Fishery guide · Staffordshire
Trent and Mersey Canal – Rugeley Stretch
A handy Coors Angling Club canal stretch through Rugeley, running from Bridge 62 to Bridge 68 within the wider Bridge 58–68 water. It offers proper mixed canal fishing for a very reasonable day-ticket price, with dawn-to-dusk access and plenty of bridge-based pegs to explore.
“7.4/10 — A broad published target list gives this canal plenty of mixed-species appeal.”
Tackle Index scorecard
Free — we'll tell you when rules, prices or notices change here.
The lowdown
The Trent and Mersey Canal at Rugeley is Coors Angling Club water, covering the Bridge 62–66 and Bridge 66–68 sections. It sits inside the club’s longer Bridge 58–68 canal run, so there’s a decent amount of towpath and water to work through.
- 2 lakes: Bridge 62–66 section, Bridge 66–68 section
- Fish: carp, tench, bream, roach, pike, perch, barbel, chub
- Tickets from: Canal day ticket — £3
- Find it: Rugeley · WS15 2WB
Plan your session
Fishery map of Trent and Mersey Canal – Rugeley Stretch
Pick a pin or venue to see live bank-side conditions.
Live at the lake
Trent and Mersey Canal – Rugeley Stretch
Rugeley · WS15 2WB
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
Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Photos courtesy of Photo: Trent and Mersey Canal – Rugeley 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 Trent and Mersey Canal – Rugeley Stretch
The Trent and Mersey Canal at Rugeley is Coors Angling Club water, covering the Bridge 62–66 and Bridge 66–68 sections. It sits inside the club’s longer Bridge 58–68 canal run, so there’s a decent amount of towpath and water to work through.
This is classic canal fishing rather than a big open lake job. The published target list includes roach, perch, chub, bream, tench, carp, pike, dace, barbel and grayling. That gives you plenty to go at, whether you fancy a few bites on light gear or want to spend time picking apart likely features.
Bridge 62 is near the Ash Tree pub and Wheelhouse Road, while Bridges 63 and 64 are by Lea Hall Estate. Bridge 65 is close to Mossley Tavern. Bridges 65A and 65B are normally avoided because of permanently moored boats, so they’re not the cleverest spots to build a session around.
Bridge 66 is reached from Power Station Road near Tesco. Bridge 67 is Rugeley Bridge, also called Church Bridge in match listings, and Bridge 68 sits below the Rugeley bypass bridge. The club lists matches and water bookings around bridges 62, 65, 66 and 67, which gives a useful steer on the recognised pegs.
Tactics will depend on what’s showing on the day. A light float approach is the obvious starting point for roach and perch, while chub, bream, tench and carp may reward a more patient line-up around steadier areas and the margins. Pike are also listed, but live baiting is prohibited, so check the rules before planning a predator session.
Access is fairly bridge-led, with parking available at or near several bridges, although spaces can be limited. Keep the towpath clear, take your litter home and be mindful of the access details: steps at Bridge 60 are unsuitable for large fishing trolleys, although Bridge 60 is outside the Rugeley sections listed here.
The canal ticket is £3 for a day or £12 for 12 months from purchase, covering the club’s Armitage and Rugeley canal waters. You’ll also need an Environment Agency rod licence. Fishing is dawn to dusk only, with no night fishing, and the club’s published rules are stated as current from 1 April 2026.
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.
Trent and Mersey Canal – Rugeley Stretch FAQs
How much is a day ticket?
The canal day ticket is £3.
How much is the annual ticket?
The annual canal ticket is £12 and lasts 12 months from purchase.
What species are listed for the canal waters?
Published targets include roach, perch, chub, bream, tench, carp, pike, dace, barbel and grayling.
Can I park near the pegs?
Parking is available at or near several bridges, but some locations have limited spaces.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Trent and Mersey Canal – Rugeley Stretch. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Rugeley.
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?
Not that we've seen listed. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
Yes — parking available at or near several bridges, with limited spaces at some locations. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
WS15 2WB. Heads up: we couldn't confirm this fishery's own postcode, so WS15 2WB 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?
Canal day ticket: £3; Annual canal ticket: £12, valid for 12 months from purchase. 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 Bridge 62–66 section, Bridge 66–68 section. 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, barbel, chub. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
2 — Bridge 62–66 section (Not published), Bridge 66–68 section (Not published).
Is night fishing allowed?
We haven't seen a clear night-fishing rule. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
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
Been to Trent and Mersey Canal – Rugeley Stretch? Share a snap
No angler photos yet. Be the first!
Day ticket · turn up
Bridge 62–66 section: a bridge-to-bridge rugeley canal section with several recognised access points.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, tench, bream, roach, pike, perch, barbel, chub
The Bridge 62–66 section runs from near the Ash Tree pub and Wheelhouse Road, past Bridges 63 and 64 by Lea Hall Estate, to Bridge 66 near Power Station Road and Tesco.
Bridge 65 is by Mossley Tavern, while Bridges 65A and 65B are normally avoided because of permanently moored boats. Match pegs are listed around bridges 62, 65 and 66.
Lake photographs
A look around Bridge 62–66 section
Trent and Mersey Canal – Rugeley Stretch
Bridge 62–66 section
We’re checking the fishery’s Bridge 62–66 section pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers who enjoy working through different bridge areas and canal features
- Float anglers and mixed-species sessions targeting roach, perch, chub, bream, tench or carp
Maybe not for
- Anglers wanting night fishing or a lake-style venue with published acreage
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Bridge 62–66 section
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
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.
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.
Bridge 62–66 section FAQs
Where is Bridge 62?
It is near the Ash Tree pub and Wheelhouse Road.
Are Bridges 65A and 65B recommended?
They are normally avoided because of permanently moored boats.
What's the lake record on Bridge 62–66 section?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Bridge 62–66 section 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 Bridge 62–66 section?
carp, tench, bream, roach, pike, perch, barbel, chub.
How big is Bridge 62–66 section and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A bridge-to-bridge Rugeley canal section with several recognised access points..
Which baits work well on Bridge 62–66 section?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Bridge 62–66 section 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 Bridge 62–66 section 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 Bridge 62–66 section?
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 Trent and Mersey Canal – Rugeley Stretch before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Bridge 62–66 section?
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 Bridge 62–66 section on a day ticket?
Yes — Bridge 62–66 section is on the day ticket. Tickets: Canal day ticket £3; Annual canal ticket £12, valid for 12 months from purchase (last checked 2026-10-09).
Is night fishing allowed on Bridge 62–66 section?
We haven't seen a clear night-fishing rule for this lake. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Who does Bridge 62–66 section suit?
Good for: Anglers who enjoy working through different bridge areas and canal features; Float anglers and mixed-species sessions targeting roach, perch, chub, bream, tench or carp. Less suited to: Anglers wanting night fishing or a lake-style venue with published acreage.
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
Bridge 66–68 section: the southern rugeley section, finishing below the bypass bridge at bridge 68.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, tench, bream, roach, pike, perch, barbel, chub
This section starts at Bridge 66, accessed from Power Station Road near Tesco, and runs through Bridge 67 to Bridge 68 below the Rugeley bypass bridge.
Bridge 67 is Rugeley Bridge, also called Church Bridge in match listings. The club lists match activity around bridges 66 and 67.
Lake photographs
A look around Bridge 66–68 section
Trent and Mersey Canal – Rugeley Stretch
Bridge 66–68 section
We’re checking the fishery’s Bridge 66–68 section pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers who prefer bridge-led access with recognised match pegs
- Mixed-species canal sessions from dawn through to dusk
Maybe not for
- Night anglers, as canal night fishing is not permitted
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Bridge 66–68 section
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
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.
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.
Bridge 66–68 section FAQs
How do I access Bridge 66?
Access is from Power Station Road near Tesco.
What is another name for Bridge 67?
It is also called Church Bridge in match listings.
What's the lake record on Bridge 66–68 section?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Bridge 66–68 section 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 Bridge 66–68 section?
carp, tench, bream, roach, pike, perch, barbel, chub.
How big is Bridge 66–68 section and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. The southern Rugeley section, finishing below the bypass bridge at Bridge 68..
Which baits work well on Bridge 66–68 section?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Bridge 66–68 section 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 Bridge 66–68 section 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 Bridge 66–68 section?
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 Trent and Mersey Canal – Rugeley Stretch before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Bridge 66–68 section?
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 Bridge 66–68 section on a day ticket?
Yes — Bridge 66–68 section is on the day ticket. Tickets: Canal day ticket £3; Annual canal ticket £12, valid for 12 months from purchase (last checked 2026-10-09).
Is night fishing allowed on Bridge 66–68 section?
We haven't seen a clear night-fishing rule for this lake. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Who does Bridge 66–68 section suit?
Good for: Anglers who prefer bridge-led access with recognised match pegs; Mixed-species canal sessions from dawn through to dusk. Less suited to: Night anglers, as canal night fishing is not permitted.
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 an Environment Agency rod licence required?
A club canal ticket does not replace the Environment Agency rod licence.
- No
Can I fish after dark?
Canal fishing is permitted from dawn until dusk only; night fishing is not permitted.
- No
Can I use two rods?
One rod is permitted and it must be attended at all times.
- No
Is live baiting allowed?
Live baiting is prohibited.
- No
Can I move fish between waters?
Fish movement is prohibited.
- No
Are bloodworm and joker allowed?
Bloodworm and joker baits are banned.
- Seasonal
Can sections close temporarily?
Sections may close for maintenance, variable water levels or bank works.
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.
Bridge 62–66 section
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
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.
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.
Bridge 66–68 section
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
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.
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
7.4/10 from Tackle Index: A broad published target list gives this canal plenty of mixed-species appeal.
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 handy Coors Angling Club canal stretch through Rugeley, running from Bridge 62 to Bridge 68 within the wider Bridge 58–68 water. It offers proper mixed canal fishing for a very reasonable day-ticket price, with dawn-to-dusk access and plenty of bridge-based pegs to explore.”
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 Trent and Mersey Canal – Rugeley Stretch
No angler score yet — nobody's reviewed Trent and Mersey Canal – Rugeley Stretch here. Be the first and get the score started.