Fishery guide · Derbyshire
Erewash Canal – Ilkeston Stretch
A proper 4.2-mile canal run from Sandiacre Bridge to Station Road Bridge, with roach, bream, chub and perch throughout. Day tickets are available, and Sandy Bottoms is the cheeky skimmer area below Pasture Lock.
“6.4/10 — A long canal stretch with roach, bream, chub and perch throughout, plus skimmers around Sandy Bottoms.”
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The lowdown
The Erewash Canal – Ilkeston Stretch gives you a decent old-school canal wander, running roughly 4.2 miles from Sandiacre Bridge through to Station Road Bridge in Ilkeston. It’s controlled by Nottingham Anglers Association, with day tickets available and membership covering association waters, subject to the club rules.
- 2 lakes: Erewash Canal – Ilkeston Stretch, Sandy Bottoms
- Fish: roach, bream, chub, perch
- Tickets from: Day ticket — Not published
- Find it: Ilkeston · DE7 5LJ
Plan your session
Fishery map of Erewash Canal – Ilkeston Stretch
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Water updates from anglers
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Photos courtesy of Photo: Erewash Canal – Ilkeston Stretch (official website). Catch dates not confirmed.
Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Erewash Canal – Ilkeston Stretch
The Erewash Canal – Ilkeston Stretch gives you a decent old-school canal wander, running roughly 4.2 miles from Sandiacre Bridge through to Station Road Bridge in Ilkeston. It’s controlled by Nottingham Anglers Association, with day tickets available and membership covering association waters, subject to the club rules.
There’s a good spread of access points, too. Sandiacre Bridge and Mill Lane are the main ones, while Stanton Gate Bridge, Stanton Hotwaters, Greens, Gallows Bridge and Station Road give you more options when you fancy a different swim or want to dodge a busy peg.
Roach, bream, chub and perch are present throughout the stretch, so there’s enough variety for a proper canal session. The area below Pasture Lock, known locally as Sandy Bottoms, is noted for skimmers. That’s the place to have in mind if breamy canal action is your bag.
The surroundings change along the length. Near Sandiacre, the canal passes through urban areas, while the upper sections open out into more countryside. That gives the stretch a bit of variety, from urban towpath fishing to quieter-looking water where a steady, mobile approach should suit.
Tactically, it’s the usual canal game: keep an eye on the margins, look for cover and depth changes, and don’t be afraid to move if a swim looks flat. Roach and perch make a nice light-tackle target, while bream and skimmers could reward a patient feeder or float approach. Chub are another reason to fish carefully and keep things tidy.
The canal is open all year and there’s no closed season on this stretch. Night fishing isn’t allowed, though, and the official page doesn’t give fixed daily opening or closing hours. Parking and access vary by location, so checking the chosen access point before setting off is bob on.
There are no published lake or peg-capacity figures, and no dedicated toilets, café or tackle shop are listed for the fishery. A UK rod licence is also required. Day-ticket pricing isn’t published, while 2025/2026 association membership starts at £18 for juniors, £55 for disabled or over-65 anglers, or £65 for full membership, including the stated joining fees.
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.
Erewash Canal – Ilkeston Stretch FAQs
What species can I catch?
Roach, bream, chub and perch are present throughout the stretch. Sandy Bottoms is noted for skimmers.
Can I fish at night?
No. Night fishing is not allowed on this stretch.
Is there a closed season?
No. The stretch is open all year and has no closed season.
Where are tickets sold?
Membership and guest tickets are sold through listed Nottingham Anglers Association outlets, including Nathans of Nottingham, Going Fishing Bulwell, Stapleford Angling and Matchman Supplies, plus Mill Tackle Heanor, Hooked on Fishing Mansfield and Phil's Bait & Tackle Sutton-in-Ashfield.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
There's no dedicated toilets, café or tackle shop listed on site, so you can grab bits on the day. For anything bigger, stock up before you leave home — or order online in advance.
Do I need to bring food?
There's no dedicated toilets, café or tackle shop listed listed, but opening times vary, so pack snacks and plenty of water just in case — especially on a long session.
Are there toilets on site?
Yes — the fishery lists no dedicated toilets, café or tackle shop listed.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
Yes — parking varies by location. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
DE7 5LJ. Heads up: we couldn't confirm this fishery's own postcode, so DE7 5LJ is the nearest one to the fishery's map position. It should get you close, but it might be a little off — check the fishery's directions before you set off.
How much is a ticket?
Day ticket: Not published; 2025/2026 full membership, including £20 joining fee: £65; 2025/2026 disabled or over-65 membership, including £20 joining fee: £55; 2025/2026 junior membership, including £5 joining fee: £18; Nottingham Anglers Association key: £15. Prices last checked 2026-10-09 — they can change, so check before you go.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Day tickets are available on Erewash Canal – Ilkeston Stretch, Sandy Bottoms. Busy weekends can fill up, so ring ahead if you've got your heart set on a swim.
What fish are in there?
Across the lakes you'll find roach, bream, chub, perch. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
2 — Erewash Canal – Ilkeston Stretch (Not published), Sandy Bottoms (Not published).
Is night fishing allowed?
No — Night fishing is not allowed on this stretch.
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?
Bring one either way — most fisheries expect it and the fish deserve it.
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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Day ticket · turn up
Erewash Canal – Ilkeston Stretch: a 4.2-mile canal stretch with mixed urban and open-country character.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- roach, bream, chub, perch
This is the main Nottingham Anglers Association-controlled stretch, running from Sandiacre Bridge to Station Road Bridge, Ilkeston. Access is spread across several bridges and points, so there’s plenty of scope to pick a swim.
Roach, bream, chub and perch are present throughout. The urban surroundings near Sandiacre give way to more open countryside in the upper sections.
Lake photographs
A look around Erewash Canal – Ilkeston Stretch
Erewash Canal – Ilkeston Stretch
Erewash Canal – Ilkeston Stretch
We’re checking the fishery’s Erewash Canal – Ilkeston Stretch pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Mobile canal anglers who like exploring different pegs and access points.
- Float or feeder anglers targeting a mix of roach, bream, chub and perch.
Maybe not for
- Anglers wanting night fishing, fixed opening hours or dedicated on-site facilities.
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Erewash Canal – Ilkeston Stretch
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.
bream
Groundbait feeder at range for bream
Bream shoal up and graze over open, silty areas. A steady stream of groundbait in one spot keeps a shoal in front of you.
- Clip up and hit the same spot every cast.
- Start with 8–10 feeders quickly, then recast every 5 minutes.
- Worm, maggot or corn on a size 14–16.
chub
Bread or worm tight to cover for chub
Chub sit under overhanging trees and snags and are cautious, so a quiet approach and a natural bait near cover catches them.
- Bread flake or lobworm on a size 8 hook with a link leger.
- Keep low and quiet on the bank.
- In summer, try a free-lined slug or floating crust.
perch
Worm or small lure for the perch
Perch hang round cover, boats and drop-offs. A lobworm on a light float, or a small lure worked along the features, will find them.
- Fish lobworm under a float tight to cover.
- On lures, try a small drop shot or soft shad near features.
- Feed chopped worm to keep them in the swim.
Erewash Canal – Ilkeston Stretch FAQs
How long is the fishable stretch?
Approximately 4.2 miles, from Sandiacre Bridge to Station Road Bridge, Ilkeston.
Where can I access the canal?
Main access includes Sandiacre Bridge and Mill Lane, Sandiacre, with further access at Stanton Gate Bridge, Stanton Hotwaters, Greens, Gallows Bridge and Station Road, Ilkeston.
What's the lake record on Erewash Canal – Ilkeston Stretch?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Erewash Canal – Ilkeston Stretch that we've found. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
What fish are in Erewash Canal – Ilkeston Stretch?
roach, bream, chub, perch.
How big is Erewash Canal – Ilkeston Stretch and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A 4.2-mile canal stretch with mixed urban and open-country character..
Which baits work well on Erewash Canal – Ilkeston Stretch?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Erewash Canal – Ilkeston Stretch 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 Erewash Canal – Ilkeston Stretch get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. It's a day-ticket lake, so popular swims go early — arrive at first light or midweek if you can.
What weather suits bigger catches on Erewash Canal – Ilkeston Stretch?
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 Erewash Canal – Ilkeston Stretch before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Erewash Canal – Ilkeston Stretch?
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.
Can I fish Erewash Canal – Ilkeston Stretch on a day ticket?
Yes — Erewash Canal – Ilkeston Stretch is on the day ticket. Tickets: Day ticket Not published; 2025/2026 full membership, including £20 joining fee £65; 2025/2026 disabled or over-65 membership, including £20 joining fee £55; 2025/2026 junior membership, including £5 joining fee £18; Nottingham Anglers Association key £15 (last checked 2026-10-09).
Is night fishing allowed on Erewash Canal – Ilkeston Stretch?
No — Night fishing is not allowed on this stretch.
Who does Erewash Canal – Ilkeston Stretch suit?
Good for: Mobile canal anglers who like exploring different pegs and access points.; Float or feeder anglers targeting a mix of roach, bream, chub and perch.. Less suited to: Anglers wanting night fishing, fixed opening hours or dedicated on-site facilities..
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
Day ticket · turn up
Sandy Bottoms: the local name for the canal below pasture lock, noted for skimmers.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- bream
Sandy Bottoms is the area below Pasture Lock on the Ilkeston stretch. It’s locally known for skimmers, making it the obvious section to consider when bream fishing is on the agenda.
As part of the wider canal stretch, access and parking still vary by location. Day tickets are available, but no daily price is published.
Lake photographs
A look around Sandy Bottoms
Erewash Canal – Ilkeston Stretch
Sandy Bottoms
We’re checking the fishery’s Sandy Bottoms pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers looking to target skimmers and smaller bream.
- Float or feeder anglers happy to fish a named canal section rather than a formal lake.
Maybe not for
- Anglers after carp-style lake fishing or a venue with published peg numbers and facilities.
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Sandy Bottoms
bream
Groundbait feeder at range for bream
Bream shoal up and graze over open, silty areas. A steady stream of groundbait in one spot keeps a shoal in front of you.
- Clip up and hit the same spot every cast.
- Start with 8–10 feeders quickly, then recast every 5 minutes.
- Worm, maggot or corn on a size 14–16.
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.
Sandy Bottoms FAQs
What is Sandy Bottoms known for?
It is noted for skimmers.
Where is Sandy Bottoms?
It is the area below Pasture Lock on the Erewash Canal – Ilkeston Stretch.
What's the lake record on Sandy Bottoms?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Sandy Bottoms that we've found. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
What fish are in Sandy Bottoms?
bream.
How big is Sandy Bottoms and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. The local name for the canal below Pasture Lock, noted for skimmers..
Which baits work well on Sandy Bottoms?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Sandy Bottoms 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 Sandy Bottoms get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. It's a day-ticket lake, so popular swims go early — arrive at first light or midweek if you can.
What weather suits bigger catches on Sandy Bottoms?
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 Erewash Canal – Ilkeston Stretch before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Sandy Bottoms?
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.
Can I fish Sandy Bottoms on a day ticket?
Yes — Sandy Bottoms is on the day ticket. Tickets: Day ticket Not published; 2025/2026 full membership, including £20 joining fee £65; 2025/2026 disabled or over-65 membership, including £20 joining fee £55; 2025/2026 junior membership, including £5 joining fee £18; Nottingham Anglers Association key £15 (last checked 2026-10-09).
Is night fishing allowed on Sandy Bottoms?
No — Night fishing is not allowed on this stretch.
Who does Sandy Bottoms suit?
Good for: Anglers looking to target skimmers and smaller bream.; Float or feeder anglers happy to fish a named canal section rather than a formal lake.. Less suited to: Anglers after carp-style lake fishing or a venue with published peg numbers and facilities..
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
- No
Is night fishing allowed?
Night fishing is not allowed on this stretch.
- No
Is there a closed season?
There is no closed season on this stretch.
- Yes
Is the fishery open all year?
The fishery is open all year.
- Yes
Is a day ticket available?
Day tickets are available, but the official page does not publish the price or booking process.
- Yes
Is a club membership or guest ticket available?
Membership and guest tickets are sold through listed Nottingham Anglers Association outlets, subject to club rules.
- Must
Do I need a rod licence?
A rod licence is additionally required under UK fishing regulations.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 9 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.
Erewash Canal – Ilkeston Stretch
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.
bream
Groundbait feeder at range for bream
Bream shoal up and graze over open, silty areas. A steady stream of groundbait in one spot keeps a shoal in front of you.
- Clip up and hit the same spot every cast.
- Start with 8–10 feeders quickly, then recast every 5 minutes.
- Worm, maggot or corn on a size 14–16.
chub
Bread or worm tight to cover for chub
Chub sit under overhanging trees and snags and are cautious, so a quiet approach and a natural bait near cover catches them.
- Bread flake or lobworm on a size 8 hook with a link leger.
- Keep low and quiet on the bank.
- In summer, try a free-lined slug or floating crust.
perch
Worm or small lure for the perch
Perch hang round cover, boats and drop-offs. A lobworm on a light float, or a small lure worked along the features, will find them.
- Fish lobworm under a float tight to cover.
- On lures, try a small drop shot or soft shad near features.
- Feed chopped worm to keep them in the swim.
Sandy Bottoms
bream
Groundbait feeder at range for bream
Bream shoal up and graze over open, silty areas. A steady stream of groundbait in one spot keeps a shoal in front of you.
- Clip up and hit the same spot every cast.
- Start with 8–10 feeders quickly, then recast every 5 minutes.
- Worm, maggot or corn on a size 14–16.
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.
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
6.4/10 from Tackle Index: A long canal stretch with roach, bream, chub and perch throughout, plus skimmers around Sandy Bottoms.
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 — “A proper 4.2-mile canal run from Sandiacre Bridge to Station Road Bridge, with roach, bream, chub and perch throughout. Day tickets are available, and Sandy Bottoms is the cheeky skimmer area below Pasture Lock.”
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 Erewash Canal – Ilkeston Stretch
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