Fishery guide · Derbyshire
Cromford Canal
Codnor Park Reservoir is a members-only mixed coarse fishery on the Cromford Canal route, near Ironville and roughly 5 miles east of Ambergate. Expect roach, perch, bream, tench, carp and pike, with dawn-to-dusk fishing and no night sessions.
“6.3/10 — A useful mixed species list covers roach, perch, bream, tench, carp and pike.”
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The lowdown
Codnor Park Reservoir is the fishing venue linked with the Cromford Canal system, rather than a standalone fishery called Cromford Canal Fishery. It sits near Ironville, around the Cromford Canal route between Ironville and the Butterley Tunnel area. The postcode commonly used is NG16 5NN.
- 1 lake: Codnor Park Reservoir
- Fish: carp, tench, bream, roach, pike, perch
- Find it: Ambergate · NG16 5NN
Plan your session
Fishery map of Cromford Canal
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Fishery
Cromford Canal
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Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Cromford Canal
Codnor Park Reservoir is the fishing venue linked with the Cromford Canal system, rather than a standalone fishery called Cromford Canal Fishery. It sits near Ironville, around the Cromford Canal route between Ironville and the Butterley Tunnel area. The postcode commonly used is NG16 5NN.
The reservoir is a feeder for the canal and the Canal & River Trust states that Codnor Park Fisheries leases the fishing rights. So, if you’re heading over from Ambergate, allow for the fact it’s roughly 5 miles east rather than being right in Ambergate itself. Handy one to pin properly before setting off.
This is a mixed coarse water, with reported roach, perch, bream, tench, carp and pike. Canal & River Trust match reports also mention bream, skimmers, roach, tench and perch. That gives it a decent all-round feel, whether you fancy working a float for silverfish or settling in for a more patient session.
There’s no verified lake size published, so it’s best not to turn up expecting precise acreage or a known swim map. Access depends on the section, with towpath routes, bridges and nearby lanes involved. Parking is available near the reservoir, including access from the Coach Road area, but that wants checking locally before you chuck the gear in the motor.
The available fishing information describes the venue as members-only. You’ll need a valid permit from the controlling club or fishery, plus an Environment Agency rod licence. Fishing is stated as dawn to dusk, while night fishing is prohibited. No online booking system was found, although match bookings may apply.
Facilities are fairly basic around the fishing access. No toilets were identified on the fishing towpath, and access is described as partial rather than fully accessible. The wider area does offer walking and nature access, with the canal and reservoir surroundings supporting wildlife including water voles, coots, little grebes and dragonflies.
The wider Cromford Canal is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and was completed in 1794, later operating as a working waterway until 1944. A cracking bit of canal history surrounds the fishing, but check permits, parking, match activity and current access directly before travelling. Online details are incomplete, so a quick confirmation can save a proper faff.
We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.
Straight from anglers online
Short, unedited extracts from public reviews, credited to the person who posted them. Not checked by us and not a Tackle Index view.
We haven’t found any public angler reviews of this venue yet. Fished it? Add yours below.
Cromford Canal FAQs
Is this actually at Ambergate?
Not directly. Codnor Park Reservoir is roughly 5 miles east of Ambergate, near Ironville and the Cromford Canal route.
Do I need to book a fishing session online?
No online booking system was found. The available listing describes the water as members-only, so confirm permit arrangements directly before travelling.
Is parking available?
Parking is available near the reservoir, including access from the Coach Road area, but it should be confirmed locally.
Are there toilets by the fishing towpath?
No toilets on the fishing towpath were identified.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Cromford Canal. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Ambergate.
Do I need to bring food?
We haven't seen any food on site, so bring your own grub and drinks. A flask and a stove (where allowed) make a long day much better.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
Yes — parking available near the reservoir, including access from the coach road area; confirm locally. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
NG16 5NN.
How much is a ticket?
We haven't got current prices. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Cromford Canal isn't day-ticket water — Codnor Park Reservoir is members or syndicate only.
What fish are in there?
Across the lakes you'll find carp, tench, bream, roach, pike, perch. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
1 — Codnor Park Reservoir (Not published).
Is night fishing allowed?
No — Night fishing is stated to be prohibited.
Can I bring my dog?
Not covered in the rules we've checked. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Are bait boats allowed?
We haven't seen a bait-boat rule listed. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Do I need barbless hooks?
Most UK fisheries prefer barbless or micro-barbed hooks — ask on arrival if unsure.
Do I need my own unhooking mat or cradle?
It depends — Match bookings may apply and should be confirmed with the fishery or controlling club.
Is it suitable for disabled anglers?
We haven't seen disabled access listed. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Do I need a rod licence?
Yes — anyone 13 or over fishing in England and Wales needs an Environment Agency rod licence (or Natural Resources Wales in Wales), on top of your fishery ticket.
When's the best time of year to fish here?
Late spring through autumn is prime for most species. Check our live weather edge for this venue before you go — it updates daily.
Anglers' photos
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Syndicate · invite only
Codnor Park Reservoir: a members-only mixed coarse reservoir feeding the cromford canal.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, tench, bream, roach, pike, perch
Codnor Park Reservoir is the named fishing water associated with Codnor Park Fisheries and the Cromford Canal route. It lies near Ironville, on the Nottinghamshire/Derbyshire border area, between Ironville and the Butterley Tunnel area.
The water is reported to hold roach, perch, bream, tench, carp and pike, with match reports also mentioning skimmers. Fishing is dawn to dusk, and night fishing is not allowed.
Lake photographs
A look around Codnor Park Reservoir
Cromford Canal
Codnor Park Reservoir
We’re checking the fishery’s Codnor Park Reservoir pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Mixed coarse anglers who fancy changing tactics between silverfish, bream and tench
- Anglers happy with a members-only permit water and straightforward daylight sessions
Maybe not for
- Anyone after night fishing, fully accessible towpath access or a venue with published acreage and online prices
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Codnor Park Reservoir
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
tench
Method or maggot feeder for tench
Tench love margins and weedy patches. A feeder puts a small, tight patch of bait right by the hookbait.
- Fish 10–20 yards out, or tight to the cover where it's safe to land fish.
- Recast every 10–15 minutes early on to build the swim.
- Short hooklink with a dead red maggot, corn or a 8mm wafter.
bream
Waggler and groundbait for bream
If they're within waggler range, float fishing over balls of groundbait is a great way to pick off bream.
- Ball in groundbait with casters and chopped worm at the start.
- Set the float a touch over-depth and watch for slow lifts.
- Top up when bites slow.
roach
Float maggot for roach
On a mixed lake a waggler and a pint of maggots is the easiest way to keep the float going under all day.
- Feed six to ten maggots every cast.
- Shallow up if bites come on the drop.
- Size 18 hook and light hooklength.
Codnor Park Reservoir FAQs
What fish are in Codnor Park Reservoir?
Reported species include roach, perch, bream, tench, carp and pike. Match reports also mention skimmers.
Can I fish Codnor Park Reservoir at night?
No. The available fishing information states that night fishing is prohibited.
What's the lake record on Codnor Park Reservoir?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Codnor Park Reservoir that we've found. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
How big is Codnor Park Reservoir and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A members-only mixed coarse reservoir feeding the Cromford Canal..
Which baits work well on Codnor Park Reservoir?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Codnor Park Reservoir further up this page — it's built from the lake's features and the venue rules. As a rule, match your approach to the stock: a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Codnor Park Reservoir get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on Codnor Park Reservoir?
A mild south-westerly with falling pressure is the classic carp trigger, and overcast days usually beat bright, still ones. Check our live weather edge for Cromford Canal before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Codnor Park Reservoir?
Honestly, we don't rank pegs — the fish move with wind, pressure and pressure from other anglers. Have a walk and watch the water before you set up; the tips section above has what we've found so far.
Is night fishing allowed on Codnor Park Reservoir?
No — Night fishing is stated to be prohibited.
Who does Codnor Park Reservoir suit?
Good for: Mixed coarse anglers who fancy changing tactics between silverfish, bream and tench; Anglers happy with a members-only permit water and straightforward daylight sessions. Less suited to: Anyone after night fishing, fully accessible towpath access or a venue with published acreage and online prices.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Venue Rule Checker
- Must
Is a club or fishery permit required?
A valid fishing permit from the controlling club or fishery is required.
- Must
Is an Environment Agency rod licence required?
An Environment Agency rod licence is additionally required.
- No
Is night fishing allowed?
Night fishing is stated to be prohibited.
- Yes
Is fishing dawn to dusk?
The available fishing information states dawn-to-dusk fishing.
- No
Are barbecues allowed at the canal sites?
Barbecues are not permitted at Derbyshire County Council-managed Cromford Canal sites.
- Only if
Could match bookings affect access?
Match bookings may apply and should be confirmed with the fishery or controlling club.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 8 October 2026. Rules change — always check with the fishery before you go.
Rules and prices change through the season. Follow and we'll flag changes the fishery or other anglers report.
Tips & guides worth reading
How we'd fish each lake
Our own suggestions, worked out from each lake's features, its main fish and the venue rules. They're tried-and-tested methods, not reports from this venue, so watch the water and ask in the tackle shop on the day.
Codnor Park Reservoir
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
tench
Method or maggot feeder for tench
Tench love margins and weedy patches. A feeder puts a small, tight patch of bait right by the hookbait.
- Fish 10–20 yards out, or tight to the cover where it's safe to land fish.
- Recast every 10–15 minutes early on to build the swim.
- Short hooklink with a dead red maggot, corn or a 8mm wafter.
bream
Waggler and groundbait for bream
If they're within waggler range, float fishing over balls of groundbait is a great way to pick off bream.
- Ball in groundbait with casters and chopped worm at the start.
- Set the float a touch over-depth and watch for slow lifts.
- Top up when bites slow.
roach
Float maggot for roach
On a mixed lake a waggler and a pint of maggots is the easiest way to keep the float going under all day.
- Feed six to ten maggots every cast.
- Shallow up if bites come on the drop.
- Size 18 hook and light hooklength.
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
What anglers reckon
6.3/10 from Tackle Index: A useful mixed species list covers roach, perch, bream, tench, carp and pike.
Straight from anglers online
Short, unedited extracts from public reviews, credited to the person who posted them. Not checked by us and not a Tackle Index view.
We haven’t found any public angler reviews of this venue yet. Fished it? Add yours below.
Our take on the feedback
Our read
Checked Sept '26 — “Codnor Park Reservoir is a members-only mixed coarse fishery on the Cromford Canal route, near Ironville and roughly 5 miles east of Ambergate. Expect roach, perch, bream, tench, carp and pike, with dawn-to-dusk fishing and no night sessions.”
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.
Angler score
What our readers rate Cromford Canal
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