For the next five years Newnham Grange Angling Club will manage the fishing rights along a four mile stretch of canal from Braunston Tunnel to Bridge 15 at Whilton. The club, which is based in Daventry, aims to encourage more people to give fishing a try and get more younger people interested in taking up the sport.
Home to the rare ‘Sheela the eel', the 50-year old, eight pound eel caught on the canal when it was drained for maintenance in 2013, the waterways in Northamptonshire offer prime spots for fishing and a wide variety of native fish species such as roach, pike and perch.
Reel-y great opportunities
John Ellis, Canal & River Trust fisheries and angling manager, said: “I'm delighted we've managed to lease this section of the Grand Union Canal as it opens up more opportunities for people to go fishing. Angling is still one of the biggest participant sports in the UK and the canals are more popular than ever. I'd urge everyone to give angling a go, and you never know, you could be reeling in the next big canal monster.”
Steve Whitehead, from Newnham Grange Angling Club, said: “There are many uses for the canals, but fishing is by far one of the most enjoyable and relaxing ways to spend a day. With the help of the Canal & River Trust, we hope to ensure that not only our members, but also the local community enjoy using the canal for many years to come.”
For more information on the Canal & River Trust visit canalrivertrust.org.uk
