Best Fishing Spots Near Burton upon Trent: Angler Guide

Nestled along the banks of the mighty River Trent in East Staffordshire, Burton upon Trent has long held a revered status among UK anglers. Renowned across the country for its coarse fishing heritage, the town and its surrounding countryside offer a wealth of angling opportunities. From fast-flowing river glides packed with specimen barbel to peaceful canal towpaths and well-stocked specimen lakes, Burton upon Trent is an ideal base for a dedicated fishing break.

Whether you are an experienced river angler looking to tackle the legendary Trent barbel or a pleasure angler seeking a relaxing day by the water, here is our comprehensive guide to the best fishing spots near Burton upon Trent.

1. The River Trent: Burton Mutual Waters

The River Trent is arguably the crown jewel of coarse fishing in the Midlands. Flowing right past Burton upon Trent, the river offers diverse features including deep holding pools, gravel shallows, and sweeping bends that provide prime habitat for coarse fish.

Much of the premier fishing 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 stretches cover iconic waters such as the municipal riverside parks, Branston Golf Course stretches, and Bailey's Meadow.

• Target Species: Barbel, chub, roach, dace, perch, and pike. The River Trent is particularly famous for its specimen barbel, with fish frequently running well into double figures.
• Tactics: Feeder fishing with pellets, boilies, or hemp and casters works exceptionally well for barbel and chub, especially into the dusk hours. Float fishing with a stick float or bolo float can produce incredible nets of roach and dace during the autumn and winter months.
• Access & Permits: Anglers must hold a valid Environment Agency rod licence and obtain either a BMAA membership or a day ticket where applicable. Ensure you check local club rules regarding keepnets and night fishing before setting up your swim.

2. The Trent & Mersey Canal

If you prefer calmer waters and light tackle fishing, the Trent & Mersey Canal cuts directly through Burton upon Trent and offers miles of scenic towpath angling. Sections around Shobnall, Dallow Bridge, and Branston are easily accessible and provide reliable, year-round sport.

Canal fishing here offers a classic experience, shielded by overhanging trees, reed beds, and moored narrowboats that act as natural fish-holding features.

• Target Species: Roach, bream, skimmers, perch, and pike, alongside the occasional stray carp.
• Tactics: Pole fishing with squatts, pinkies, or bread punch over a small bed of groundbait is perfect for building a bag of roach and skimmers. Wandering the towpath with small lures or drop-shot rigs is highly effective for hunting predatory perch and pike around bridge holes and lock cuttings.
• Permits: Much of the canal network is available through the Canal & River Trust's Waterway Wanderers scheme or controlled by local angling clubs. Always purchase your permit in advance.

3. Branston Water Park and Nearby Lakes

Just south of Burton upon Trent, Branston Water Park is a premier local nature reserve created from a restored gravel quarry. The large lake offers deep, clear water holding an impressive head of specimen fish.

In addition to Branston Water Park, the surrounding Trent Valley is dotted with established commercial fisheries and specimen carp syndicates, such as those found around Barton-under-Needwood and Kings Bromley.

• Target Species: Specimen carp, tench, bream, and northern pike.
• Tactics: Traditional ledgering and modern carp rigs work best on these larger, deeper gravel pits. Spodding a mixture of particles, pellets, and crushed boilies helps to draw patrolling shoals of tench and carp onto clear spots among the weed beds.
• Tip: Gravel pits can be challenging due to variable depths and underwater topography, so taking time to locate features with a marker float or plumbing rod pays huge dividends.

4. Foremark Reservoir

Located roughly ten miles northeast of Burton upon Trent, Foremark Reservoir is a picturesque 230-acre expanse of water nestled within the National Forest. Foremark provides a distinct change of pace from coarse river fishing, catering primarily to fly and predator anglers.

• Target Species: Rainbow trout, brown trout, and specimen pike.
• Tactics: Both bank and boat fishing are popular here. Fly anglers target trout using sinking or intermediate lines with traditional lures and nymphs. During designated predator seasons, predator anglers cast large deadbaits or lures to target the reservoir's specimen pike.
• Permits: Day tickets and boat hire must be booked through the fishery office on site.

Planning Your Angling Trip: Bait, Tackle, and Dining

Burton upon Trent features established local tackle shops where you can purchase fresh bait, terminal tackle, and local day tickets, while gaining up-to-the-minute advice on river levels and recent catches. Always remember to check river close seasons (15th March to 15th June inclusive for coarse fish on rivers) when planning your excursion.

When you finish a long day on the bank, head into Burton's town centre to recharge. Known worldwide as the capital of British brewing, the town offers a fantastic selection of historic pubs, traditional alehouses, and independent restaurants serving hearty evening meals, all within easy walking distance.

Stay at Three Queens Hotel & Lodge

A successful fishing trip requires convenient, comfortable accommodation where you can rest after early starts and long days on the water. Three Queens Hotel & Lodge is ideally positioned at 1 Bridge Street in Burton upon Trent (DE14 1SY), on the A38 corridor and just a five-minute walk from the town centre amenities and the riverbanks.

With 62 rooms available, we offer a range of layouts to suit individual anglers, pairs, and fishing groups. You can explore our comfortable rooms, which include Single, Standard Double, Executive Double, Standard Twin, Executive Twin, Family, Quadruple, Mews Apartment, and four-poster Suite options. Every room features a private en-suite bathroom, flat-screen television with Freeview and radio, direct dial telephone, hair dryer, complimentary toiletries, and in-room tea and coffee making facilities to prepare a warm drink before you set out at dawn.

Practical perks for visiting anglers include:

• Free on-site parking: Ample space to park your vehicle securely near your accommodation, making it straightforward to load and unload heavy tackle bags and rods.
• Round-the-clock service: Our reception is open from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, with a night porter available from 10:00 pm to 8:00 am to accommodate early departures and late check-ins.
• Connected and fresh: Stay updated on local river reports and weather forecasts with our free high-speed WiFi, and make use of our daily housekeeping and 24-hour dry cleaning and laundry service.

Ready to experience some of the finest river and canal fishing in the Midlands? Book your stay at Three Queens Hotel online today or contact our team directly on 01283 523800 to arrange your next angling retreat.

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