Fishery guide · Wiltshire
Kennet and Avon Canal – Devizes Stretch
A cracking 15-mile Devizes Angling Association stretch of the Kennet and Avon Canal, with proper coarse fishing from towpath pegs, plus separate access to the well-equipped Crookwood Lake near Urchfont.
“7.7/10 — A long canal stretch offers mixed coarse fishing, strong tench and carp stocks around Devizes, plus a separate mixed lake.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
The Devizes Angling Association controls roughly 15 miles of the Kennet and Avon Canal, running from Ladies Bridge near Wilcot and Pewsey westwards to Semington Road Bridge near Melksham. It passes through Woodborough, Honeystreet, Stanton St Bernard, All Cannings, Horton, Devizes and Seend, so there’s a fair old choice of water to explore.
- 2 lakes: Kennet and Avon Canal – Devizes Association Stretch, Crookwood Lake
- Fish: tench, bream, roach, pike, perch, carp, rudd, crucian
- Tickets from: 2026–27 adult club membership — £55
- Find it: Devizes · SN10 1EB
Plan your session
Fishery map of Kennet and Avon Canal – Devizes Stretch
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Fishery
Kennet and Avon Canal – Devizes Stretch
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Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Kennet and Avon Canal – Devizes Stretch
The Devizes Angling Association controls roughly 15 miles of the Kennet and Avon Canal, running from Ladies Bridge near Wilcot and Pewsey westwards to Semington Road Bridge near Melksham. It passes through Woodborough, Honeystreet, Stanton St Bernard, All Cannings, Horton, Devizes and Seend, so there’s a fair old choice of water to explore.
This is canal fishing rather than a traditional lake session. The eastern section is around 11–13 metres wide, the western water roughly 14–16 metres, while parts around Devizes open out to approximately 30–40 metres or more. That gives you plenty to think about, from tight pole work to reaching the far bank with a waggler or feeder.
The canal east of Devizes holds skimmers, bream, tench, roach, rudd, perch, gudgeon, pike and some carp. Around Devizes, the club highlights large stocks of tench and carp, including frequently caught double-figure carp. That’s a tasty mix for a mixed-bag day, with the chance of a proper lump as well.
For the narrower sections, pole or waggler fishing with light tackle is the club’s recommended starting point. Maggots, caster, worm, sweetcorn, bread punch, groundbait and hemp are all commonly recommended baits. Around Devizes, feeder tactics and surface-controller methods can also come into play when the fish are on the munch.
There’s a separate option too. Crookwood Lake is a six-acre privately owned lake near Urchfont, on the lane between Urchfont and Potterne Wick. It averages around 6–8 feet deep, has two islands running through much of its length and 65 permanent platformed pegs. Three platforms are suitable for disabled anglers, with an on-site toilet and grassed picnic area.
Crookwood is a proper mixed fishery, with tench, common and mirror carp, crucian carp, bream, roach, rudd, perch, chub, barbel and pike. Reported specimen sizes include tench to 5 lb, perch to 2 lb and carp over 10 lb. Just remember that canal day and 14-day permits don’t cover Crookwood Lake, which uses separate arrangements.
The canal has no closed season, subject to club rules, notices and the seasonal pike restrictions. Fishing is from the towpath side only, and night fishing needs a committee-issued permit. Day tickets must be bought before you start, not bankside, while online purchasing and group or match bookings are available through the official site.
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.
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Kennet and Avon Canal – Devizes Stretch FAQs
Do I need a rod licence?
Yes. A National Rod Licence is required in addition to a Devizes Angling Association permit for anglers aged 12 or over.
Can I take fish home?
No. Fish must not be removed from Devizes Angling Association waters and must be returned dead or alive.
How close can I fish to another angler?
Anglers must not fish within 10 yards of another angler without permission.
Are Crookwood Lake permits included with canal tickets?
No. Canal day and 14-day visitor permits do not cover Crookwood Lake, which uses separate arrangements.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Kennet and Avon Canal – Devizes Stretch. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Devizes.
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?
Yes — the fishery lists on-site toilet at crookwood lake.
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?
SN10 1EB.
How much is a ticket?
2026–27 adult club membership: £55; 2026–27 junior club membership: £20; Adult canal-only day ticket: £6; Junior canal-only day ticket: £3.50; Adult canal-only 14-day ticket: £17; Junior canal-only 14-day ticket: £10.50. 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?
Day tickets are available on Kennet and Avon Canal – Devizes Association Stretch. 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 tench, bream, roach, pike, perch, carp, rudd, crucian, chub, barbel. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
2 — Kennet and Avon Canal – Devizes Association Stretch (Not published), Crookwood Lake (6 acres).
Is night fishing allowed?
Yes, it's required — Night fishing is not allowed unless a member obtains a night-fishing permit from the committee.
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 three crookwood platforms suitable for disabled anglers. Ring ahead to check which swims suit you.
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.
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Day ticket · turn up
Kennet and Avon Canal – Devizes Association Stretch: a long, varied canal stretch with mixed coarse fishing and a proper chance of a devizes carp.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- tench, bream, roach, pike, perch, carp, rudd
This club-controlled canal length runs approximately 15 miles from Ladies Bridge near Wilcot/Pewsey to Semington Road Bridge near Melksham.
The water changes width along the route, from around 11–13 metres east of Devizes to 30–40 metres or more around Devizes. Narrow sections suit pole and waggler work, while feeder and surface-controller tactics can also work around Devizes.
The canal around Devizes holds large stocks of tench and carp, including frequently caught double-figure carp.
Lake photographs
A look around Kennet and Avon Canal – Devizes Association Stretch
Kennet and Avon Canal – Devizes Stretch
Kennet and Avon Canal – Devizes Association Stretch
We’re checking the fishery’s Kennet and Avon Canal – Devizes Association Stretch pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers who enjoy mobile canal fishing and mixed bags on light tackle
- Carp and tench anglers looking to target the wider water around Devizes
Maybe not for
- Anyone wanting a lake-style venue with bankside access on both sides or unrestricted night fishing
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Kennet and Avon Canal – Devizes Association Stretch
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.
tench
Lift method float for tench
Tench feed with their heads down and tip baits up — the lift method shows that bite as the float rising and lying flat.
- Fish the margin at dawn with a straight waggler, locked by a single big shot 2–3in from the hook.
- Rake or lightly bait the swim with hemp, corn and maggot.
- Strike when the float lifts or lies flat. Bread, corn or worm on a size 12–14.
bream
Waggler and groundbait for bream
If they're within waggler range, float fishing over balls of groundbait is a great way to pick off bream.
- Ball in groundbait with casters and chopped worm at the start.
- Set the float a touch over-depth and watch for slow lifts.
- Top up when bites slow.
roach
Float maggot for roach
On a mixed lake a waggler and a pint of maggots is the easiest way to keep the float going under all day.
- Feed six to ten maggots every cast.
- Shallow up if bites come on the drop.
- Size 18 hook and light hooklength.
Kennet and Avon Canal – Devizes Association Stretch FAQs
Can I fish anywhere along the canal?
Fishing is permitted only from the towpath side of the canal.
What tactics work best?
The club recommends pole or waggler fishing with light tackle on narrower sections. Feeder and surface-controller methods can also work around Devizes.
What's the lake record on Kennet and Avon Canal – Devizes Association Stretch?
Going by what the fishery says: The canal around Devizes holds large stocks of tench and carp, including frequently caught double-figure carp. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Kennet and Avon Canal – Devizes Association Stretch?
tench, bream, roach, pike, perch, carp, rudd. The canal around Devizes holds large stocks of tench and carp, including frequently caught double-figure carp.
How big is Kennet and Avon Canal – Devizes Association Stretch and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A long, varied canal stretch with mixed coarse fishing and a proper chance of a Devizes carp..
Which baits work well on Kennet and Avon Canal – Devizes Association Stretch?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Kennet and Avon Canal – Devizes Association Stretch 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 Kennet and Avon Canal – Devizes Association Stretch 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 Kennet and Avon Canal – Devizes Association Stretch?
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 Kennet and Avon Canal – Devizes Stretch before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Kennet and Avon Canal – Devizes Association Stretch?
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 Kennet and Avon Canal – Devizes Association Stretch on a day ticket?
Yes — Kennet and Avon Canal – Devizes Association Stretch is on the day ticket. Tickets: 2026–27 adult club membership £55; 2026–27 junior club membership £20; Adult canal-only day ticket £6; Junior canal-only day ticket £3.50; Adult canal-only 14-day ticket £17; Junior canal-only 14-day ticket £10.50 (last checked 2026-10-09).
Is night fishing allowed on Kennet and Avon Canal – Devizes Association Stretch?
Yes, it's required — Night fishing is not allowed unless a member obtains a night-fishing permit from the committee.
Who does Kennet and Avon Canal – Devizes Association Stretch suit?
Good for: Anglers who enjoy mobile canal fishing and mixed bags on light tackle; Carp and tench anglers looking to target the wider water around Devizes. Less suited to: Anyone wanting a lake-style venue with bankside access on both sides or unrestricted 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
Pre-book only
Crookwood Lake: a six-acre mixed lake with islands, platformed pegs and a handy spread of coarse species.
- Size
- 6 acres acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- tench, carp, crucian, bream, roach, rudd, perch, chub, barbel, pike
Crookwood Lake is a separate privately owned lake near Urchfont, on the lane between Urchfont and Potterne Wick. It averages approximately 6–8 feet deep and has two islands running through much of its length.
There are 65 permanent platformed pegs, including three suitable for disabled anglers. Tench to 5 lb, perch to 2 lb and carp over 10 lb have been reported, with a toilet and picnic benches making it a tidy option for a full day.
Lake photographs
A look around Crookwood Lake
Kennet and Avon Canal – Devizes Stretch
Crookwood Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Crookwood Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers after a mixed coarse bag with tench, carp and crucians in the mix
- Fishing trips where platformed pegs, a toilet and picnic space are useful
Maybe not for
- Visitors expecting Crookwood to be included on a canal day or 14-day permit
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Crookwood Lake
carp
Zigs in the warmer months
In clear, deep water carp often sit up in the layers on warm days. A zig is the only way to get a bait in front of them.
- Start at half depth and move up or down a foot at a time until you get bites.
- Black or foam hookbaits work well on bright days.
- Keep it simple — no freebies needed.
carp
Chod or helicopter style over soft weed and silt
Where the bottom drops in and out of holes or there might be soft silt or weed, a pop-up that slides up the leader sits over the muck instead of disappearing into it — no need to find a perfectly clean spot.
- Single pop-up, 2–3in off the bottom.
- Fish it as a single hookbait or with a light scattering of freebies — a big bed defeats the point.
- Cast to likely holes and let the lead settle; don't drag it back.
tench
Lift method float for tench
Tench feed with their heads down and tip baits up — the lift method shows that bite as the float rising and lying flat.
- Fish the margin at dawn with a straight waggler, locked by a single big shot 2–3in from the hook.
- Rake or lightly bait the swim with hemp, corn and maggot.
- Strike when the float lifts or lies flat. Bread, corn or worm on a size 12–14.
crucian
Delicate float for crucians
Crucian bites are tiny dips and lifts, so a sensitive float shotted right down is what catches them.
- Fish a small insert waggler or pole float over-depth by an inch.
- Corn, maggot or a 4mm pellet on a size 16–18.
- Strike at any small movement — crucians rarely bury the float.
Crookwood Lake FAQs
Is Crookwood Lake covered by the canal day ticket?
No. Day and 14-day visitor permits cover the canal only; Crookwood Lake uses separate arrangements.
How many pegs does Crookwood Lake have?
It has 65 permanent platformed pegs, with three suitable for disabled anglers.
What's the lake record on Crookwood Lake?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Crookwood Lake 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 Crookwood Lake?
tench, carp, crucian, bream, roach, rudd, perch, chub, barbel, pike.
How big is Crookwood Lake and how many swims?
Around 6 acres acres. A six-acre mixed lake with islands, platformed pegs and a handy spread of coarse species..
Which baits work well on Crookwood Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Crookwood Lake 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 Crookwood Lake get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on Crookwood Lake?
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 Kennet and Avon Canal – Devizes Stretch before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Crookwood Lake?
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 Crookwood Lake on a day ticket?
You'll need to book Crookwood Lake in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on Crookwood Lake?
Yes, it's required — Night fishing is not allowed unless a member obtains a night-fishing permit from the committee.
Who does Crookwood Lake suit?
Good for: Anglers after a mixed coarse bag with tench, carp and crucians in the mix; Fishing trips where platformed pegs, a toilet and picnic space are useful. Less suited to: Visitors expecting Crookwood to be included on a canal day or 14-day permit.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Venue Rule Checker
- No
Is there a closed season?
There is no closed season on the canal or Crookwood Lake, subject to club rules, notices and seasonal pike restrictions.
- Must
Can I fish at night?
Night fishing is not allowed unless a member obtains a night-fishing permit from the committee.
- No
Can I use live bait for pike?
Live bait is prohibited for pike fishing.
- Seasonal
When is the pike season?
The stated pike season is 1 October to 31 March.
- No
Can I fish from either side of the canal?
Fishing is permitted only from the towpath side.
- Yes
Can I use two rods?
A maximum of two rods may be used, and rods must not be left unattended.
- No
Can I buy a day ticket bankside?
Day tickets must be purchased before fishing and are not issued bankside.
- No
Is magnet fishing allowed?
Magnet fishing is strictly prohibited on all Devizes Angling Association controlled waters.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 9 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.
Kennet and Avon Canal – Devizes Association Stretch
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.
tench
Lift method float for tench
Tench feed with their heads down and tip baits up — the lift method shows that bite as the float rising and lying flat.
- Fish the margin at dawn with a straight waggler, locked by a single big shot 2–3in from the hook.
- Rake or lightly bait the swim with hemp, corn and maggot.
- Strike when the float lifts or lies flat. Bread, corn or worm on a size 12–14.
bream
Waggler and groundbait for bream
If they're within waggler range, float fishing over balls of groundbait is a great way to pick off bream.
- Ball in groundbait with casters and chopped worm at the start.
- Set the float a touch over-depth and watch for slow lifts.
- Top up when bites slow.
roach
Float maggot for roach
On a mixed lake a waggler and a pint of maggots is the easiest way to keep the float going under all day.
- Feed six to ten maggots every cast.
- Shallow up if bites come on the drop.
- Size 18 hook and light hooklength.
Crookwood Lake
carp
Zigs in the warmer months
In clear, deep water carp often sit up in the layers on warm days. A zig is the only way to get a bait in front of them.
- Start at half depth and move up or down a foot at a time until you get bites.
- Black or foam hookbaits work well on bright days.
- Keep it simple — no freebies needed.
carp
Chod or helicopter style over soft weed and silt
Where the bottom drops in and out of holes or there might be soft silt or weed, a pop-up that slides up the leader sits over the muck instead of disappearing into it — no need to find a perfectly clean spot.
- Single pop-up, 2–3in off the bottom.
- Fish it as a single hookbait or with a light scattering of freebies — a big bed defeats the point.
- Cast to likely holes and let the lead settle; don't drag it back.
tench
Lift method float for tench
Tench feed with their heads down and tip baits up — the lift method shows that bite as the float rising and lying flat.
- Fish the margin at dawn with a straight waggler, locked by a single big shot 2–3in from the hook.
- Rake or lightly bait the swim with hemp, corn and maggot.
- Strike when the float lifts or lies flat. Bread, corn or worm on a size 12–14.
crucian
Delicate float for crucians
Crucian bites are tiny dips and lifts, so a sensitive float shotted right down is what catches them.
- Fish a small insert waggler or pole float over-depth by an inch.
- Corn, maggot or a 4mm pellet on a size 16–18.
- Strike at any small movement — crucians rarely bury the float.
Good background reading. Most of it is a few years old, so treat it as a starting point and ask on the day.
Videos linked by the fishery
What anglers reckon
7.7/10 from Tackle Index: A long canal stretch offers mixed coarse fishing, strong tench and carp stocks around Devizes, plus a separate mixed lake.
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 cracking 15-mile Devizes Angling Association stretch of the Kennet and Avon Canal, with proper coarse fishing from towpath pegs, plus separate access to the well-equipped Crookwood Lake near Urchfont.”
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 Kennet and Avon Canal – Devizes Stretch
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