You are here:

The new Waterway Wanderers Scheme


Most of the fishing rights on the canal network are licensed to angling clubs but some stretches may not be let for various reasons. To make these waters available the new Waterway Wanderers scheme has been designed by British Waterways for the benefit of both angling clubs and individual fishermen.

The scheme provides access to many miles of canal fishing in numerous locations throughout England and Wales at very competitive prices.

Permit details

Permits for individual anglers

The new Waterway Wanderers permit is an annual permit that runs for 12 months from the date of issue.

  • Adult permits £20
  • Concessions £10 (senior citizens and registered disabled)
  • Juniors £5 (16 or under on the date of purchase)

Individual members of the Angling Trust are also entitled to the £10 concessionary rate upon receipt of a photocopy of their membership card.

Season permits for angling clubs

Any bona fida angling club registering in advance with the Waterway Wanderers Administrator may join the Waterway Wanderers club scheme.

Registration is free of charge but all clubs registering must hold third party public liability insurance. Registered clubs with 10 or more joining members could purchase season permits at the concessionary rate of £10. All club permits would be bought in blocks of 5 with a minimum purchase of 10. This also entitles the registered club to a certain number of free matches (a £10 booking fee is required but no peg fees) on any fishery within the Waterway Wanderers Scheme as set out in the table below.

No. of members No. of matches Max. size
10 2 10 pegs
15 3 15 pegs
20 4 20 pegs
25 5 25 pegs
30 6 30 pegs
35 and upwards 10 100 pegs

Columns relate to: number of participating members, number of matches with no peg fee (only the booking fee is required) and maximum size of free match.

Registered clubs wishing to book additional matches in addition to the free allocation may do so at a rate of £3 per peg plus the booking fee. Note that not all club members will be required to purchase a Waterway Wanderers permit.

Availability of day permits
Day permits are available from patrolling Waterway Wanderers bailiffs on the bank at a cost of £5. No concessionary rates are available on day permits from patrolling Waterway Wanderers bailiffs.

Match fishing arrangements
The arrangements for registered clubs are outlined above. For non registered clubs wanting to book a match the match peg fee will be £5 per peg plus a £10 booking fee with a minimum match size of 10 pegs.

Enquiries and obtaining permits
For all permits, match bookings and club registration enquiries contact:

Mr John Harding
34 Nantwich Road
Tarporley
CW6 9UW
email: j.harding048@btinternet.com
telephone: 01829 732 748

Waterway Wanderers fishing rules

  • Permit holders may use a maximum of two rods.
  • No native fish species to be removed from the fishery under any circumstances.
  • Zander and non native crayfish must not be returned to the water once caught.
  • No fishing in the close season on waters where the close season currently applies.
  • Keepnets may be used but anglers must adhere to the Angling Trust keepnet code.
  • Permits must be carried at all times and must be made available to authorised bailiffs and British Waterways staff on demand.
  • Anglers are strongly advised to hold insurance covering their third party risk arising out of their angling activities. (included as part of individual Angling Trust membership)
  • All permit holders are required to hold an Environment Agency rod licence
  • No fishing in the vicinity of overhead powerlines as signed by British Waterways.
  • Fishing must not take place within 25 metres of a lock approach, swing bridge or water point.
  • No fishing between boats on permanent towing path moorings or at visitor moorings where so signed.
  • Where visitor moorings are not signed as to whether fishing is permitted, its is assumed that during the boating season those wishing to moor have priority, at other times access will be on a first come first served basis.
  • Anglers are requested to follow the spirit of the Waterways Code and act responsibly at all times.

Useful contacts

To become an Angling Trust member and obtain a discounted season permit
telephone: 08447 700 616
To obtain a rod licence:
telephone: 08448 005 386

Find a list of waters covered by the Waterway Wanderers permit below.

Last updated: 14/01/2011

In this section ...

  1. Waters available on the Waterway Wanderers permit »

    The following waters are covered by the Waterway Wanderers scheme 2011. More »