Horseshoe Bend Fishing

Last updated: 1 week ago

Horseshoe Bend Fishing Map

A tidal estuary bend on the River Avon in the Avon Gorge between Sea Mills and Shirehampton. Deep, fast water runs close to the bank with mixed rocky margins and soft mud. Best fished the last 2 hours of flood into the top of the tide (neap to mid-range). Winter brings whiting and codling; summer to autumn sees bass and flounder, with eels and conger after dark. Use strong gripper leads and abrasion-resistant gear; expect snags and floating debris on bigger tides. Access is on foot via paths from Shirehampton Park or Sea Mills; paths can be steep and slippery, and the foreshore is muddy—check tides to avoid cut-off and be aware of wash from passing vessels.

Ratings

⭐ 6/10 Overall
Catch Potential 7/10
Species Variety 6/10
Scenery & Comfort 6/10
Safety 3/10
Accessibility 4/10

Fish You Can Catch at Horseshoe Bend

🐟 Bass 8/10
🎯 Tip: Big spring tides; work shallow minnows or 20–30 g metals along the margins at dawn/dusk. Peeler crab or prawn on running ledger also scores. Fish first push and last of the ebb from firm ledges.
🐟 European Eel 7/10
🎯 Tip: May–Sep after dark. Short lob to margins/creek mouths with worm or mackerel strip on a simple running ledger, size 2–1/0. Keep lines tight in the strong flow.
🐟 Mullet (Thin-lipped) 7/10
🎯 Tip: Neap tides and clearer water. Mepps-style spinner with ragworm tail in back eddies and along the wall; sight-fish cruising shoals on bright, calm afternoons.
🐟 Flounder 6/10
🎯 Tip: Late autumn to spring. 2-hook flapper, size 2–4, rag/lug tipped with fish. Cast uptide to mud channels; use gripper leads to hold in the tide.
🐟 Mullet (Thick-lipped) 5/10
🎯 Tip: Warm months on neaps. Bread flake or small fish strips under a float in slack eddies and near outfalls. Stealth and light gear help.
🐟 European Smelt 4/10
🎯 Tip: Dec–Feb around high water at night. Tiny size 12–16 hooks/sabikis baited with fish slivers, worked midwater in slack eddies; short casts.
🐟 Common Goby 4/10
🎯 Tip: Species-hunt at low water around stones; size 16–20 hook with tiny worm bits dropped under the rod tip.
🐟 Sand Goby 4/10
🎯 Tip: Sandy/muddy margins; tiny worm pieces on size 16–20, gentle lift-and-drop during slack water windows.
🐟 Three-bearded Rockling 3/10
🎯 Tip: After dark along rougher edges and rubble; small worm baits on size 6–8, short casts at neaps or slack.
🐟 Sea Trout 2/10
🎯 Tip: Rare; may hit small inline spinners or shallow plugs on the flood at dawn/dusk in summer. Handle and release quickly if encountered.

Horseshoe Bend Fishing

Summary

Horseshoe Bend is a classic tidal River Avon mark on the A4 Portway between Sea Mills and Shirehampton in Bristol. The river sweeps into a tight curve here, bringing deep, fast water close to the wall and putting migrating estuary species within easy casting range. It’s a productive, no-nonsense venue for winter codling and whiting and summer bass and mullet, especially into dusk and after dark.

Location and Access

This mark sits on the Portway (A4) alongside the outside of the bend, with fishing from the pavement behind the crash barrier onto a vertical wall. Access is straightforward on foot, but parking needs forethought due to clearway restrictions on the Portway.

Seasons

The Avon here is a true estuary with heavy salt influence on bigger tides. Expect classic Bristol Channel species with strong seasonality and plenty of small fish in winter.

Methods

Strong tidal flow dictates simple, reliable tackle and fresh baits that hold in the run. Most anglers ledger from the wall; the channel is close so big casts are unnecessary.

Tides and Conditions

The Bristol Channel’s huge range and the gorge’s constriction make tide choice critical. Neaps are easier and often fish better; big springs can be unfishable with debris and savage flow.

Safety

This is a high-wall, fast-tide, roadside venue—treat it with respect. Keep well behind the barrier, stay visible to traffic and never attempt to access the foreshore.

Facilities

There are no facilities on the mark itself—plan to be self‑sufficient. Nearby suburbs offer basics within a short drive.

Tips

Local anglers keep it simple here: short lobs into the channel edge, fresh bait, and heavy leads that hold. Small details around timing and presentation make a big difference.

Regulations

This is tidal water, so normal sea angling rules apply, but several important protections are in force. Always check current bylaws before you go.