Macclesfield Canal – Macclesfield Stretch

The Macclesfield Canal from Bridge 37 to Bridge 61 gives you a proper rural canal stretch near Macclesfield, running south towards the Congleton area. This is towpath fishing rather than a neat little lake venue, with access varying between sections and depending on conditions. There’s plenty of water to explore, so it’s worth having a wander before committing to a swim if the path and banks allow it.

• 1 lake: Macclesfield Canal – Bridges 37 to 61
• Fish: carp, tench, bream, roach, pike, perch, rudd, chub
• Tickets from: Day ticket, anglers over 16 — £6
• Find it: Macclesfield · SK11 7TT

Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.

The Macclesfield Canal from Bridge 37 to Bridge 61 gives you a proper rural canal stretch near Macclesfield, running south towards the Congleton area. This is towpath fishing rather than a neat little lake venue, with access varying between sections and depending on conditions. There’s plenty of water to explore, so it’s worth having a wander before committing to a swim if the path and banks allow it.

Roach are the main attraction, with shoals found throughout the length. Rudd, gudgeon, perch and skimmer bream are also present, while tench turn up occasionally in some areas. Chub and pike add a bit of extra variety too. For a relaxed session, a float rod and a few different hook sizes would give you options as the canal tells you what it’s doing.

Carp are present and fish to double figures may be caught occasionally. That doesn’t mean every peg is hiding a lump, mind — this is primarily a mixed canal fishery, with the silvers likely to provide the bread-and-butter sport. Keep an eye on the margins, any cover and changes in depth, but don’t overcomplicate things on a new stretch. A steady, tidy approach and a bit of patience can be bob on.

The fishing rights are controlled by the Prince Albert Angling Society. Parking is limited, so take care around bridges and nearby lanes, and avoid blocking access. Towpath access varies by section and conditions, so sensible footwear and a light, mobile setup are worth packing. There are no reported toilets on the towpath, and the official information doesn’t list showers, cafés, tackle facilities or other on-site amenities.

Day tickets are £6 for anglers over 16 and £4 for under-16s. They’re available from Pet Food Supplies, 70 Moss Lane, Macclesfield, SK11 7TT, and Smiths Bait & Tackle, Brook Street, Congleton, CW12 1RH. Booking isn’t indicated as required for day tickets, but you’ll need a rod licence as well as the fishery ticket. Before setting off, it’s worth checking the current arrangements with the Society and asking about the best access for the section you fancy.

There’s also an annual adult Prince Albert Angling Society membership at £130, plus a £100 joining fee for new adult members. Junior annual membership is £15 on the PAAS day-and-season-ticket page. A separate season permit covers Bridges 37 to 61, with an application required for non-members. Remember the local rules too: hooks must be barbless or de-barbed, and pike fishing is restricted to lures from 15 March through 30 September inclusive. Pike fishing may be suspended during prolonged high temperatures, so check before planning a predator session.

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

• Our read

  Checked Sept '26 — “A proper rural canal stretch running from Bridge 37 to Bridge 61, with roach shoals, mixed coarse fish and the chance of a cheeky double-figure carp. Day tickets are £6 for over-16s and £4 for under-16s.”

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.