Fishery guide · South Yorkshire
Stainforth and Keadby Canal
A proper canal option around Thorne, with 504 club-reported pegs, mixed coarse fishing and pike and perch worth a look in early winter. Published canal day tickets start at £3 for adults, though the club’s undated prices need checking before you go.
“6.5/10 — Mixed coarse fishing, reported pike and perch, and early-winter predator interest give the canal a solid angling appeal.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
This is canal fishing, plain and simple — not a collection of ticket lakes. Thorne & District AA manages the stretch from Maud’s Bridge to Dunstans Hill Bridge, on the Hatfield Colliery length at Stainforth. The club reports 504 fishing pegs, while a fishery directory gives the Thorne stretch as 6.44 km.
- 2 lakes: Thorne stretch — Maud’s Bridge to Dunstans Hill Bridge, Hatfield Colliery length, Stainforth
- Fish: pike, perch, carp
- Tickets from: Published adult canal day ticket — £3, paid on the bank.
- Find it: Thorne · DN8 5DZ
Plan your session
Fishery map of Stainforth and Keadby Canal
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Community reported
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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
Fishery
Stainforth and Keadby Canal
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Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Stainforth and Keadby Canal
This is canal fishing, plain and simple — not a collection of ticket lakes. Thorne & District AA manages the stretch from Maud’s Bridge to Dunstans Hill Bridge, on the Hatfield Colliery length at Stainforth. The club reports 504 fishing pegs, while a fishery directory gives the Thorne stretch as 6.44 km. That’s a sizeable length to get your bearings on, so knowing which bit you’re heading for matters more than finding a single fishery gate.
The fishing is mixed coarse, with pike and perch specifically reported on the Thorne stretch. Early winter gets a particular mention for predator fishing, making that the clearest seasonal steer here. If a canal predator session is your thing, this is worth a look. There are no checked fish weights or stocking totals to hang a PB promise on, though — the appeal is the fishing opportunity, not a sales pitch about guaranteed lumps.
There’s a proper match-fishing side to the canal too. It has hosted club matches and national competitions, and the club describes a winter pairs league running from January to March on alternate Sundays. Those aren’t confirmed current fixture dates, so don’t build a trip around that pattern alone. For a match booking, email the club about prices and availability. A quick enquiry is the sensible way to sort the details without unnecessary faff.
Ticket-wise, the published adult canal day ticket is £3, paid on the bank, with juniors and concessions listed at £2. Yearly books are published at £13 for adults and £8 for juniors or concessions, covering canal and pond, with one book required per rod. That looks cracking on paper, but the prices page is undated and these aren’t confirmed 2026 tariffs. Keep the canal prices separate from Delves: its day-ticket charges belong to that other venue.
Getting there needs a little care. DN8 5DZ points to a nearby canal access area at South Parade, rather than a dedicated fishery entrance. Likewise, the supplied location coordinates identify Thorne Lock. Neither should be treated as a promise of parking beside your chosen peg. The Delves ponds, café and car parks are separate, too, so don’t plan a canal session around having those facilities on the bank.
Before loading up, clear any night-fishing or close-season questions with the club through its online contact form. Fixed opening hours aren’t published on the checked club pages, and the advertised night syndicate is for ponds, not confirmed canal access. Finally, watch the boundary at Maud’s Bridge: the adjoining stretch towards Keadby basin is managed by Scunthorpe Amalgamated Anglers. Same canal, different club — an easy distinction to miss.
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.
Stainforth and Keadby Canal FAQs
Are these confirmed 2026 ticket prices?
No. They are the club’s published prices from an undated page. Check the current tariff before travelling, and don’t confuse the separate Delves prices with canal tickets.
What should I put in the sat-nav?
DN8 5DZ identifies a nearby canal access area at South Parade. It isn’t a dedicated fishery entrance, and the supplied coordinates identify Thorne Lock rather than a car park.
Are there a café and car parks on the canal bank?
Those facilities aren’t confirmed for this canal venue. The advertised Delves café and car parks belong to the separate ponds venue.
When is the winter pairs league?
The club describes it as January–March on alternate Sundays, but no current fixture dates are verified. Ask the club for the latest arrangements.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Stainforth and Keadby Canal. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Thorne.
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?
DN8 5DZ.
How much is a ticket?
Published adult canal day ticket: £3, paid on the bank.; Published junior/concession canal ticket: £2, paid on the bank.; Published adult yearly book: £13, covering canal and pond.; Published junior/concession yearly book: £8, covering canal and pond.. Prices last checked 2026-10-06 — they can change, so check before you go.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Day tickets are available on Thorne stretch — Maud’s Bridge to Dunstans Hill Bridge, Hatfield Colliery length, Stainforth. 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 pike, perch, carp. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
2 — Thorne stretch — Maud’s Bridge to Dunstans Hill Bridge (Not published), Hatfield Colliery length, Stainforth (Not published).
Is night fishing allowed?
It depends — Ask the club before planning an overnight session; its advertised night syndicate explicitly covers ponds.
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?
Yes, it's required — Email the club for match prices and availability.
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.
Day ticket · turn up
Thorne stretch — Maud’s Bridge to Dunstans Hill Bridge: a sizeable club canal stretch with mixed coarse and winter predator interest.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- pike, perch
This is the main permit-controlled venue, not a lake. Thorne & District AA reports 504 pegs, and the Thorne stretch is listed as 6.44 km long. Its boundaries run from Maud’s Bridge to Dunstans Hill Bridge at Stainforth.
Mixed coarse fishing is available, with pike and perch specifically reported and early winter highlighted for predators. Club matches and national competitions have also featured here — plenty of angling interest without needing to dress it up as a specimen lake.
Lake photographs
A look around Thorne stretch — Maud’s Bridge to Dunstans Hill Bridge
Stainforth and Keadby Canal
Thorne stretch — Maud’s Bridge to Dunstans Hill Bridge
We’re checking the fishery’s Thorne stretch — Maud’s Bridge to Dunstans Hill Bridge pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers after mixed coarse canal fishing
- Predator anglers considering an early-winter session
Maybe not for
- Anyone wanting confirmed canal-bank café and parking facilities
- Anglers needing verified night-fishing permission before choosing a venue
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Thorne stretch — Maud’s Bridge to Dunstans Hill Bridge
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.
pike
Lure fishing for the pike
Lures let you cover water and find active pike fast.
- Spinners, jerkbaits and 4–6in soft shads on a 20–30g rod.
- Always use a wire trace — pike bite through mono and fluoro.
- Move every 10–15 casts till you find them; work drop-offs and edges.
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.
Thorne stretch — Maud’s Bridge to Dunstans Hill Bridge FAQs
Where does the Thorne club’s water begin and end?
It runs from Maud’s Bridge to Dunstans Hill Bridge, on the Hatfield Colliery length at Stainforth.
Can I buy a canal day ticket on the bank?
The published canal tickets are paid on the bank. The prices page is undated, so check the current tariff with the club.
What's the lake record on Thorne stretch — Maud’s Bridge to Dunstans Hill Bridge?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Thorne stretch — Maud’s Bridge to Dunstans Hill Bridge 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 Thorne stretch — Maud’s Bridge to Dunstans Hill Bridge?
pike, perch.
How big is Thorne stretch — Maud’s Bridge to Dunstans Hill Bridge and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A sizeable club canal stretch with mixed coarse and winter predator interest..
Which baits work well on Thorne stretch — Maud’s Bridge to Dunstans Hill Bridge?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Thorne stretch — Maud’s Bridge to Dunstans Hill 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: a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Thorne stretch — Maud’s Bridge to Dunstans Hill 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 Thorne stretch — Maud’s Bridge to Dunstans Hill 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 Stainforth and Keadby Canal before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Thorne stretch — Maud’s Bridge to Dunstans Hill 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 Thorne stretch — Maud’s Bridge to Dunstans Hill Bridge on a day ticket?
Yes — Thorne stretch — Maud’s Bridge to Dunstans Hill Bridge is on the day ticket. Tickets: Published adult canal day ticket £3, paid on the bank.; Published junior/concession canal ticket £2, paid on the bank.; Published adult yearly book £13, covering canal and pond.; Published junior/concession yearly book £8, covering canal and pond. (last checked 2026-10-06).
Is night fishing allowed on Thorne stretch — Maud’s Bridge to Dunstans Hill Bridge?
It depends — Ask the club before planning an overnight session; its advertised night syndicate explicitly covers ponds.
Who does Thorne stretch — Maud’s Bridge to Dunstans Hill Bridge suit?
Good for: Anglers after mixed coarse canal fishing; Predator anglers considering an early-winter session. Less suited to: Anyone wanting confirmed canal-bank café and parking facilities; Anglers needing verified night-fishing permission before choosing a venue.
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
Hatfield Colliery length, Stainforth: the named stainforth end of the thorne club’s canal water.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
The Hatfield Colliery length is part of the wider Thorne club stretch, not an extra lake or a separate fishery. Dunstans Hill Bridge sits on this length and marks the end of the club’s described water.
Treat this entry as a boundary pointer when planning your session. No separate length, peg total or fish breakdown is supplied for this section, so the wider canal’s figures shouldn’t be counted twice.
Lake photographs
A look around Hatfield Colliery length, Stainforth
Stainforth and Keadby Canal
Hatfield Colliery length, Stainforth
We’re checking the fishery’s Hatfield Colliery length, Stainforth pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers planning around the Stainforth end of the club water
- Canal anglers checking the permit boundary
Maybe not for
- Anyone seeking a separately described or stocked lake
- Anglers needing detailed section-specific access information
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Hatfield Colliery length, Stainforth
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.
Hatfield Colliery length, Stainforth FAQs
Is this separate from the Thorne canal venue?
No. It is a named length within the wider Thorne & District AA canal stretch.
Which bridge marks the club’s endpoint here?
Dunstans Hill Bridge, on the Hatfield Colliery length at Stainforth.
What's the lake record on Hatfield Colliery length, Stainforth?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Hatfield Colliery length, Stainforth 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 Hatfield Colliery length, Stainforth?
carp.
How big is Hatfield Colliery length, Stainforth and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. The named Stainforth end of the Thorne club’s canal water..
Which baits work well on Hatfield Colliery length, Stainforth?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Hatfield Colliery length, Stainforth 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 Hatfield Colliery length, Stainforth 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 Hatfield Colliery length, Stainforth?
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 Stainforth and Keadby Canal before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Hatfield Colliery length, Stainforth?
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 Hatfield Colliery length, Stainforth on a day ticket?
Yes — Hatfield Colliery length, Stainforth is on the day ticket. Tickets: Published adult canal day ticket £3, paid on the bank.; Published junior/concession canal ticket £2, paid on the bank.; Published adult yearly book £13, covering canal and pond.; Published junior/concession yearly book £8, covering canal and pond. (last checked 2026-10-06).
Is night fishing allowed on Hatfield Colliery length, Stainforth?
It depends — Ask the club before planning an overnight session; its advertised night syndicate explicitly covers ponds.
Who does Hatfield Colliery length, Stainforth suit?
Good for: Anglers planning around the Stainforth end of the club water; Canal anglers checking the permit boundary. Less suited to: Anyone seeking a separately described or stocked lake; Anglers needing detailed section-specific access information.
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 yearly-book anglers need a book for each rod?
The club’s yearly-book rule is one book per rod.
- Yes
Are published canal day tickets paid on the bank?
Both adult and junior/concession canal tickets are listed as paid on the bank.
- Only if
Is canal night fishing confirmed?
Ask the club before planning an overnight session; its advertised night syndicate explicitly covers ponds.
- Only if
Is a Thorne-specific canal close-season policy confirmed?
No Thorne-specific policy was found on the checked club pages; confirm before choosing your date.
- Must
Do match bookings require an email enquiry?
Email the club for match prices and availability.
- No
Does the Thorne-managed stretch include Keadby basin to Maud’s Bridge?
That adjacent length is managed separately by Scunthorpe Amalgamated Anglers.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 6 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.
Thorne stretch — Maud’s Bridge to Dunstans Hill Bridge
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.
pike
Lure fishing for the pike
Lures let you cover water and find active pike fast.
- Spinners, jerkbaits and 4–6in soft shads on a 20–30g rod.
- Always use a wire trace — pike bite through mono and fluoro.
- Move every 10–15 casts till you find them; work drop-offs and edges.
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.
Hatfield Colliery length, Stainforth
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
6.5/10 from Tackle Index: Mixed coarse fishing, reported pike and perch, and early-winter predator interest give the canal a solid 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 canal option around Thorne, with 504 club-reported pegs, mixed coarse fishing and pike and perch worth a look in early winter. Published canal day tickets start at £3 for adults, though the club’s undated prices need checking before you go.”
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 Stainforth and Keadby Canal
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