Aire and Calder Canal

Brief description of fishery:

The section controlled by the BACJCC amalgamation runs from Great Heck ( 6 miles East of Pontefract, W. Yorks) to Goole in East Yorkshire. There is a total length of approx. 11 miles of canal available to fish at various access points.

The association would like to remind anglers there is a strict “No Night Fishing Rule” in place . Please check the club rules – Fishing times

Please note that there is now a locked gate at Beevers Bridge which has been put in place by the Canal and Rivers trust to prevent fly tipping. Keys are available from the CRT’s online Shop at a cost of £7.00

CRT online shop at CRT shop 

There is NO close season on the Aire & Calder canal, fishing is allowed all year round.

Fishing is dawn to dusk only

Fishery Rules

1. Members of affiliated clubs must carry their permit/membership book with them at all times when visiting the canal and be prepared to produce this to any bailiff on production of his/her warrant or any other member on production of his/her permit or any representative of British Waterways. Any angler who is unable to provide evidence of their authority to fish in the canal may be required either to purchase a day ticket or to cease fishing immediately and leave the property.
2. Anglers must not occupy pegs that have been booked for a match (where possible notices will be posted, but see also the website for current match booking information).
3. Anglers must respect the legitimate right of others to use the canal and its adjacent footpaths, even if this might sometimes cause the angler some inconvenience. Behave responsibly and respect other canal users. Do not unnecessarily block the towpath (e.g. by leaving poles across the path).
4. Cars must not be driven along the canal bank behind the pegs (even just to ‘drop off’ tackle) other than at Beavers Bridge where there is a recognized roadway.
5. No Night Fishing.
6. No fish to be killed – this includes pike and all must be returned. Removing or deliberately killing fish is a criminal offence under the Theft Act. The Joint Angling Committee reports all such offences to the police and if necessary, will instigate a private prosecution to guarantee such cases are brought before the court.
7. No fish to be transferred to or from other waters. It is an offence under the Salmon & Freshwater Fisheries Act to introduce fish without the necessary permission.
8. No litter of any description, including discarded tackle, is to be left. Any angler caught deliberately leaving litter will face an immediate life-time ban.
9. Fishing is permitted by rod (or pole) and line only. No angler may fish more than two rods at any one time.
10. Tackle must not be left in the water unattended.
11. All anglers must be in possession of a landing net Anyone found not adhering to this rule will be made to leave the fishery.
12. No fires to be lit anywhere on the canal bank or surrounding land, nor is any digging of the canal bank allowed.
13. Follow the Country Code. Keep gates closed. Cars must not be parked in a manner which causes problems to other vehicles.
14. Do not damage trees or bushes and do not interfere with the wildlife.
15. Children under 14 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
16. The following applies to anglers who are fishing specifically for pike:

• Wire traces must always be used and must not be less than 15 inches in length.
• Semi barbed treble hooks, no larger than size 8 may be used and must not be made of stainless steel.
• Traces and main line must not be less than 12lb breaking strain.
• No gaffs or pike gags to be used.

Please note that there is now a locked gate at Beevers Bridge which has been put in place by the Canal and Rivers trust to prevent fly tipping. Keys are available from the CRT’s online Shop at a cost of £7.28.