Angling at Basingstoke Canal

Fishing on the canal is on a catch and release basis only.

All anglers on the canal are required to have an Environment Agency rod licence and a fishing permit issued by the Basingstoke Canal Authority. It is an offence to fish without both of these.

Fishing is allowed from the towpath side only and by rod and line (two rods maximum.)

No fishing from any floating craft, public wharf or within 20 metres of any lock, bridge or aqueduct. Take all fishing tackle and litter home.

The Canal is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and “close season” applies 15 March to 15 June where no fishing is permitted to allow fish spawning.

Angling in 2024-25

The fishery has been managed for many years by the Basingstoke Canal Angling Association (BCAA) as a licensee. The BCAA have announced their intention to cease as an association and not to renew their licence for the 2024-25 season.

The Basingstoke Canal Authority (BCA) will be seeking expressions of interest from clubs or associations that may wish to take on the angling licence in the future. However, a replacement licensee will not be in place ready for the start of the 2024 -2025 season on 16 June.

For the 2024-25 season the BCA will take on sole responsibility for the issuing of angling annual permits and day ticket sales on behalf of the Canal’s owners.

• All permits and day tickets will need to be purchased online via the BCA’s web shop, your permit or day ticket will be a unique to you in a digital format.
• Your acceptance of rules and terms of use and Canal Bylaws will be required during the purchase of your annual permit or day ticket.
• The BCA has published its own angling rules, these are closely aligned to those of the BCAA and Farnham Angling Association.
• The BCA staff (or volunteers) will undertake periodic permit checks on the bank.
• Match organisers will need to register any matches as an event and participants will need to hold an annual permit or valid day ticket.

Buy an angling permit

Canal angling rules

Prices

• Annual permit: £29, concessions £19
• Day ticket: £5, concessions £3

Concessions are: junior (under 16), disabled, or pensioner.

Expressions of interest

The BCA is considering re-letting a fishing licence for the whole canal from June 2025 onward – any clubs or associations who may be interested in a licence of the fishing rights should contact the Canal Office for more information.