The YDAA share fishing on the Aire & Calder Canal with a number of other clubs, all under the control of the ‘Boothferry Aire and Calder Joint Canal Committee’. The navigation is both a commercial and pleasure waterway, and during the week it is not uncommon to see large aggregate barges ploughing their way up and down. The canal is generally around 30 metres wide, and has an average depth of 12 feet in the main boat channel, although this shallows to between 6-9ft nearer the bank. Water flow is typically slow towards Goole, but it can reverse or stop depending on how the locks are used.
The main target species are roach and skimmers, with large bags (30lb +) possible on a good day. Fish close-in where the water is shallowest, using pole, waggler or feeder, with pinkies, squats, maggots, caster or hemp on the hook over a ground baited area. Swims around moored boats seem to produce well. Other species you may encounter include trout, eels, carp, chub, rudd and tench.
There are numerous access points along the 11 mile stretch available to YDAA members.
From Goole: South side down Dutch Riverside past Smith’s Marina (AF Budge) to park in car park at side of Potter Drain. Walk along towpath to fish above Railway Bridge.
Rawcliffe Bridge: Park on small area of land opposite Black Horse Public House, walk onto towpath either side of bridge. DO NOT use Black Horse Car Park.
New Bridge: Park on British Waterways land between two bridges opposite side of road to farm, leaving access clear for vehicles.
Beevers Bridge: Park in car park upstream of bridge.
Number 4 bridge and Crowcroft Bridge: Access down Crowcroft Lane, Pollington. Parking at Crowcroft Bridge will have to be at side of road over bridge. Also at side of road prior to Number 4 bridge. Access onto Canal bank and farmland MUST be kept clear, no parking on land owned by British Waterways.
