Canal Fishing

[Steve_MK]

Just moved to Milton Keynes, I have been told the GUC to the north is good winter fishing, anyone got any tips for fishing canals in winter, I have never fished canals before

Steve_MK
A born again fisherman

[Fishing Forum Admin]

Welcome to the fishing forum

Im not a canal man myself but depending on your canal i.e small unused canals are different than working canals like the sharpness canal

Some poeple say canals are feature less but all waters have features ( i.e where the water cuts into the banks ect )

All I do my end is fish very light 1lb max hook lenght and say size 20 > hooks as canals are normally over fished because they are comfortable to fish

Looking forward to learning from any other ideas

[Steve_MK]

The Grand Union Canal is large but obviously a pleasure water this far south anyway, not many boats this time of year.

There are plenty of features on the canal and about 20 bridges on the local club waters.

Local club say it holds Carp to 30+ ,cats 30+ tench ay 9+ plus a host of roach, rudd etc. loads of matches but with 6.5 miles of club fishery it is somewhat under used.

[Greenheart]

Always found pole fishing best this time of the year for canals. Light hooklengths & small hooks - Size 20-24. Loosefeed a few squat & fish pinkies on the hook.(these are very small maggots available from most tackle shops) Very small amounts of loosefed chopped worms & a small redworm on the hook also work, especially if there are perch about. Generally this time of year I find fishing the deeper water in the middle of the canal best. (On the kennet & avon anyway) & contrary to popular belief a miniscule amount of groundbait can work on warm winter days. Just a small pinch every few casts. Generally you would use this technique for small fish, however be prepared to step up to heavier tackle if larger fish show.