Sankey St Helens Canal Coarse Fishing

The fishing at spike island is free. Most fish hold up in the middle. Best fished with bread punch and crumb, feed sparingly until roach move in then very little and often will see the Bream start showing. Also try the classic Hemp and Tares for good sized Roach and Rudd. Beware the eels on maggot and Pellets. Unfortunately the fishery suffers from the local half wit population and the Ranger service seems to have nothing to do with checking EA licences. I fish early morning only, before they get out of bed. Some big Carp also inhabit the water and will always have a go at your light rigs. If bites start drying up go in with your heavy rig as usually a big Carp or two have moved in. (Its good to see the Carp Anglers faces when you land a 10 lb+ fish and they have sat there for hours without a bite. Best Tip. Fish as light as poss for everything, you may well catch.

(Written by: bzred )

I used to spend many a weekend fishing this canal as a teenager and it was a great place to fish. However, this canal has seen its good days and due to poor management of the water has declined leaving on small fish to go far. Around the inlet pipes the odd carp can still be had but this does not make up for the poor fishing here. It is sad to see the canal as it is today. It is still worth a go if you have bought a years license but dont go and buy one just for this water or you will be disapointed.

(Written by: L.SWIFT )

fished here once or twice you have to buy a permit to fish here lots of small fish to be caught and a few carp come out aswell from by the hot water pipe witch comes in to the canal from st helens glass i would not fish here again though there are to many drugies and dickeds around its not peacefull and you have to watch your tackle permernantly or it mite get stolen.

(Written by: mad_carper )