North Drain

Fishing Character

• The banks along much of the North Drain stretch are accessible, which allows a mobile approach for predator anglers.
• In summer, the Drain can become weeded, though weed cutting is part of its management under the local drainage board plans.
• Water is relatively slow moving, with a discernible central channel depth. Fishing conditions are sometimes akin to still water fishing in spots.
• Fish species present include roach, skimmer bream, perch, carp, tench, eel, and pike.
• Autumn can be strong for “hemp & tare roach” fishing. In winter, predator anglers target pike, especially in stretches where baitfish gather.

Species You Can Expect to Catch

 The North Drain is a mixed fishery that provides sport for anglers of all abilities. Species commonly caught include: 

• Roach – These are one of the most prolific species on the Axe. They can be caught using light float or feeder tactics, with maggots, pinkies, and casters proving reliable.
• Perch – Often found close to features and along the margins. Worms and small live baits work well, but a simple maggot on the hook can tempt plenty of stripeys throughout the year.
• Bream & Skimmers – Particularly present in the deeper, slower areas. A groundbait feeder with worms, maggots, or sweetcorn is a tried-and-tested approach.
• Eels – Present throughout the system and often encountered on worm, maggot, or deadbait rigs in summer evenings.
• Pike – Spinning, lure fishing, and deadbaiting are all effective methods in the cooler months.

Venue Details at a Glance 

• Depths: 4 - 10 ft
• Number of Pegs: 60+ (along all stretches of north drain combined)
• Fishing Restrictions: No livebait or freshwater deadbait.

Species and Stock 

• Carp – up to 30lb+
• Bream – up to 9lb
• Tench – up to 7lb
• Roach – to around 2lb
• Rudd – to around 2lb
• Perch – to around 3lb
• Eels– to around 5lb

Access, Parking & Stretch Limits

•  60 pegs from North drain pumping station to Blakeway bridge (feel free to cut your own swims) 
• Access is possible at many of the bridges along that length, though there is no dedicated parking — anglers need to park responsibly near access points.
• Be sure to confirm which bank is permitted in each section, and whether there are any “no fishing” signs near sluices or restricted structures.
• Some structures (sluices, penstocks, tilting weirs) are part of water level control but may not always be operational.

Best Tactics for the North Drain

The North Drain is a man made drainage channel, and conditions can change with the weather and season. Some general tips include: 

• Float Fishing – Pole or waggler tactics with maggots, casters, or bread are very effective for roach and perch.
• Feeder Fishing – Particularly productive for bream, skimmers, and larger roach. Groundbait feeders packed with maggots or chopped worm can quickly draw fish into your swim.
• Ledgering & Deadbaits – For pike, a wire trace with smelt, sardine, or sprat deadbaits is ideal. Always use appropriate tackle to ensure safe handling and release.
• Seasonal Approach – In summer, fish are often found in shallower water, whereas in winter the deeper, steadier stretches can produce better results, especially for bream and pike.

Rods & Poles

• General Float Fishing – A 12–13 ft match rod (medium action) is ideal for waggler or stick float fishing for roach, dace, and perch.
• Pole Fishing – A 6–10 metre pole is perfect for juniors and pleasure anglers fishing the straight. Elastic ratings of 4–8 cover most silver fish.
• Feeder Fishing – A 10–11 ft feeder rod with a quiver tip, rated for casting 20–40g feeders, will handle bream, skimmers, and larger roach.
• Pike Fishing – A specialist 2.5–3 lb test curve rod or a medium spinning rod for lures is appropriate when targeting predators.

Reels

• Fixed Spool Reels (2500–3000 size) with a smooth drag system are versatile for float and feeder work.
• Larger Reels with stronger gearing (4000 size) are better for predator fishing with lures or deadbaits.

Line

• Float Fishing – 3–4 lb mainline with 1.5–3 lb hooklengths keeps presentation light but strong enough for roach and dace.
• Feeder Fishing – 5–6 lb mainline with hooklengths of 3–5 lb, depending on swim flow and target species.
• Pike Fishing – Minimum 15 lb mainline with a wire trace is essential for safety.

Hooks

• Roach – Fine wire size 18–22 barbless hooks for maggots, casters, or pinkies.
• Bream & Skimmers – Size 14–16 medium wire hooks for worms, corn, or pellet.
• Perch – Size 12–14 stronger hooks for meat, bread, or worm.
• Pike – Size 6–8 trebles on wire traces (barbless or semi-barbed for safe unhooking).

Rigs & End Tackle

• Float Rigs – Stick floats for faster water, wagglers for deeper, steadier sections.
• Feeder Rigs – Simple paternoster or running feeder rigs with groundbait or maggot feeders.
• Pike Rigs – Snap tackle (two-treble traces) with deadbaits, or simple wire traces for spinners and lures.

Baits

• Natural Baits – Maggots, pinkies, casters, worms, and bread are the most consistent all-rounders.
• For Bream – Sweetcorn, worms, and groundbait with added particles (hemp, casters).
• For Pike – Deadbaits such as smelt, sardine, or sprat; lures such as spoons and soft plastics.

Essential Extras

• A landing net and unhooking mat (particularly for pike and bigger fish).
• A disgorger or forceps for safe unhooking.
• A keepnet for match anglers, if permitted by club rules.
• A tackle box or side tray to keep bait and rigs organised.