Fishery guide · Shropshire
Llangollen Canal
Proper canal fishing around Ellesmere, with Waterway Wanderers covering specific lengths rather than the whole waterway. Get your permit sorted before heading out, and keep those bridge boundaries handy.
“6.0/10 — Reported roach, perch and bream give the area mixed coarse appeal, though individual stretches have no confirmed stock detail.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
Fancy a canal session rather than a commercial pool? The Llangollen Canal at Ellesmere is exactly that: a canal fishery in Shropshire, with fishing permission tied to named Waterway Wanderers stretches. There’s no lake complex to pick through here. The important choice is which covered length you’re heading for, then making sure your permit is sorted before you settle into a swim.
- 3 lakes: Bridge 59 White Ellesmere to Frankton Junction, Ellesmere Arm, Bridge 51 Lyneal Lane to Bridge 55 Little Mill
- Fish: carp
- Tickets from: Adult Waterway Wanderers permit — £28
- Find it: Ellesmere · SY12 9AA
Plan your session
Fishery map of Llangollen Canal
Pick a pin or venue to see live bank-side conditions.
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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
No active water updates.
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Photos courtesy of David Dixon. See the originals. Catch dates not confirmed.
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Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Llangollen Canal
Fancy a canal session rather than a commercial pool? The Llangollen Canal at Ellesmere is exactly that: a canal fishery in Shropshire, with fishing permission tied to named Waterway Wanderers stretches. There’s no lake complex to pick through here. The important choice is which covered length you’re heading for, then making sure your permit is sorted before you settle into a swim. A little homework on the boundaries saves a proper faff on the bank.
The main Ellesmere length listed under the scheme runs from Bridge 59 White Ellesmere to Frankton Junction. The Ellesmere Arm is included too. Nearby, there’s another covered stretch between Bridge 51 Lyneal Lane and Bridge 55 Little Mill. Those names matter: a Waterway Wanderers permit covers its listed waters, not every bit of the Llangollen Canal. The whole canal stretches for 46 miles, but that definitely isn’t the length of this local permitted fishery.
For fish, roach, perch and bream are reported along the Ellesmere–Colemere canal walk. That gives the area a mixed coarse-fishing interest, without turning it into a promise for every peg or each of the sections below. There are no checked stock weights or section-by-section fish lists here, so don’t choose it on the strength of promised lumps or a guaranteed PB. Think canal fishing with clearly defined permission, rather than a stocked-pool sales pitch.
The permit lasts 12 months from purchase and allows a maximum of two rods. There are adult, concession and junior options, with the exact prices below. Buy before fishing, and carry the permit for inspection. Online buying needs a Canal & River Trust account; you can also buy by telephone or post. If you’re going down the postal route, allow up to 14 days for delivery. Not one to leave until the evening before a cheeky session.
Getting your bearings needs a bit of care as well. The Trust’s Birch Road address is a visitor-access location, while the coordinates identify Ellesmere Yard beside the canal. Neither should be treated as a reserved fishing peg. The Ellesmere towpath is always open, but that’s about access, not blanket fishing permission. Keep the access point and your intended fishing stretch as two separate things when planning the trip. It’s a small distinction, but an important one.
Night fishing is allowed on Waterway Wanderers stretches, provided you respect nearby residents. A separate rod licence is needed where applicable, with under-13s exempt, and native fish must not be removed. Fishing is prohibited wherever a close season applies; there isn’t a confirmed Ellesmere-specific seasonal timetable here. So the sensible plan is straightforward: check your stretch and any seasonal restriction, buy the right permit, and take it along. Get those basics bob on and the permission side is much less of a headache.
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.
Llangollen Canal FAQs
How do I buy a Waterway Wanderers permit?
Buy online with a Canal & River Trust account, telephone the fishery, or purchase by post. Allow up to 14 days for postal delivery.
How long does the permit last?
It lasts 12 months from purchase.
Which fish are reported around Ellesmere?
Roach, perch and bream are reported along the Ellesmere–Colemere canal walk. That isn’t a confirmed fish list for every individual covered section.
Does the map location identify a fishing peg?
No. The coordinates mark Ellesmere Yard beside the canal, while the postcode relates to the Trust’s Birch Road visitor-access address.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Llangollen Canal. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Ellesmere.
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?
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?
SY12 9AA.
How much is a ticket?
Adult Waterway Wanderers permit: £28; Concession permit: £18 for eligible rod-licence holders, over-65s or Angling Trust members.; Junior permit: £7 for anglers aged 16 or under when purchasing.. Prices last checked 2026-10-05 — 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?
3 — Bridge 59 White Ellesmere to Frankton Junction (Not published), Ellesmere Arm (Not published), Bridge 51 Lyneal Lane to Bridge 55 Little Mill (Not published).
Is night fishing allowed?
Yes — Night fishing is allowed on Waterway Wanderers stretches; respect nearby residents.
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.
Pre-book only
Bridge 59 White Ellesmere to Frankton Junction: the named waterway wanderers length at ellesmere
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
This is the covered canal stretch between Bridge 59 White Ellesmere and Frankton Junction. Treat those endpoints as your permission boundaries, not as a green light for the whole canal.
Access here means buying a Waterway Wanderers permit before fishing, rather than reserving a peg. Roach, perch and bream are reported in the wider Ellesmere–Colemere canal area, but there’s no separate fish list confirmed for this exact length.
Lake photographs
A look around Bridge 59 White Ellesmere to Frankton Junction
Llangollen Canal
Bridge 59 White Ellesmere to Frankton Junction
We’re checking the fishery’s Bridge 59 White Ellesmere to Frankton Junction pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers after permit-controlled canal fishing
- Repeat visitors making use of a 12-month permit
Maybe not for
- Anyone wanting a reserved peg
- Anglers choosing a venue by published stock weights
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Bridge 59 White Ellesmere to Frankton Junction
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.
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.
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.
Bridge 59 White Ellesmere to Frankton Junction FAQs
What are the covered endpoints?
Bridge 59 White Ellesmere and Frankton Junction.
Does the permit cover the whole Llangollen Canal?
No. It covers the listed Waterway Wanderers waters, not every stretch of the canal.
What's the lake record on Bridge 59 White Ellesmere to Frankton Junction?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Bridge 59 White Ellesmere to Frankton Junction 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 Bridge 59 White Ellesmere to Frankton Junction?
carp.
How big is Bridge 59 White Ellesmere to Frankton Junction and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. The named Waterway Wanderers length at Ellesmere.
Which baits work well on Bridge 59 White Ellesmere to Frankton Junction?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Bridge 59 White Ellesmere to Frankton Junction 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 Bridge 59 White Ellesmere to Frankton Junction get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on Bridge 59 White Ellesmere to Frankton Junction?
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 Llangollen Canal before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Bridge 59 White Ellesmere to Frankton Junction?
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 Bridge 59 White Ellesmere to Frankton Junction on a day ticket?
You'll need to book Bridge 59 White Ellesmere to Frankton Junction in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on Bridge 59 White Ellesmere to Frankton Junction?
Yes — Night fishing is allowed on Waterway Wanderers stretches; respect nearby residents.
Who does Bridge 59 White Ellesmere to Frankton Junction suit?
Good for: Anglers after permit-controlled canal fishing; Repeat visitors making use of a 12-month permit. Less suited to: Anyone wanting a reserved peg; Anglers choosing a venue by published stock weights.
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
Pre-book only
Ellesmere Arm: an included arm, not a separate commercial pool
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
The Ellesmere Arm is explicitly included in Waterway Wanderers. It’s another named canal option around Ellesmere, with the same requirement to buy your permit before fishing.
Don’t read the visitor-access address as a booked swim here. Section-specific sizes, fish lists and stock claims aren’t published in the supplied details, so keep expectations grounded rather than banking on particular fish.
Lake photographs
A look around Ellesmere Arm
Llangollen Canal
Ellesmere Arm
We’re checking the fishery’s Ellesmere Arm pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers wanting to fish the named Ellesmere Arm
- Waterway Wanderers permit holders exploring included waters
Maybe not for
- Anyone expecting a commercial lake setup
- Anglers wanting a confirmed section-specific species list
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Ellesmere Arm
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.
Ellesmere Arm FAQs
Is the Ellesmere Arm included in Waterway Wanderers?
Yes. The arm is explicitly included.
How many rods does the permit allow?
A maximum of two rods per permit.
What's the lake record on Ellesmere Arm?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Ellesmere Arm 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 Ellesmere Arm?
carp.
How big is Ellesmere Arm and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. An included arm, not a separate commercial pool.
Which baits work well on Ellesmere Arm?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Ellesmere Arm 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 Ellesmere Arm get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on Ellesmere Arm?
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 Llangollen Canal before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Ellesmere Arm?
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 Ellesmere Arm on a day ticket?
You'll need to book Ellesmere Arm in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on Ellesmere Arm?
Yes — Night fishing is allowed on Waterway Wanderers stretches; respect nearby residents.
Who does Ellesmere Arm suit?
Good for: Anglers wanting to fish the named Ellesmere Arm; Waterway Wanderers permit holders exploring included waters. Less suited to: Anyone expecting a commercial lake setup; Anglers wanting a confirmed section-specific species list.
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
Pre-book only
Bridge 51 Lyneal Lane to Bridge 55 Little Mill: a nearby covered stretch with clear bridge boundaries
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
This nearby Waterway Wanderers length runs from Bridge 51 Lyneal Lane to Bridge 55 Little Mill. It’s a separate listed stretch, so don’t assume the intervening canal between listed sections is covered too.
Get the permit bought before heading out and carry it on the bank. There’s no confirmed size or individual fish list for this stretch, so the useful starting point is its clearly named coverage.
Lake photographs
A look around Bridge 51 Lyneal Lane to Bridge 55 Little Mill
Llangollen Canal
Bridge 51 Lyneal Lane to Bridge 55 Little Mill
We’re checking the fishery’s Bridge 51 Lyneal Lane to Bridge 55 Little Mill pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers exploring nearby listed canal lengths
- Permit holders happy to plan around bridge boundaries
Maybe not for
- Anyone assuming continuous permission along the canal
- Anglers looking for published stock claims
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Bridge 51 Lyneal Lane to Bridge 55 Little Mill
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.
Bridge 51 Lyneal Lane to Bridge 55 Little Mill FAQs
Where does this covered stretch run?
From Bridge 51 Lyneal Lane to Bridge 55 Little Mill.
Can I buy permission after starting to fish?
No. Buy your Waterway Wanderers permit before fishing.
What's the lake record on Bridge 51 Lyneal Lane to Bridge 55 Little Mill?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Bridge 51 Lyneal Lane to Bridge 55 Little Mill 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 Bridge 51 Lyneal Lane to Bridge 55 Little Mill?
carp.
How big is Bridge 51 Lyneal Lane to Bridge 55 Little Mill and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A nearby covered stretch with clear bridge boundaries.
Which baits work well on Bridge 51 Lyneal Lane to Bridge 55 Little Mill?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Bridge 51 Lyneal Lane to Bridge 55 Little Mill 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 Bridge 51 Lyneal Lane to Bridge 55 Little Mill get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on Bridge 51 Lyneal Lane to Bridge 55 Little Mill?
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 Llangollen Canal before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Bridge 51 Lyneal Lane to Bridge 55 Little Mill?
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 Bridge 51 Lyneal Lane to Bridge 55 Little Mill on a day ticket?
You'll need to book Bridge 51 Lyneal Lane to Bridge 55 Little Mill in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on Bridge 51 Lyneal Lane to Bridge 55 Little Mill?
Yes — Night fishing is allowed on Waterway Wanderers stretches; respect nearby residents.
Who does Bridge 51 Lyneal Lane to Bridge 55 Little Mill suit?
Good for: Anglers exploring nearby listed canal lengths; Permit holders happy to plan around bridge boundaries. Less suited to: Anyone assuming continuous permission along the canal; Anglers looking for published stock claims.
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
Must I buy and carry a fishing permit?
Buy your Waterway Wanderers permit before fishing and carry it for inspection.
- No
Can I fish every stretch of the canal with this permit?
Permission covers listed Waterway Wanderers waters only.
- No
Can I use more than two rods?
Each permit allows a maximum of two rods.
- Must
Do I need a separate rod licence?
A separate rod licence is required where applicable; under-13s are exempt.
- Yes
Is night fishing allowed?
Night fishing is allowed on Waterway Wanderers stretches; respect nearby residents.
- No
Can I fish during an applicable close season?
Fishing is prohibited wherever a close season applies; check seasonal restrictions for your intended stretch.
- No
Can native fish be removed?
Native fish must not be removed.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 5 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.
Bridge 59 White Ellesmere to Frankton Junction
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.
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.
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.
Ellesmere Arm
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.
Bridge 51 Lyneal Lane to Bridge 55 Little Mill
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
6.0/10 from Tackle Index: Reported roach, perch and bream give the area mixed coarse appeal, though individual stretches have no confirmed stock detail.
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 — “Proper canal fishing around Ellesmere, with Waterway Wanderers covering specific lengths rather than the whole waterway. Get your permit sorted before heading out, and keep those bridge boundaries handy.”
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 Llangollen Canal
No angler score yet — nobody's reviewed Llangollen Canal here. Be the first and get the score started.