Shropshire Union Canal – Chester Stretch

The Shropshire Union Canal’s Chester stretch runs between Bridge 113 and Bridge 120, taking in the Chester, Christleton and Huxley area. The nearby postcode supplied for the Chester and Huxley lengths is CH3 9BD. It’s a proper linear canal venue rather than a boxed-off commercial lake, so expect a session shaped by the towpath, bridges and whatever access point suits on the day.

• 1 lake: Shropshire Union Canal — Bridge 113 to Bridge 120
• Fish: carp, bream, roach, pike, chub
• Find it: Chester · CH3 9BD

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

The Shropshire Union Canal’s Chester stretch runs between Bridge 113 and Bridge 120, taking in the Chester, Christleton and Huxley area. The nearby postcode supplied for the Chester and Huxley lengths is CH3 9BD. It’s a proper linear canal venue rather than a boxed-off commercial lake, so expect a session shaped by the towpath, bridges and whatever access point suits on the day.

There are towpath access points along the wider Chester-area canal lengths, but parking and access arrangements can vary from bridge to bridge. That’s worth checking before loading the barrow or chucking the gear in the motor. A quick look at the exact access point, plus a word with the relevant club if needed, can save a fair bit of faff.

The fish list is nicely mixed. Roach, bream, carp, chub and pike are all included, along with other coarse fish. That gives you plenty of ways to tackle the stretch, from a light float session for bites to a feeder approach, or something aimed at carp and other bigger canal fish. Keep the kit adaptable and let the swim tell you what’s what.

On a new canal, it pays to have a proper look before settling in. Check the margins, look for cover and watch for any signs of fish activity. A compact float setup, feeder gear and sensible terminal tackle give you options without lugging half the tackle shop down the towpath. If you’re planning to target pike, bring the appropriate kit and make sure fish welfare gear is ready before you start.

Fishing rights on the Chester stretch are connected with Port Sunlight Angling Club. The Dee Anglers information says affiliated anglers may fish relevant Shropshire Union Canal waters, so get the permit and local-club position completely clear before setting off. The published 2022 senior membership fee was £25, with juniors able to fish free when accompanied by a senior member. The membership year runs from 1 January to 31 December, and tickets for the coming year were stated to be available from 1 December.

There’s no published current day-ticket price or online booking system for this stretch. A valid Environment Agency fishing licence is mandatory, and you need to carry your current membership card. No night fishing is permitted on Association waters, while a maximum of two rods can be used and only one swim occupied. Bring a landing net and disgorger, handle fish carefully and return them quickly. Keep gates shut, dogs under control and the bank tidy. Do that, and you’ve got the makings of a cracking, low-faff canal session.

We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

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 club and affiliated-anglers stretch of the Shropshire Union Canal between Bridges 113 and 120, covering the Chester, Christleton and Huxley area. It’s a proper linear canal venue with roach, bream, carp, chub and pike in the mix.”

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.