Gaol Ferry Bridge Fishing

Summary

Gaol Ferry Bridge spans the tidal River Avon (the New Cut) between Southville and Spike Island in central Bristol. It’s an urban estuary mark with easy, paved access and consistent sport for mullet, schoolie bass and flounder in the warmer months. Expect powerful tides, coloured water and busy footfall—classic city fishing with genuine Bristol Channel character.

Location and Access

This mark sits on the New Cut immediately either side of Gaol Ferry Bridge, linking Coronation Road (BS3 side) to Cumberland Road/Wapping Wharf (BS1 side). Access is level and straightforward via wide riverside paths on both banks.

• Approach from Wapping Wharf/Harbourside (BS1) or North Street/Coronation Road (BS3); multiple pedestrian routes feed onto the riverside paths by the bridge.
• Parking: Pay-and-display and short-stay options around Wapping Wharf/Harbourside (approx. BS1 6WE) and limited on-street in Southville/Coronation Road (BS3 CPZ—time limits apply). Public transport and walking are often easier.
• Terrain: Hard, paved promenades with railings; you fish from the path, not the bridge. No scrambling—banks are engineered walls and treacherous mud at low water.
• Casting space is decent but mind trees, lamp posts and railings; a 7–9 ft rod is convenient under the bridge and along narrow sections.

Seasons

You’re fishing a brackish, high-energy tidal river. Expect estuary species in season, with activity peaking late spring to early autumn.

• Common (late spring to autumn):
  • Thick- and thin-lipped grey mullet (May–Oct; shoals patrol both banks and bridge eddies)
  • European bass, mostly schoolies with the odd better fish (May–Nov, best dusk into dark)
  • Flounder (Jul–Dec, numbers vary year to year)
• Occasional/bonus:
  • European eel (summer nights; compulsory catch-and-release)
  • Smelt in colder months some years (tiny spinners/metals at dusk/night)
  • Odd whiting or codlet are possible in late autumn on big springs but are unusual this far upriver
• Notable by-catch: Crabs are prolific in summer and will strip static baits quickly.

Methods

Presentation is everything here: find slack seams and edges out of the main flow. Keep tackle light, tidy and mobile.

• Lure fishing for bass:
  • 2–4 inch soft plastics (paddle tails and straight tails) on 3–7 g jigheads; work along wall lines, bridge shadows and eddies, especially at dusk and the first of the ebb.
  • Small topwaters/walkers can score on calm evenings around high water.
• Mullet tactics:
  • Float fishing with bread flake or crust on size 8–12 hooks; drip in mashed bread to hold fish during neaps.
  • For thin-lips, try a small spoon/Mepps with a short trace to a tiny Isome or ragworm tip behind the blade, retrieved slowly across slacks.
• Flounder/eel baits:
  • 1–2 hook flappers or a light running ledger, 2–4 oz leads, size 2–1 hooks; baits include ragworm, small crab or maddies. Cast short—often under your feet is best.
• General setup:
  • 9–20 g lure rod or light estuary rod with 10–15 lb braid and 12–15 lb fluoro leader; bring a drop net or long-handled landing net to clear railings/walls.
  • Travel light: one rod, small shoulder bag, unhooking mat or soft towel for quick releases.

Tides and Conditions

The New Cut runs hard on springs and is far more forgiving on neaps. Plan around manageable flow and light levels.

• Best states:
  • Last hour of the flood and the first 1–2 hours of the ebb create fishy eddies near buttresses, outfalls and wall irregularities.
  • Neap tides improve presentation for mullet and light lures; big springs can be too fierce mid-tide.
• Water and weather:
  • Clarity is typically coloured; sport improves after a few dry days. After heavy rain, freshwater run-off can switch fish off and carry debris.
  • Dusk and dawn are prime for bass and more confident mullet; bright, calm afternoons suit bread-fed mullet on neaps.
• Seasonality:
  • May–Oct is the main window. Late autumn can give a last flurry of bass on small lures; winter is generally slow apart from the odd flounder/smelt.

Safety

This is a safe, hard-standing city mark if you use common sense. The hazards come from tides, height above water and urban distractions.

• Do not fish from the bridge. Use the riverside paths and respect any Harbour Authority signage and railings.
• Powerful tides and vertical walls: wear a buoyancy aid, especially when fishing alone or after dark. Never attempt to access the foreshore—mud is deep and dangerous.
• Use a drop net/long-handled net for landing; do not lean over railings. Keep rods leashed and bags secured.
• Shared spaces: expect cyclists, runners and nightlife—keep gear tidy and out of walkways. Consider valuables and situational awareness after dark.
• Accessibility: Level, wide paths on both banks suit most mobility levels; the rail height and landing requirements can make solo wheelchair angling challenging without assistance.

Facilities

You’re in the heart of the city with plenty of comforts nearby, especially on the Wapping Wharf/Harbourside side.

• Food and drink: Numerous cafés, pubs and street-food venues at Wapping Wharf and along North Street (Southville).
• Toilets: Public/venue facilities around Harbourside and museums during opening hours; venue toilets for customers only.
• Tackle/bait: Well-stocked tackle shops elsewhere in the city (e.g., Brislington/Fishponds areas); ring ahead for fresh rag/peeler availability.
• Phone signal and lighting: Good mobile reception and street lighting, though a head torch is still essential.
• Bins are available—pack out line and fish waste to keep the paths clean.

Tips

Small details make big differences here; think stealth, tight lines and smart positioning.

• Mullet respond to steady bread mash—feed little and often. Keep low, reduce noise and use fine hooklengths.
• Bass love the first push of the ebb around bridge shadows. Work lures tight to the edge and retrieve with the flow.
• On crabby days, pop-up your bait with a small foam bead or switch to float fishing to beat the pickers.
• Urban edge: a compact drop net on a cord is worth its weight in gold; pre-rig it and clip it to the rail before you cast.
• Keep moving: if you don’t see signs of life within 15–20 minutes (mullet swirls, fry dimpling, bird activity), hop 20–30 metres to the next seam or outfall.

Regulations

This stretch falls under local harbour rules and national angling laws. Regulations change—always check current notices on-site and official sources before you fish.

• Local bylaws/harbour rules:
  • No fishing from bridges, lock gates, pontoons or private moorings; observe any ‘No Fishing’ signage posted by Bristol City Council/Harbour Authority.
  • Keep clear of emergency ladders and rescue equipment; do not obstruct pathways.
• Licences and seasons:
  • An Environment Agency rod licence is required if you are fishing for salmon, trout, freshwater fish, smelt or eel; many anglers carry one as best practice in tidal rivers.
  • The coarse fish close season (15 March–15 June, inclusive) applies on rivers (including tidal sections). Sea fish may be targeted year-round, but be prepared to demonstrate intent and tackle choice if checked.
• Species-specific rules:
  • European eel: byelaws require that any eel caught on rod and line is released immediately.
  • European bass: retention limits and minimum sizes are set annually; check current government guidance before keeping any fish.
  • Handle mullet with wet hands and release promptly—local anglers often practice catch-and-release for these slow-growing fish.
• General:
  • Use barbless or pinched barbs for quick releases. Take all litter and line home. Respect residents and other path users, especially at night.