Fishing Near Burton upon Trent: The Best Spots Guide

Angling Around Burton upon Trent

Burton upon Trent has long been celebrated as one of the finest angling hubs in the Midlands. Situated in East Staffordshire along the A38 corridor, the town is uniquely positioned at the confluence of exceptional waterways. From the legendary barbel stretches of the River Trent to the crystal-clear currents of the River Dove and the tranquil lengths of the Trent & Mersey Canal, visiting anglers are spoiled for choice.

Whether you are a specimen hunter targeting hard-fighting barbel and monster pike, a match angler seeking roach and skimmers, or a fly angler in search of wild trout and grayling, Burton upon Trent offers diverse waters for every discipline. Here is our comprehensive guide to the best fishing spots near Burton upon Trent and how to make the most of your angling getaway.

The River Trent: Iconic Running Waters

The River Trent is the jewel in the crown of local angling. Flowing right through the heart of the town, the river features deep glides, shallow gravel runs, and sweeping bends that provide prime habitat for coarse fish.

What to catch: The Burton stretches of the Trent are famous for barbel, chub, roach, bream, perch, dace, and pike. During the autumn and winter months, specimen barbel into double figures and chub over 6 lbs are regularly caught on feeder and float tactics.

Key stretches: Much of the town-centre water and the adjacent stretches upstream and downstream are managed by the Burton Mutual Angling Association (BMAA), one of the oldest and most respected angling clubs in the UK. Stretches such as Branston, Drakelow, and the waters around the town bridges offer superb sport. Day tickets and associate memberships are readily available through local outlets.

The River Dove: Clear Water & Quality Sport

Flowing into the Trent just north of Burton, the River Dove offers a distinct contrast to the main river. Known for its clear water, gravel beds, and lively currents, the lower Dove around Rolleston-on-Dove, Tutbury, and Egginton is an angler’s paradise.

What to catch: The Dove holds a deserved reputation for producing specimen barbel and heavy winter chub. The river also boasts excellent stocks of wild brown trout and grayling, making it a favourite destination for fly fishermen and trotting enthusiasts using light tackle.

Tips for fishing the Dove: Stealth and watercraft are vital on the Dove due to water clarity. Roving tactics with a single rod, moving between likely holding areas such as undercut banks, weed beds, and overhanging willows, often yield the best results.

The Trent & Mersey Canal: Reliable Year-Round Fishing

If you prefer peaceful stillwater-style angling or are planning a session during river flood conditions, the Trent & Mersey Canal is a dependable choice. Running parallel to the town through areas like Shobnall and Horninglow, the canal provides miles of accessible towpath fishing.

What to catch: The canal holds healthy populations of roach, bream, perch, tench, and carp, alongside a thriving population of pike for lure and deadbait anglers. In the colder months, the sheltered town basin areas and bridge holes provide consistent sport on pole, whip, or light running line tackle.

Local Day-Ticket Fisheries and Stillwaters

In addition to local rivers and canals, the area around Burton upon Trent features several well-stocked stillwaters and commercial fisheries suitable for day-ticket anglers of all experience levels:

• Foremark Reservoir: Located a short drive east towards Ticknall, this vast 230-acre reservoir offers fly fishing for rainbow and brown trout, as well as predator sport for pike and perch in designated seasons.
• Branston Water Park: A local nature reserve with a large former gravel pit that holds specimen carp, tench, and pike. Angling rights and permits should be checked with local clubs prior to fishing.
• Commercial Pools: Several day-ticket coarse complexes in the surrounding South Derbyshire and East Staffordshire countryside offer well-stocked match and pleasure lakes featuring carp, F1s, ide, and skimmers.

Essential Tips for Fishing in Burton upon Trent

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable fishing trip, keep the following essentials in mind:

• Rod Licences: An Environment Agency rod licence is legally required to fish for freshwater fish, trout, or salmon anywhere in England. Ensure you hold a valid licence before wetting a line.
• Local Permits: Check whether your chosen venue requires a day ticket, club membership card (such as BMAA), or syndicate pass. Day tickets are available from local tackle shops in and around Burton.
• Local Tackle Shops: Burton upon Trent and its surrounding districts have friendly independent tackle shops where you can pick up fresh bait (maggots, casters, worms), groundbait, end tackle, and up-to-the-minute advice on river levels and hot pegs.
• Close Season: Remember that the statutory coarse fishing close season on all English rivers applies from 15th March to 15th June inclusive. Canals and most commercial stillwaters remain open during this period.

Dining and Exploring Burton Town Centre

After an early start on the riverbank or an entire day out on the water, you will find plenty of places to recharge in Burton upon Trent. The hotel is located just a 5-minute walk from the town centre, putting a wide array of local cafes, bakeries, traditional brewing pubs, and independent restaurants right on your doorstep. Whether you want an early morning takeaway coffee before heading out to your peg or a relaxed evening meal in town, Burton offers a welcoming range of options.

Stay at Three Queens Hotel for Your Fishing Trip

Conveniently located at 1 Bridge Street, right on the A38 corridor and only 1 mile from Burton railway station, Three Queens Hotel & Lodge is an ideal base for anglers visiting the region. With 62 comfortable rooms, we cater to solo fishermen, angling pairs, and larger groups travelling together.

When you stay with us, you can take advantage of practical amenities designed for a stress-free visit:

• Free on-site parking: Enjoy secure and easy vehicle access, making loading and unloading your fishing tackle straightforward.
• Flexible check-in support: Our reception is staffed from 8:00am to 10:00pm, with a night porter on duty from 10:00pm to 8:00am to assist you at any hour.
• Free high-speed WiFi: Stay connected to check weather forecasts, river levels, and local match results.
• Daily housekeeping & 24-hour dry cleaning/laundry service: Keep your clothing fresh throughout your angling break.

Our wide selection of accommodation includes Single, Standard Double, Executive Double, Standard Twin, Executive Twin, Family, Quadruple, Mews Apartment, and our four-poster Suite. Every room features an en-suite private bathroom, flat-screen TV with Freeview and radio, tea and coffee making facilities, a hair dryer, complimentary toiletries, and a direct dial phone.

Take a look at our full range of accommodation to view our rooms, and when you are ready to secure your dates, you can book your stay online or contact our front desk directly on 01283 523800.

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