Fishery guide · North Yorkshire
Leeds and Liverpool Canal – Skipton Stretch
A proper canal session with roughly 7.5 miles of SAA-controlled water, running from Lock 41 at Bank Newton to Belmont Bridge in Skipton. Day tickets are just £4, with roach, perch, bream, pike and more on the cards.
“7.0/10 — A useful mixed list of reported canal species, including roach, perch, bream and pike.”
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Free — we'll tell you when rules, prices or notices change here.
The lowdown
The Skipton length of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal is a proper wander of water, controlled by Skipton Angling Association. The main SAA stretch runs from Lock 41 at Bank Newton to Belmont Bridge 178 in Skipton, covering approximately 7.5 miles. That gives you plenty of towpath to explore, whether you fancy settling into one swim or having a mobile day and seeing what turns up.
- 3 lakes: Lock 41 at Bank Newton to Belmont Bridge 178, Skipton Canal Basin, Springs Branch behind Skipton Castle
- Fish: carp, tench, bream, roach, pike, perch, trout
- Tickets from: Day ticket — one day, non-transferable and non-refundable — £4.00
- Find it: Skipton · BD23 1RJ
Plan your session
Fishery map of Leeds and Liverpool Canal – Skipton Stretch
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Live at the lake
Leeds and Liverpool Canal – Skipton Stretch
Skipton · BD23 1RJ
Community reported
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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.
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Fishery
Leeds and Liverpool Canal – Skipton Stretch
We haven’t got permission to show venue photos here yet. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Leeds and Liverpool Canal – Skipton Stretch
The Skipton length of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal is a proper wander of water, controlled by Skipton Angling Association. The main SAA stretch runs from Lock 41 at Bank Newton to Belmont Bridge 178 in Skipton, covering approximately 7.5 miles. That gives you plenty of towpath to explore, whether you fancy settling into one swim or having a mobile day and seeing what turns up.
The fishery also includes the canal basin in Skipton town centre, plus the full length of the Springs Branch behind Skipton Castle. So it is not just one uniform run. You have canal, basin and branch sections to consider, with access around bridges and nearby roads. Before setting off, have a look at the route and decide whether you are packing light for a stroll or bringing enough kit for a longer session.
Reported species include roach, perch, bream, gudgeon, ruffe and pike, with occasional brown trout also reported. That is a handy mix for a canal day. A float setup and small baits could be a simple way to search for the smaller species, while lure gear gives you a more mobile option for perch and pike. Take a few different bits and pieces rather than banking on one approach from the off.
The £4 day ticket keeps things nice and straightforward. Day-ticket anglers can use one rod and line at a time, and all legal baits and lures are permitted. The big one to remember is that groundbait and loose feeding are prohibited for canal day-ticket anglers, so plan a tidy, controlled approach. If you are new to the stretch, ask the association or bailiff where day-ticket anglers are currently best placed to start and whether any local access points need extra care.
There is no closed season listed for the canal, giving you flexibility when planning a session. The water is also used by walkers, cyclists, boaters and sightseers, so be considerate and expect the towpath to stay active. There are no dedicated fishery toilets listed, and parking is not provided as a fishery facility. Sort your travel plans before you leave, avoid blocking nearby roads and keep your tackle easy to carry if you are moving between areas.
All fish must be released, including pike. The only stated exception is retaining small fish solely for live or dead baiting for pike, subject to local bylaws. Your day ticket is valid for one day only, is non-transferable and non-refundable, and you must be able to show proof if asked; electronic proof on your phone is accepted, though a printed invoice is preferred. Also remember the current Environment Agency rod licence where national rules require one. Night fishing permission is not stated, so check before planning anything beyond a normal day session.
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.
Leeds and Liverpool Canal – Skipton Stretch FAQs
How much is a day ticket?
£4.00 for one day. It is non-transferable and non-refundable.
Where can I buy the ticket?
Online through the Skipton Angling Association website. Keep proof of purchase handy; electronic proof on a phone is accepted, although a printed invoice is preferred.
Do I need anything else to fish?
A current Environment Agency rod licence is additionally required where applicable under national rod-licensing rules.
Is parking provided?
No dedicated fishery parking is listed. Access is via bridges and nearby roads, with care advised.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Leeds and Liverpool Canal – Skipton Stretch. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Skipton.
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.
Are there toilets on site?
Yes — the fishery lists no toilets listed.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
Yes — no dedicated fishery parking listed. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
BD23 1RJ.
How much is a ticket?
Day ticket — one day, non-transferable and non-refundable: £4.00. 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 Lock 41 at Bank Newton to Belmont Bridge 178, Skipton Canal Basin, Springs Branch behind Skipton Castle. 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 carp, tench, bream, roach, pike, perch, trout. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
3 — Lock 41 at Bank Newton to Belmont Bridge 178 (Not published), Skipton Canal Basin (Not published), Springs Branch behind Skipton Castle (Not published).
Is night fishing allowed?
It depends — No night-fishing permission is stated on the day-ticket page or venue information.
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.
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Day ticket · turn up
Lock 41 at Bank Newton to Belmont Bridge 178: the main skipton canal length, stretching roughly 7.5 miles.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, tench, bream, roach, pike, perch, trout
This is the core SAA-controlled stretch of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, running from Lock 41 at Bank Newton to Belmont Bridge 178 in Skipton.
It is a proper wander-and-find-water venue, with reported roach, perch, bream, pike and the occasional brown trout. The canal has no closed season.
Lake photographs
A look around Lock 41 at Bank Newton to Belmont Bridge 178
Leeds and Liverpool Canal – Skipton Stretch
Lock 41 at Bank Newton to Belmont Bridge 178
We’re checking the fishery’s Lock 41 at Bank Newton to Belmont Bridge 178 pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Mobile anglers who enjoy working different pegs and features
- Float anglers and lure fishers targeting mixed canal species
Maybe not for
- Anyone wanting a fully private, car-to-peg lake setup
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Lock 41 at Bank Newton to Belmont Bridge 178
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.
Lock 41 at Bank Newton to Belmont Bridge 178 FAQs
Can I fish this stretch on a day ticket?
Yes. A one-day ticket costs £4.00 and covers fishing on the Skipton length.
How many rods can day-ticket anglers use?
One rod and line at a time.
What's the lake record on Lock 41 at Bank Newton to Belmont Bridge 178?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Lock 41 at Bank Newton to Belmont Bridge 178 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 Lock 41 at Bank Newton to Belmont Bridge 178?
carp, tench, bream, roach, pike, perch, trout.
How big is Lock 41 at Bank Newton to Belmont Bridge 178 and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. The main Skipton canal length, stretching roughly 7.5 miles..
Which baits work well on Lock 41 at Bank Newton to Belmont Bridge 178?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Lock 41 at Bank Newton to Belmont Bridge 178 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 Lock 41 at Bank Newton to Belmont Bridge 178 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 Lock 41 at Bank Newton to Belmont Bridge 178?
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 Leeds and Liverpool Canal – Skipton Stretch before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Lock 41 at Bank Newton to Belmont Bridge 178?
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 Lock 41 at Bank Newton to Belmont Bridge 178 on a day ticket?
Yes — Lock 41 at Bank Newton to Belmont Bridge 178 is on the day ticket. Tickets: Day ticket — one day, non-transferable and non-refundable £4.00 (last checked 2026-10-09).
Is night fishing allowed on Lock 41 at Bank Newton to Belmont Bridge 178?
It depends — No night-fishing permission is stated on the day-ticket page or venue information.
Who does Lock 41 at Bank Newton to Belmont Bridge 178 suit?
Good for: Mobile anglers who enjoy working different pegs and features; Float anglers and lure fishers targeting mixed canal species. Less suited to: Anyone wanting a fully private, car-to-peg lake setup.
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
Skipton Canal Basin: the town-centre basin is included in the skipton fishery.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- bream, roach, pike, perch, trout
The canal basin in Skipton town centre forms part of the SAA-controlled venue. It gives the fishery a more urban section alongside the longer canal run.
Expect shared public space, with boating, walking, cycling and sightseeing also taking place around the canal.
Lake photographs
A look around Skipton Canal Basin
Leeds and Liverpool Canal – Skipton Stretch
Skipton Canal Basin
We’re checking the fishery’s Skipton Canal Basin pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers who like accessible town-centre canal water
- Short sessions with float tackle or lures
Maybe not for
- Those after a quiet, car-free-from-the-public fishing environment
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Skipton Canal Basin
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.
pike
Lure fishing for the pike
Lures let you cover water and find active pike fast.
- Spinners, jerkbaits and 4–6in soft shads on a 20–30g rod.
- Always use a wire trace — pike bite through mono and fluoro.
- Move every 10–15 casts till you find them; work drop-offs and edges.
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.
Skipton Canal Basin FAQs
Is the basin covered by the day ticket?
Yes. The day ticket covers fishing on the Skipton length, which includes the canal basin.
Are there toilets provided at the basin?
No toilets are listed as a fishery facility.
What's the lake record on Skipton Canal Basin?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Skipton Canal Basin 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 Skipton Canal Basin?
bream, roach, pike, perch, trout.
How big is Skipton Canal Basin and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. The town-centre basin is included in the Skipton fishery..
Which baits work well on Skipton Canal Basin?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Skipton Canal Basin 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 Skipton Canal Basin 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 Skipton Canal Basin?
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 Leeds and Liverpool Canal – Skipton Stretch before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Skipton Canal Basin?
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 Skipton Canal Basin on a day ticket?
Yes — Skipton Canal Basin is on the day ticket. Tickets: Day ticket — one day, non-transferable and non-refundable £4.00 (last checked 2026-10-09).
Is night fishing allowed on Skipton Canal Basin?
It depends — No night-fishing permission is stated on the day-ticket page or venue information.
Who does Skipton Canal Basin suit?
Good for: Anglers who like accessible town-centre canal water; Short sessions with float tackle or lures. Less suited to: Those after a quiet, car-free-from-the-public fishing environment.
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
Springs Branch behind Skipton Castle: the full springs branch behind skipton castle is included.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- bream, roach, pike, perch, trout
The SAA-controlled venue includes the full length of the Springs Branch behind Skipton Castle. It is one of the named sections within the wider Skipton canal ticket.
As with the rest of the venue, all fish must be released, and day-ticket anglers are limited to one rod and line.
Lake photographs
A look around Springs Branch behind Skipton Castle
Leeds and Liverpool Canal – Skipton Stretch
Springs Branch behind Skipton Castle
We’re checking the fishery’s Springs Branch behind Skipton Castle pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers keen to explore a named branch section
- Light tackle anglers after roach, perch and other reported canal species
Maybe not for
- Anglers looking for published lake dimensions or formal lake facilities
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Springs Branch behind Skipton Castle
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.
pike
Static deadbaits for the pike
A smelly deadbait on the bottom near drop-offs or reed lines is the classic, reliable way to find a lake's pike, especially in the colder months.
- Sardine, smelt or mackerel on a wire trace with semi-barbless trebles.
- Strike early — never let a pike run off with the bait.
- Have a long forceps, unhooking mat and big net ready before you cast.
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.
Springs Branch behind Skipton Castle FAQs
Is the full Springs Branch included?
Yes. The full length behind Skipton Castle is included in the fishery.
Can I use groundbait here on a day ticket?
No. Groundbait and loose feeding are prohibited for canal day-ticket anglers.
What's the lake record on Springs Branch behind Skipton Castle?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Springs Branch behind Skipton Castle 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 Springs Branch behind Skipton Castle?
bream, roach, pike, perch, trout.
How big is Springs Branch behind Skipton Castle and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. The full Springs Branch behind Skipton Castle is included..
Which baits work well on Springs Branch behind Skipton Castle?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Springs Branch behind Skipton Castle 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 Springs Branch behind Skipton Castle 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 Springs Branch behind Skipton Castle?
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 Leeds and Liverpool Canal – Skipton Stretch before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Springs Branch behind Skipton Castle?
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 Springs Branch behind Skipton Castle on a day ticket?
Yes — Springs Branch behind Skipton Castle is on the day ticket. Tickets: Day ticket — one day, non-transferable and non-refundable £4.00 (last checked 2026-10-09).
Is night fishing allowed on Springs Branch behind Skipton Castle?
It depends — No night-fishing permission is stated on the day-ticket page or venue information.
Who does Springs Branch behind Skipton Castle suit?
Good for: Anglers keen to explore a named branch section; Light tackle anglers after roach, perch and other reported canal species. Less suited to: Anglers looking for published lake dimensions or formal lake 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 there a closed season?
Skipton Angling Association states that the canal has no closed season.
- Must
Must all fish be released?
Catch and release is required for all fish, including pike.
- Only if
Can small fish be retained for pike bait?
The stated exception is retaining small fish solely for live or dead baiting for pike, subject to local bylaws.
- Yes
Are all legal baits and lures allowed?
All legal baits and lures are permitted.
- No
Can day-ticket anglers use more than one rod?
Day-ticket anglers may fish with one rod and line at a time.
- No
Can day-ticket anglers use groundbait or loose feed?
Groundbait and loose feeding are prohibited for canal day-ticket anglers.
- Only if
Is night fishing allowed?
No night-fishing permission is stated on the day-ticket page or venue information.
- No
Can day-ticket anglers use the Keighley shared scheme beyond Belmont Bridge?
The shared scheme toward Leaches Swing Bridge 196 is for club members only.
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.
Lock 41 at Bank Newton to Belmont Bridge 178
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.
Skipton Canal Basin
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.
pike
Lure fishing for the pike
Lures let you cover water and find active pike fast.
- Spinners, jerkbaits and 4–6in soft shads on a 20–30g rod.
- Always use a wire trace — pike bite through mono and fluoro.
- Move every 10–15 casts till you find them; work drop-offs and edges.
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.
Springs Branch behind Skipton Castle
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.
pike
Static deadbaits for the pike
A smelly deadbait on the bottom near drop-offs or reed lines is the classic, reliable way to find a lake's pike, especially in the colder months.
- Sardine, smelt or mackerel on a wire trace with semi-barbless trebles.
- Strike early — never let a pike run off with the bait.
- Have a long forceps, unhooking mat and big net ready before you cast.
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.
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
7.0/10 from Tackle Index: A useful mixed list of reported canal species, including roach, perch, bream 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 — “A proper canal session with roughly 7.5 miles of SAA-controlled water, running from Lock 41 at Bank Newton to Belmont Bridge in Skipton. Day tickets are just £4, with roach, perch, bream, pike and more on the cards.”
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 Leeds and Liverpool Canal – Skipton Stretch
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