Fishing Near Burton upon Trent: Best Spots & Waters

A Premier Angling Destination in Staffordshire

With the majestic River Trent meandering directly through the town and the historic Trent & Mersey Canal threading across the local landscape, Burton upon Trent has long been celebrated as one of the Midlands' premier coarse fishing hubs. Anglers from across the UK travel here to test their skills against hard-fighting barbel, specimen chub, quality roach, bream, perch, and predator pike.

Whether you prefer river trotting, feeder fishing, stillwater specimen hunting, or relaxed lure fishing along the canal, Burton upon Trent and the surrounding East Staffordshire countryside offer water to suit every angling discipline. Here is our comprehensive guide to the finest fishing locations near Burton upon Trent.

The River Trent: Legendary Running Water Sport

The River Trent needs little introduction to seasoned British anglers. Renowned nationwide for producing specimen barbel and chub, the river around Burton upon Trent provides diverse sport ranging from shallow gravel runs and fast glides to deep, steady bends.

The Washlands and Ferry Bridge: Flowing just moments from the town centre, the stretch around the Washlands and the historic Ferry Bridge provides accessible river angling. This section holds impressive shoals of roach, dace, and bream, with roach sport particularly prolific during autumn and winter. Feeder tactics and stick float methods both produce great bags of silver fish, while predators such as pike and perch patrol the slacker margins and bridge stanchions.

Burton Mutual Angling Association Waters: Much of the prime river fishing in and around the town is managed by the Burton Mutual Angling Association (BMAA), one of the oldest and most respected angling clubs in the country. Their waters cover legendary stretches such as Branston, Drakelow, and Walton-on-Trent. Here, anglers targeting barbel often fish into dusk with heavy feeders, pellet, and boilie hookbaits, while trotting bread or maggots along the weed beds regularly tempts chub well over the 5lb mark.

The Trent & Mersey Canal

If you prefer calmer, sheltered waters or want to explore light lure fishing, the Trent & Mersey Canal runs right past the town and offers miles of productive towpath angling. Managed across different stretches by local angling clubs and the Canal & River Trust (Waterway Wanderers scheme), the canal is heavily populated with perch, roach, skimmers, and carp.

Drop-shotting with small soft-plastic lures around boat moorings, overhanging bushes, and turning basins is a popular way to land perch up to 2lb or 3lb. During the warmer months, pole and waggler fishing with sweetcorn, caster, or bread punch will keep your float dipping all day long with consistent bags of silver fish.

Top Stillwater Fisheries Near Burton upon Trent

In addition to classic running water, anglers visiting the area have access to several well-stocked commercial venues and scenic specimen waters within a short drive of the town:

• Branston Water Park: Located just south of Burton upon Trent, this premier local nature reserve occupies a former gravel pit. While it is a tranquil community park, it also holds an enviable reputation for specimen carp and large tench. Angling here requires careful observation and dedication, but the rewards can be exceptional.
• Foremark Reservoir: Situated a short drive northeast into the rolling Derbyshire countryside, Foremark is a 230-acre multi-purpose reservoir offering superb trout fishing (both bank and boat) along with coarse fishing options. It is widely regarded as one of the top fly fishing venues in the region.
• Coopers Lake and Local Day-Ticket Ponds: Surrounding villages including Barton-under-Needwood, Anslow, and Rolleston on Dove offer quiet commercial farm ponds and day-ticket lakes stocked with common carp, mirror carp, F1s, and silver fish, ideal for an easy-going afternoon bend in the rod.

Angling Essentials: Rules and Licences

Before heading to the water, ensure your tackle and paperwork are in order so you can enjoy your time on the bank without interruption:

• Environment Agency Rod Licence: Anyone aged 13 and older fishing for freshwater fish, trout, or salmon in England must hold a valid Environment Agency rod licence. These are easily purchased online via the official government portal.
• Club Permits and Day Tickets: Many stretches of the River Trent and local lakes operate under club control. Check beforehand whether your chosen peg requires an advance season membership (such as Burton Mutual Angling Association) or if day tickets are sold on the bank or at nearby tackle shops.
• Close Season Regulations: Keep in mind that the statutory coarse fishing close season applies to all rivers and natural streams from 15th March to 15th June inclusive. Stillwaters and most canals remain open year-round, subject to individual fishery rules.

Local Tackle Shops and Dining in Burton

Burton upon Trent has several established bait and tackle suppliers where you can purchase fresh maggots, casters, worms, groundbaits, and terminal tackle, while picking up up-to-the-minute tips on which pegs are currently fishing best.

When it comes to fueling up for an early start or relaxing after a full day on the water, Burton town centre is packed with options. Located just a short five-minute walk from our front doors, the town centre features traditional local bakeries, independent coffee shops, and welcoming town pubs serving classic evening meals and craft ales from Burton's world-famous breweries.

The Perfect Base: Three Queens Hotel & Lodge

After hours on the bank in the elements, there is nothing better than returning to comfortable, dependable accommodation where you can unwind. Located at 1 Bridge Street, Three Queens Hotel & Lodge is ideally situated for your Staffordshire angling getaway, right on the A38 corridor and just steps away from the River Trent.

We provide 62 comfortable en-suite rooms to suit solo anglers, pairs of fishing friends, and families alike. Our room options include Single, Standard Double, Executive Double, Standard Twin, Executive Twin, Family, Quadruple, a Mews Apartment, and a four-poster Suite. Every room features a private en-suite bathroom with complimentary toiletries and a hot shower to warm up after a chilly morning by the water, along with a flat-screen TV with Freeview and radio, direct dial phone, hair dryer, and in-room tea and coffee making facilities.

Practicality is essential when travelling with fishing gear, and guests benefit from our free on-site parking, making it easy to unload your kit directly at the hotel. Stay connected and check river levels or weather forecasts using our free WiFi, and travel with peace of mind knowing our reception is open from 8:00am to 10:00pm, supported by a dedicated night porter from 10:00pm to 8:00am. Daily housekeeping and 24-hour dry cleaning and laundry services are also available throughout your stay.

Ready to plan your next fishing trip to the banks of the River Trent? Explore our rooms to find the ideal layout for your tackle and travel party, and book your fishing getaway today at Three Queens Hotel.

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