Fishery guide · Staffordshire
Caldon Canal
Caldon Canal near Leek is a proper coarse-fishing canal with day and season permits, plus chub, dace, bream, carp and roach in the mix. Sort the permit details before travelling, as current prices, hours and night fishing haven’t been published.
“6.1/10 — A reported mixed coarse selection and proper canal water give plenty to target.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
Fancy a bit of canal fishing around Leek? The Caldon Canal fishery covers canal water near Leek, Staffordshire, rather than a tidy commercial lake complex. Think towpath, pegs and working out where the fish are sitting.
- 2 lakes: Caldon Canal, Leek Branch
- Fish: chub, roach, bream, carp, perch
- Find it: Leek · ST13 5QJ
Plan your session
Fishery map of Caldon 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
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Fishery
Caldon Canal
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Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Caldon Canal
Fancy a bit of canal fishing around Leek? The Caldon Canal fishery covers canal water near Leek, Staffordshire, rather than a tidy commercial lake complex. Think towpath, pegs and working out where the fish are sitting.
The wider Caldon Canal runs from Etruria to Froghall and has 17 locks. The Leek Branch heads from Hazelhurst Junction towards Leek, stretching for roughly 3 miles, with one tunnel and no locks. It ends near Leek, short of its old basin.
There’s a decent coarse-fishing spread listed, with chub, dace, bream, carp and roach all reported. That gives you plenty to have a go at, from a light float approach for silverfish to a more patient line into cover for carp or chub.
Fly fishing isn’t required here. Ordinary coarse methods are permitted, so a float rod, feeder setup or simple pole approach should be the natural starting point. On canal water, keep things mobile and watch the margins, boats and any slack-looking features.
The listing says the water isn’t stocked, so this is about fishing the canal as it stands rather than chasing recently added lumps. Look for depth changes, cover and quieter water, then build the swim carefully. A bit of loose feed can soon tell you whether the roach, dace or bream are on the munch.
Day and season permits are reported as available. Mr John Harding is listed as the permit contact with the fishery. Current ticket prices, opening hours, booking arrangements, the fishing season and night access all need checking before you set off.
Disabled facilities are reported as available, although no further details are given. The supplied coordinates point to the end of the Leek Branch near Leek, not a single peg, so don’t treat them as a guaranteed swim location. Give the permit contact a bell first and get the access details bob on.
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.
Caldon Canal FAQs
Who is the permit contact?
Mr John Harding is listed as the permit contact. The listed telephone number is the fishery.
What fish are reported?
Chub, dace, bream, carp and roach are reported.
Is there an official fishery website?
No official website was identified for the Caldon Canal listing.
Where does the Leek Branch run?
It runs from Hazelhurst Junction towards Leek for approximately 3 miles and ends near Leek, short of its former basin.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Caldon Canal. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Leek.
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?
ST13 5QJ.
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 Caldon Canal, Leek Branch. 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 chub, roach, bream, carp, perch. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
2 — Caldon Canal (Not published), Leek Branch (Not published).
Is night fishing allowed?
It depends — Night fishing was not confirmed. Check directly before travelling.
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?
The fishery lists disabled facilities are reported as available. 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.
Day ticket · turn up
Caldon Canal: a varied coarse canal with natural canal features to pick apart.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- chub, roach, bream, carp, perch
The Caldon Canal is the wider canal fishery near Leek, running from Etruria to Froghall. It includes 17 locks and offers proper canal-style fishing rather than a commercial lake session.
Reported fish include chub, dace, bream, carp and roach. Ordinary coarse methods are permitted, so float and feeder tactics are both in play.
The fishery listing reports that the water is not stocked.
Lake photographs
A look around Caldon Canal
Caldon Canal
Caldon Canal
We’re checking the fishery’s Caldon Canal pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers who enjoy mobile canal fishing and working out the best line.
- Coarse anglers after a mixed bag of roach, dace, bream, chub or carp.
Maybe not for
- Anyone wanting a guaranteed stocked-lake session or fixed commercial-lake facilities.
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Caldon Canal
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.
chub
Bread or worm tight to cover for chub
Chub sit under overhanging trees and snags and are cautious, so a quiet approach and a natural bait near cover catches them.
- Bread flake or lobworm on a size 8 hook with a link leger.
- Keep low and quiet on the bank.
- In summer, try a free-lined slug or floating crust.
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.
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.
Caldon Canal FAQs
Is the canal stocked?
No. The listing reports that the water is not stocked.
Can I use ordinary coarse methods?
Yes. Fly fishing is not required and ordinary coarse methods are permitted.
What's the lake record on Caldon Canal?
Going by what the fishery says: The fishery listing reports that the water is not stocked. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Caldon Canal?
chub, roach, bream, carp, perch. The fishery listing reports that the water is not stocked.
How big is Caldon Canal and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A varied coarse canal with natural canal features to pick apart..
Which baits work well on Caldon Canal?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Caldon 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: with the fish the fishery lists here, a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Caldon Canal 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 Caldon 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 Caldon Canal before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Caldon 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 Caldon Canal on a day ticket?
Yes — Caldon Canal is on the day ticket. Check current prices before you go.
Is night fishing allowed on Caldon Canal?
It depends — Night fishing was not confirmed. Check directly before travelling.
Who does Caldon Canal suit?
Good for: Anglers who enjoy mobile canal fishing and working out the best line.; Coarse anglers after a mixed bag of roach, dace, bream, chub or carp.. Less suited to: Anyone wanting a guaranteed stocked-lake session or fixed commercial-lake facilities..
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
Leek Branch: a roughly 3-mile branch towards leek, ending near the former basin.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- chub, roach, bream, carp, perch
The Leek Branch runs from Hazelhurst Junction towards Leek and is approximately 3 miles long. It has one tunnel and no locks.
The listed coordinates represent the branch’s end near Leek, not one specific fishing peg. Check the exact access arrangements before travelling.
The fishery listing reports that the water is not stocked.
Lake photographs
A look around Leek Branch
Caldon Canal
Leek Branch
We’re checking the fishery’s Leek Branch pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers who like exploring a defined canal branch and changing swims.
- Coarse anglers happy using float or feeder tactics for the reported mixed species.
Maybe not for
- Anyone expecting a single, clearly marked lake with published swim details.
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Leek Branch
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.
chub
Bread or worm tight to cover for chub
Chub sit under overhanging trees and snags and are cautious, so a quiet approach and a natural bait near cover catches them.
- Bread flake or lobworm on a size 8 hook with a link leger.
- Keep low and quiet on the bank.
- In summer, try a free-lined slug or floating crust.
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.
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.
Leek Branch FAQs
Does the Leek Branch have locks?
No. The facts describe one tunnel and no locks.
Are the coordinates for a particular peg?
No. They represent the end of the Leek Branch near Leek.
What's the lake record on Leek Branch?
Going by what the fishery says: The fishery listing reports that the water is not stocked. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Leek Branch?
chub, roach, bream, carp, perch. The fishery listing reports that the water is not stocked.
How big is Leek Branch and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A roughly 3-mile branch towards Leek, ending near the former basin..
Which baits work well on Leek Branch?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Leek Branch 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 Leek Branch 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 Leek Branch?
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 Caldon Canal before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Leek Branch?
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 Leek Branch on a day ticket?
Yes — Leek Branch is on the day ticket. Check current prices before you go.
Is night fishing allowed on Leek Branch?
It depends — Night fishing was not confirmed. Check directly before travelling.
Who does Leek Branch suit?
Good for: Anglers who like exploring a defined canal branch and changing swims.; Coarse anglers happy using float or feeder tactics for the reported mixed species.. Less suited to: Anyone expecting a single, clearly marked lake with published swim details..
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 a permit required?
Day and season permits are reported as available. Confirm the current arrangements with Mr John Harding with the fishery.
- No
Is fly fishing required?
This is coarse-fishing canal water and ordinary coarse methods are permitted.
- Only if
Can I fish at night?
Night fishing was not confirmed. Check directly before travelling.
- Only if
Is there a published fishing season or close season?
No verified fishing season or close season was published.
- Only if
Can I book online?
Booking arrangements were not published online.
- Only if
Are current ticket prices published?
No verified day-ticket or season-ticket price was established.
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.
Caldon Canal
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.
chub
Bread or worm tight to cover for chub
Chub sit under overhanging trees and snags and are cautious, so a quiet approach and a natural bait near cover catches them.
- Bread flake or lobworm on a size 8 hook with a link leger.
- Keep low and quiet on the bank.
- In summer, try a free-lined slug or floating crust.
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.
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.
Leek Branch
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.
chub
Bread or worm tight to cover for chub
Chub sit under overhanging trees and snags and are cautious, so a quiet approach and a natural bait near cover catches them.
- Bread flake or lobworm on a size 8 hook with a link leger.
- Keep low and quiet on the bank.
- In summer, try a free-lined slug or floating crust.
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.
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.
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
6.1/10 from Tackle Index: A reported mixed coarse selection and proper canal water give plenty to target.
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 — “Caldon Canal near Leek is a proper coarse-fishing canal with day and season permits, plus chub, dace, bream, carp and roach in the mix. Sort the permit details before travelling, as current prices, hours and night fishing haven’t been published.”
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 Caldon Canal
No angler score yet — nobody's reviewed Caldon Canal here. Be the first and get the score started.