980s.
How big is Blairhill section and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. Around 50 pegs, clear water and some seriously tricky carp..
Which baits work well on Blairhill section?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Blairhill 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 Blairhill section 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 Blairhill 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 Monkland Canal before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Blairhill 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 Blairhill section on a day ticket?
Yes — Blairhill section is on the day ticket. Check current prices before you go.
Is night fishing allowed on Blairhill section?
It depends — No night-fishing permission or restriction specific to this canal section was found. Check with North Lanarkshire Council or Scottish Canals.
Who does Blairhill section suit?
Good for: Anglers who enjoy clear canal water, careful presentation and challenging carp.; Short early or late sessions targeting carp, tench, chub, roach or mixed silverfish.. Less suited to: Anyone wanting a heavily stocked commercial water or guaranteed bites..
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
Basin: a wider 25-metre basin with bream especially associated with the area.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, bream, roach, tench, perch, chub
The basin is the wider part of the Monkland Canal, reported at approximately 25 metres across. It forms part of the same public canal venue beside Drumpellier Country Park.
Bream are particularly associated with the basin, while the wider canal’s reported species mix includes carp, roach, tench, chub and historically stocked perch. Clear water and weed can still make presentation important.
Historical stocking took place in the mid-1980s, including carp and perch.
Lake photographs
A look around Basin
Monkland Canal
Basin
We’re checking the fishery’s Basin pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers looking for bream and mixed coarse fish in a wider canal section.
- Those happy to fish a natural, clear venue rather than a commercial puddle.
Maybe not for
- Anglers after a dedicated specimen lake with published sizes, swims and ticket options.
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Basin
carp
Chod or helicopter style over soft weed and silt
Where the bottom drops in and out of holes or there might be soft silt or weed, a pop-up that slides up the leader sits over the muck instead of disappearing into it — no need to find a perfectly clean spot.
- Single pop-up, 2–3in off the bottom.
- Fish it as a single hookbait or with a light scattering of freebies — a big bed defeats the point.
- Cast to likely holes and let the lead settle; don't drag it back.
carp
Solid PVA bag over the snaggy bits
With the features and a busy bottom, a solid bag keeps the hook point masked on the drop and sat neatly in a little pile of bait however rough the lakebed is.
- Tie a short, stiff hooklink (4–6in) so it packs into the bag without kinking.
- Fill the bag with a damp crumb mix and pack it tight — loose bags spill on the cast.
- Nick a wafter or small pop-up on the hair so it settles over the mix, not under it.
- Cast a few yards short of the feature, recast every couple of hours with a fresh bag.
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.
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.
Basin FAQs
What is the basin known for?
Bream are reported as being particularly present around the basin.
How wide is the basin?
It is approximately 25 metres wide.
What's the lake record on Basin?
Going by what the fishery says: Historical stocking took place in the mid-1980s, including carp and perch. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Basin?
carp, bream, roach, tench, perch, chub. Historical stocking took place in the mid-1980s, including carp and perch.
How big is Basin and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A wider 25-metre basin with bream especially associated with the area..
Which baits work well on Basin?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Basin 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 Basin 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 Basin?
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 Monkland Canal before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Basin?
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 Basin on a day ticket?
Yes — Basin is on the day ticket. Check current prices before you go.
Is night fishing allowed on Basin?
It depends — No night-fishing permission or restriction specific to this canal section was found. Check with North Lanarkshire Council or Scottish Canals.
Who does Basin suit?
Good for: Anglers looking for bream and mixed coarse fish in a wider canal section.; Those happy to fish a natural, clear venue rather than a commercial puddle.. Less suited to: Anglers after a dedicated specimen lake with published sizes, swims and ticket options..
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 there a fishery-specific ticket charge?
A permit charge is reported as not currently being taken, and no current fishery-specific ticket price list was found.
- No
Can fish be removed from the canal?
Scottish Canals states that fish must not be removed from the canal.
- No
Can fish be introduced to the canal?
Scottish Canals states that fish must not be introduced to the canal.
- Only if
Is booking required?
No fishery-specific booking system was found. Check current local arrangements before fishing.
- Only if
Is night fishing covered by a specific rule?
No night-fishing permission or restriction specific to this canal section was found. Check with North Lanarkshire Council or Scottish Canals.
- Must
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are allowed in the park but should be kept under control.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 7 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.
Blairhill section
carp
Solid PVA bag over the snaggy bits
With the features and a busy bottom, a solid bag keeps the hook point masked on the drop and sat neatly in a little pile of bait however rough the lakebed is.
- Tie a short, stiff hooklink (4–6in) so it packs into the bag without kinking.
- Fill the bag with a damp crumb mix and pack it tight — loose bags spill on the cast.
- Nick a wafter or small pop-up on the hair so it settles over the mix, not under it.
- Cast a few yards short of the feature, recast every couple of hours with a fresh bag.
carp
Chod or helicopter style over soft weed and silt
Where the bottom drops in and out of holes or there might be soft silt or weed, a pop-up that slides up the leader sits over the muck instead of disappearing into it — no need to find a perfectly clean spot.
- Single pop-up, 2–3in off the bottom.
- Fish it as a single hookbait or with a light scattering of freebies — a big bed defeats the point.
- Cast to likely holes and let the lead settle; don't drag it back.
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.
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.
Basin
carp
Chod or helicopter style over soft weed and silt
Where the bottom drops in and out of holes or there might be soft silt or weed, a pop-up that slides up the leader sits over the muck instead of disappearing into it — no need to find a perfectly clean spot.
- Single pop-up, 2–3in off the bottom.
- Fish it as a single hookbait or with a light scattering of freebies — a big bed defeats the point.
- Cast to likely holes and let the lead settle; don't drag it back.
carp
Solid PVA bag over the snaggy bits
With the features and a busy bottom, a solid bag keeps the hook point masked on the drop and sat neatly in a little pile of bait however rough the lakebed is.
- Tie a short, stiff hooklink (4–6in) so it packs into the bag without kinking.
- Fill the bag with a damp crumb mix and pack it tight — loose bags spill on the cast.
- Nick a wafter or small pop-up on the hair so it settles over the mix, not under it.
- Cast a few yards short of the feature, recast every couple of hours with a fresh bag.
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.
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.
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
7.5/10 from Tackle Index: A varied canal species list, clear water, weed and reported difficult carp give the fishing plenty of 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 — “Monkland Canal beside Drumpellier Country Park is a free-access canal venue with around 50 pegs on the Blairhill section. Clear water, heavy weed and some properly difficult carp make it an interesting bit of fishing, especially early and late in the day.”
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 Monkland Canal
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