Grand Union Canal, Bedfordshire
Hot-shot carper, Jack Brown gives you the low down on one of his faourite waters from the east region
Having grown up fishing on the Grand Union Canal close to my home in Leighton Buzzard, I always have a good dabble on a few of my favourite sections each year chasing some of the elusive carp that inhabit its murky waters.
Local angling club Luton AC, control a vast number of stretches that all hold a good head of carp to pit your wits against. Keeping mobile is probably one of the biggest edges; I have found with canal carp if you haven’t had a take within the first 45 minutes or so in a particular spot, then it’s time to up-sticks and move on.
Feature-wise, any obstacle that looks like it could hold sanctuary to a few fish, like the far bank snags, bushes or reeds and moored boats are good starting points. The mouth of locks and marinas are also very good areas to target and concentrate on. As I’ve already said, canal fish tend to live in small ‘families’ in certain areas, meaning takes can be instant if you drop on them, so don’t rest on your laurels, be sure to have a proactive approach.
Simplicity is key when it comes to rigs, a fairly light lead that won’t penetrate too far into the soft silty bottom, plus a
longish hooklink coupled with a ‘balanced’ high-attract hookbait, tipped with a small bag of pellet will catch you plenty of fish. One point to remember is that the canal can contain a number of abrasive obstacles, so use a tough leader material when fishing up against snags and moored boats.
To get the best results, try pre-baiting on a little-and-often basis, I’ve found this will get more bites in the long run and also helps localise the fish.
With summer now in full flow, the canal also offers fantastic floater fishing sport, and I’ve enjoyed some awesome evening sessions after work. Simply wondering along the towpath with a bucket of Mixers, a loaf of bread and the minimum of kit.
As for the fish stock, well, it’s relatively unknown, which is perhaps the best part of fishing the canal – the surprise captures. In the main there are plenty of mid-doubles and I’ve caught some good twenties up to nearly thirty-pounds.
So apart from occasionally reeling in as a barge passes through, the fishing is fairly straightforward and couldn’t be easier to enjoy. Simply purchase a day ticket from Luton Angling Club, either via the website or over the phone that will also provide access to their other waters – how good is that?!
The vital information you need...
Biggest resident: Unknown
Average fish size: Mid-doubles.
Rough fish stock: This can vary, but some stretches can contain 50-100 carp at times.
Going bait: Nashbait Amber Attract.
Local tackle shop: Browns Angling on 01525 216370.
Takeaways: Various pubs serving food daily, such as The Grove Lock Pub.
Rod limit: Three rods
Location: Twelve miles of canal running from Pitstone to Stoke Hammond.
Contact: Club Office on 01582 728114.
Website: lutonanglingclub.co.uk
Prices: Day tickets £5; Annual Club Ticket runs from 1st June to 31st May and prices begin at £70.
Jack's top areas/swims: The Grove Church and the Slapton stretches.
Jack's top tip: “Find overhanging cover and you will find the fish.”