Fishing Near Burton upon Trent: Best Angling Spots

A Haven for Anglers: Fishing in Burton upon Trent

Burton upon Trent holds a legendary reputation in British coarse angling. Flowing through the heart of the town, the River Trent is celebrated nationwide for its rich stocks of coarse fish, most notably its specimen barbel, powerful chub, and hard-fighting pike. Combined with the historic Trent and Mersey Canal, scenic gravel pits, and nearby stillwaters, the area offers exceptional sport for match anglers, specimen hunters, and casual pleasure fishermen alike.

Whether you are planning a weekend chasing river barbel on the float or a peaceful afternoon pole fishing along the towpath, Burton upon Trent makes a superb angling base. Here is our comprehensive guide to the finest fishing spots near Burton upon Trent, along with essential practical advice for planning your trip.

1. The River Trent: Specimen Barbel and Chub

The River Trent is without doubt the jewel in the crown of local angling. In and around Burton upon Trent, the river features a classic mix of shallow gravel runs, deep sweeping bends, weir pools, and steady glides. It is prime territory for barbel anglers, with fish regularly caught into double figures.

Key stretches to explore include:

• Burton Mutual Angling Association (BMAA) Waters: Established in the late 19th century, the BMAA manages several premier stretches on the Trent, including waters around Stapenhill, the Meadow, and Drakelow. These stretches hold superb heads of barbel, chub, dace, roach, and perch. Many sections are available via season permits, with select waters offering day tickets.
• Branston and Tatenhill Stretches: Just south of the town centre, the river slows into deeper runs where specimen pike and large carp can often be tempted alongside quality chub and bream shoals.
• Ferry Bridge and Stapenhill Gardens: Angling near the historic pedestrian Ferry Bridge provides easy bank access and productive feeder fishing for bream, roach, and perch throughout the autumn and winter months.

2. Trent and Mersey Canal: Year-Round Coarse Action

Running parallel to the river through the western side of Burton, the Trent and Mersey Canal provides a distinct and dependable angling experience. When high rainfall renders the River Trent unfishable, the canal remains protected, clear, and fishable in almost any weather.

The canal holds prolific shoals of roach, skimmer bream, and perch, alongside occasional quality carp and pike. Bread punch, pinkies, and casters fished close to boat hulls or far-bank reed beds produce consistent sport during the cooler months, while squatts and maggot tactics dominate the summer. Easy towpath access can be found at Shobnall, Branston, and Horninglow, making it ideal for mobile lure anglers targeting perch and pike or matchmen fishing the pole.

3. Branston Water Park and Local Stillwaters

If you prefer stillwater specimen angling, the lakes and gravel pits surrounding Burton upon Trent offer prime opportunities:

• Branston Water Park: Situated just a short drive down the A38 corridor, this former gravel pit is now a peaceful nature reserve holding specimen carp, tench, bream, and pike. The clear waters and mature weed beds present a rewarding challenge for tactical anglers who appreciate natural, scenic venues.
• Barton Marina Lakes: Located a few miles south of Burton, the complex features mature lakes holding impressive carp, tench, and perch. Day tickets and club arrangements apply on surrounding fisheries, so always verify current access rights before setting up your gear.
• Foremark Reservoir: Located roughly 20 minutes northeast of Burton in South Derbyshire, this expansive 230-acre reservoir is operated as a popular multi-method and fly fishery, stocked regularly with rainbow and brown trout, as well as holding large predator pike.

Local Angling Regulations and Tackle Supplies

Before casting a line, ensure you have the appropriate paperwork in order:

• Environment Agency Rod Licence: Every angler aged 13 and over requires an official rod licence to fish freshwater venues in England. Licences can be purchased online from the Environment Agency or at any Post Office branch.
• Club Permits and Day Tickets: Most stretches of the River Trent and local canals are controlled by angling clubs, such as the Burton Mutual Angling Association or the Canal & River Trust's Waterway Wanderers scheme. Purchase day tickets or memberships in advance online or from local tackle shops.
• Tackle Shops: Burton upon Trent and the immediate surrounding district are home to well-stocked independent tackle shops where you can purchase fresh bait, terminal tackle, and up-to-the-minute advice on river levels and hot pegs.

Relax at Three Queens Hotel After a Day by the Water

Early dawn sessions and long evenings along the river bank demand a comfortable, practical place to rest. Located on Bridge Street on the A38 corridor, Three Queens Hotel offers an ideal base for anglers visiting Burton upon Trent.

The hotel features 62 en-suite rooms to suit solo anglers, pairs, or fishing groups, including Single, Standard Double, Executive Double, Standard Twin, Executive Twin, Family, and Quadruple rooms, alongside our spacious Mews Apartment. Every room is appointed with a private bathroom, flat-screen television with Freeview and radio, tea and coffee making facilities to brew a hot drink after hours by the river, a hair dryer, direct dial telephone, and complimentary toiletries.

Guests benefit from free on-site parking, making it simple to load and unload heavy tackle bags and rods directly from your vehicle. Free WiFi is available throughout the hotel to help you check river levels, weather forecasts, and peg reports. Our front desk is staffed from 8:00am until 10:00pm, supported by a night porter from 10:00pm to 8:00am, ensuring secure access if you are arriving late or departing early for a dawn cast. We also provide daily housekeeping and a 24-hour dry cleaning and laundry service.

When you are ready to eat, the hotel is just a five-minute walk from Burton upon Trent town centre, where you can choose from a wide variety of independent cafes, traditional pubs, and international restaurants for a hearty evening meal. Burton train station is just one mile away, providing straightforward rail connections across the Midlands.

Plan your next angling expedition to the River Trent and book your stay online at Three Queens Hotel for great rates and comfortable town-centre accommodation.

Planning a visit? Book your stay at Three Queens Hotel & Lodge.