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This old and well established waterway has recently taken on a new lease of life since its multi million pound regeneration programme. Improvements have been made to the towpaths, lock gates, canal structure, in fact the whole canal system has been completely refurbished allowing narrow boats to once again navigate the waterway from Huddersfield town centre all the way up and through the Standedge tunnel (originally carved out of the millstone grit rock of the pennines) and re-emerging in Lancashire.

Slaithwaite and District A.C control the fishing rights for much of the canal and day ticket fishing.

Day tickets are available from Chris Roberts Fishing Tackle � Chapel Hill, Huddersfield 01484 545032 Marsden Post Office, Holme Valley Sports � Holmfirth.

Since the refurbishment of the canal, restocking has been carried out on much of the canals length. £3,000 have been spent by the club restocking the canal with several species to improve the catch rate.

Species contained within the canal include roach to 1lb, perch, gudgeon, bream to 4lb, chub to 5lb, double figure carp tench and pike. Local information from venue regulars or the local tackle shop will point you in the right direction for the species you are targetting.

From 2003 a development plan has been proposed to increase the use of the canal for angling.

The length of canal between locks 18 and 19 is planned to be restricted for Junior use only and is planned to be heavily stocked. An NFA coaching scheme for young anglers is to be started over the summer, minimum age 10 yrs. The course will cover basic angling techniques, fish handling and personal safety.

The dredging of the canal has increased the depth and regular narrow boat traffic keep the stretches fairly weed free down the central track. Depths range from around 9ft to 18ft on the marginal shelves, with 3ft to 41/2ft down the central boat track

As with most canal systems the pole scores well, although good nets can be had on the waggler. The feeder comes in also on the wider stretches such as turning circles where bream can readily be found. Far bank vegetation such as reed beds are well known to hold sizeable carp so when targeting this species strong tackle is required. The many overhanging trees along the lengths of the canal do hold good heads of chub and perch.

As with most places feeding little and often seems to get the fish taking. It is not wise to ball in too much feed, especially in the summer months as the boat traffic will spread the feed over a wide area.

Keepnets may be used on the lengths all year round if required for all fish except carp. Carp sacks are also prohibited

Locks 11 - 17 Milnsbridge to BargateAccess fromBargate, Lowestwood Lane, LinthwaiteRamsden Mill Lane, Golcar or LinthwaiteFactory Lane, Milnsbridge

Locks 17 - 21 Bargate to SlaithwaiteAccess fromCarr Lane, SlaithwaiteLees Mill Lane, LinthwaiteBargate, Lowestwood Lane, Linthwaite

Locks 29 - 34 West Slaithwaite Via footpath alongside Sparth Reservoir, Footpath from Olive Branch Pub, Manchester Road

From 2003 the joining fee for new members has been abolished.

Starting at Tunnel End near Marsden and running down alongside the river Colne to join the Huddersfield Broad Canal at Aspley Basin. The Huddersfield Narrow Canal is leased by Slaithwaite AC from lock 11 through to lock 20 and lock 29 (West Slaithwaite) to 34 (Sparth).

Day tickets for this fishery are available from Chris Roberts Tackle , Chapel Hill Huddersfield. tel. 01484 545032

The Narrow lives up to its name for much of its length, rarely exceeding 12 metres. Except at certain areas near to locks to allow the boats to pass each other.This allows good presentation for all but the shortest of modern poles. The disadvantage however is the narrowness of the towpath as well. With this handy access from Marsden to Huddersfield receiving perhaps more than its full compliment of Dog walkers, Cyclists, Photographic groups, Hikers, and of course your local Joggers.

The most dangerous of the groups are the cyclists, who relish the flatness and I suspect the reversal of roles, being for once the thing that is feared, rather then the one in danger. For despite my setting up parallel to the bank, I felt the wind from several near misses. Some at speeds in excess of 30mph unless I miss my guess. Given the delicate nature of the pole sections, if you are fishing this canal you might try putting some sort of Tackle box, or Rucksack, to guard your back, and ship along the length of the bank, instead of straight back.

Most sections of the canal are home to Roach, Bream, Perch and Pike, and some have a good head of Carp to high single figures.Despite my rather negative report, I enjoyed my day on the water, and look forward to tackling it again for its Carp soon.