Exeter Ship Canal is approximately 6 miles long. Popular fishing areas are: The Basin, Clapperbrook, Double Locks, Countess Wear, Lime Kilns and Swans Nest.
The canal has the reputation as being one of, if not the best, pike fisheries in the South West, with the biggest recorded pike going to the low 30’s, fish to 20lb are not uncommon. Popular methods are either dead bait or lure; all areas mentioned above are good for piking. Free coarse fishing is available on the Exeter Canal between the Basin and Double Locks. The rest of the Canal can be fished with an Exeter & District Angling Association permit, which is available from the Angling Centre, Smythen Street, Exeter.
Permits can be obtained at Reception in the Civic Centre. As an angler it is most important for you to know that anyone aged 12 years or over who fishes for salmon, trout, freshwater fish or eels in England and Wales must have an Environment Agency Rod Fishing Licence.