Fishery guide · Rutland
Oakham Angling Society Waters
Oakham Canal was Oakham Angling Society water, with a long fishable section and around 50 swims. The society wound up in 2024, though, so current fishing access is a proper check-first job rather than a turn-up-and-cast affair.
“5.7/10 — A mixed list of canal species is appealing, but the water was described as generally hard fishing and current access is uncertain.”
Tackle Index scorecard
Free — we'll tell you when rules, prices or notices change here.
The lowdown
Oakham Canal is a surviving section of the old 19th-century canal, running through Oakham between Burley Road and Ashwell Road. The principal fishable stretch was around 460 metres in the northern in-water section, with the canal footpath running alongside it. Handy for a wander, but public walking access does not mean fishing permission.
- 2 lakes: Oakham Canal, Oakham Canal – Burley Road to Ashwell Road section
- Fish: roach, perch, pike, tench, bream
- Tickets from: 2019 adult annual society ticket — £25
- Find it: Oakham · LE15 6QQ
Plan your session
Fishery map of Oakham Angling Society Waters
Pick a pin or venue to see live bank-side conditions.
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
Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Fishery
Oakham Angling Society Waters
We haven’t got permission to show venue photos here yet. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Oakham Angling Society Waters
Oakham Canal is a surviving section of the old 19th-century canal, running through Oakham between Burley Road and Ashwell Road. The principal fishable stretch was around 460 metres in the northern in-water section, with the canal footpath running alongside it. Handy for a wander, but public walking access does not mean fishing permission.
Historically, Oakham Angling Society leased and managed the fishing rights here. It was club water, not a normal day-ticket venue, and anglers needed Oakham Angling Society membership or a society season ticket. The society reportedly wound up its affairs in 2024, with a 2025 local report saying it was no longer active.
That leaves the big question mark: whether anyone now controls the fishing. The canal owner was reported to be looking for a new leaseholder or group for the rights. So don’t just rock up with a rod and assume you’re clipped up and legal. Current permission needs checking before fishing.
When the society operated, around 50 swims were maintained along the water. Reported species included roach, perch, pike and tench, while historic match reports also mentioned bream. It sounds like a mixed canal pot rather than a commercial-style bagging venue, with plenty of scope for a light float approach and the odd cheeky predator session.
The canal was described as generally hard fishing. That usually means keeping things tidy and mobile: small baits, accurate loose feed and a close look at the margins rather than piling it in. Roach and perch would suit a fine float outfit, while tench and bream give you something to target when conditions are kinder.
Predation by otters and cormorants was cited by the former society as affecting fish stocks, and restocking costs were reported at approximately £5,000 to £6,000 per restock. That gives useful context to the cautious fishing reports. It is not a venue to approach expecting guaranteed lumps or a quick bag.
Historically, fishing was available throughout the year while the society operated. No current opening hours, seasonal closure dates, booking system, day-ticket price or confirmed night-fishing permission were found. The old 2019 annual ticket figures are included for context only and should not be treated as current prices.
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.
Oakham Angling Society Waters FAQs
Is Oakham Canal currently open for fishing?
That is not confirmed. The former society reportedly ceased operating, and current fishing rights may be awaiting a new leaseholder or group.
Was Oakham Canal a day-ticket fishery?
No. It was historically club water, with access through Oakham Angling Society membership or a society season ticket.
How hard is the fishing?
The canal was described as generally hard fishing, so expect a tactical session rather than automatic bags.
Are there toilets or a fishery car park?
No dedicated fishery toilets or dedicated fishery car park were found.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Oakham Angling Society Waters. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Oakham.
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.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off. Bring a barrow in case it's a walk.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
LE15 6QQ.
How much is a ticket?
2019 adult annual society ticket: £25; 2019 concession annual society ticket: £15; 2019 junior annual society ticket: £5. 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?
Oakham Angling Society Waters isn't day-ticket water — Oakham Canal, Oakham Canal – Burley Road to Ashwell Road section are members or syndicate only.
What fish are in there?
Across the lakes you'll find roach, perch, pike, tench, bream. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
2 — Oakham Canal (Not published), Oakham Canal – Burley Road to Ashwell Road section (Not published).
Is night fishing allowed?
It depends — No confirmed night-fishing permission was found.
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
Been to Oakham Angling Society Waters? Share a snap
No angler photos yet. Be the first!
Syndicate · invite only
Oakham Canal: a hard-fished club canal with mixed species and uncertain current access.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- roach, perch, pike, tench, bream
Oakham Canal was historically controlled for fishing by Oakham Angling Society, with the main fishable section running from Burley Road to Ashwell Road. The northern in-water section was approximately 460 metres long and had around 50 swims.
The society reportedly ceased operating in 2024, so the old club arrangement may no longer apply. The canal owner was reported to be seeking a new leaseholder or group, making current permission the first thing to sort before tackling up.
Lake photographs
A look around Oakham Canal
Oakham Angling Society Waters
Oakham Canal
We’re checking the fishery’s Oakham Canal pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers who enjoy proper canal fishing, fine tackle and working out a difficult water
- Roach, perch and tench anglers happy to fish the margins and keep things neat
Maybe not for
- Anyone after a guaranteed day-ticket bag-up, easy access or confirmed night fishing
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Oakham Canal
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.
pike
Static deadbaits for the pike
A smelly deadbait on the bottom near drop-offs or reed lines is the classic, reliable way to find a lake's pike, especially in the colder months.
- Sardine, smelt or mackerel on a wire trace with semi-barbless trebles.
- Strike early — never let a pike run off with the bait.
- Have a long forceps, unhooking mat and big net ready before you cast.
tench
Method or maggot feeder for tench
Tench love margins and weedy patches. A feeder puts a small, tight patch of bait right by the hookbait.
- Fish 10–20 yards out, or tight to the cover where it's safe to land fish.
- Recast every 10–15 minutes early on to build the swim.
- Short hooklink with a dead red maggot, corn or a 8mm wafter.
Oakham Canal FAQs
Can I buy a day ticket for Oakham Canal?
No current day-ticket price or booking system was found, and the old society arrangement may no longer be active.
What fish are in Oakham Canal?
Reported species include roach, perch, pike, tench and bream.
What's the lake record on Oakham Canal?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Oakham Canal that we've found. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
How big is Oakham Canal and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A hard-fished club canal with mixed species and uncertain current access..
Which baits work well on Oakham Canal?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Oakham Canal 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 Oakham Canal get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on Oakham Canal?
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 Oakham Angling Society Waters before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Oakham Canal?
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 Oakham Canal on a day ticket?
No — Oakham Canal is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on Oakham Canal?
It depends — No confirmed night-fishing permission was found.
Who does Oakham Canal suit?
Good for: Anglers who enjoy proper canal fishing, fine tackle and working out a difficult water; Roach, perch and tench anglers happy to fish the margins and keep things neat. Less suited to: Anyone after a guaranteed day-ticket bag-up, easy access or confirmed night fishing.
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
Oakham Canal – Burley Road to Ashwell Road section: the principal historic fishing stretch, alongside the improved canal footpath.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- roach, perch, pike, tench, bream
This was the principal fishable section managed by Oakham Angling Society. The northern in-water section measured approximately 460 metres, with the footpath beside the water improved and levelled between 2021 and February 2022.
It was club water rather than public day-ticket fishing. Current fishing rights are unclear following the society’s reported closure, so permission must be confirmed with the current rights holder or canal owner.
Lake photographs
A look around Oakham Canal – Burley Road to Ashwell Road section
Oakham Angling Society Waters
Oakham Canal – Burley Road to Ashwell Road section
We’re checking the fishery’s Oakham Canal – Burley Road to Ashwell Road section pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Float anglers who like searching a canal and picking off mixed species
- Anglers wanting a quiet, tactical session rather than a commercial fishery setup
Maybe not for
- Walk-up anglers relying on public access as fishing permission
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Oakham Canal – Burley Road to Ashwell Road 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.
pike
Static deadbaits for the pike
A smelly deadbait on the bottom near drop-offs or reed lines is the classic, reliable way to find a lake's pike, especially in the colder months.
- Sardine, smelt or mackerel on a wire trace with semi-barbless trebles.
- Strike early — never let a pike run off with the bait.
- Have a long forceps, unhooking mat and big net ready before you cast.
tench
Method or maggot feeder for tench
Tench love margins and weedy patches. A feeder puts a small, tight patch of bait right by the hookbait.
- Fish 10–20 yards out, or tight to the cover where it's safe to land fish.
- Recast every 10–15 minutes early on to build the swim.
- Short hooklink with a dead red maggot, corn or a 8mm wafter.
Oakham Canal – Burley Road to Ashwell Road section FAQs
How long is the northern section?
Approximately 460 metres.
Were there many swims?
The society maintained around 50 fishing swims historically.
What's the lake record on Oakham Canal – Burley Road to Ashwell Road section?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Oakham Canal – Burley Road to Ashwell Road 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 Oakham Canal – Burley Road to Ashwell Road section?
roach, perch, pike, tench, bream.
How big is Oakham Canal – Burley Road to Ashwell Road section and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. The principal historic fishing stretch, alongside the improved canal footpath..
Which baits work well on Oakham Canal – Burley Road to Ashwell Road section?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Oakham Canal – Burley Road to Ashwell Road 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 Oakham Canal – Burley Road to Ashwell Road 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 Oakham Canal – Burley Road to Ashwell Road 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 Oakham Angling Society Waters before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Oakham Canal – Burley Road to Ashwell Road 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 Oakham Canal – Burley Road to Ashwell Road section on a day ticket?
No — Oakham Canal – Burley Road to Ashwell Road section is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on Oakham Canal – Burley Road to Ashwell Road section?
It depends — No confirmed night-fishing permission was found.
Who does Oakham Canal – Burley Road to Ashwell Road section suit?
Good for: Float anglers who like searching a canal and picking off mixed species; Anglers wanting a quiet, tactical session rather than a commercial fishery setup. Less suited to: Walk-up anglers relying on public access as fishing permission.
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 an Environment Agency rod licence required?
A rod licence is required for freshwater fishing in England for anglers aged 13 or over.
- Must
Was membership or a season ticket historically required?
Fishing historically required Oakham Angling Society membership or a society season ticket.
- No
Can public walkers fish because there is a public footpath?
Public walking access does not itself confer fishing permission.
- Only if
Is current fishing permission confirmed?
The society reportedly wound up its affairs in 2024 and the canal owner was seeking a new leaseholder or group.
- Only if
Is night fishing confirmed?
No confirmed night-fishing permission was found.
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.
Oakham Canal
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.
pike
Static deadbaits for the pike
A smelly deadbait on the bottom near drop-offs or reed lines is the classic, reliable way to find a lake's pike, especially in the colder months.
- Sardine, smelt or mackerel on a wire trace with semi-barbless trebles.
- Strike early — never let a pike run off with the bait.
- Have a long forceps, unhooking mat and big net ready before you cast.
tench
Method or maggot feeder for tench
Tench love margins and weedy patches. A feeder puts a small, tight patch of bait right by the hookbait.
- Fish 10–20 yards out, or tight to the cover where it's safe to land fish.
- Recast every 10–15 minutes early on to build the swim.
- Short hooklink with a dead red maggot, corn or a 8mm wafter.
Oakham Canal – Burley Road to Ashwell Road 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.
pike
Static deadbaits for the pike
A smelly deadbait on the bottom near drop-offs or reed lines is the classic, reliable way to find a lake's pike, especially in the colder months.
- Sardine, smelt or mackerel on a wire trace with semi-barbless trebles.
- Strike early — never let a pike run off with the bait.
- Have a long forceps, unhooking mat and big net ready before you cast.
tench
Method or maggot feeder for tench
Tench love margins and weedy patches. A feeder puts a small, tight patch of bait right by the hookbait.
- Fish 10–20 yards out, or tight to the cover where it's safe to land fish.
- Recast every 10–15 minutes early on to build the swim.
- Short hooklink with a dead red maggot, corn or a 8mm wafter.
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
5.7/10 from Tackle Index: A mixed list of canal species is appealing, but the water was described as generally hard fishing and current access is uncertain.
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 — “Oakham Canal was Oakham Angling Society water, with a long fishable section and around 50 swims. The society wound up in 2024, though, so current fishing access is a proper check-first job rather than a turn-up-and-cast affair.”
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 Oakham Angling Society Waters
No angler score yet — nobody's reviewed Oakham Angling Society Waters here. Be the first and get the score started.