Kingsweston Pill Fishing

Last updated: 6 days ago

Kingsweston Pill Fishing Map

A tidal creek on the north bank of the River Avon between Sea Mills and Shirehampton. Muddy, estuarine ground with a very strong tide run and big Bristol Channel range. Most anglers fish from firm ground by the old harbour/pill walls and paved path rather than the soft mud. Best results are usually on the flood and around high water (about 2 hours either side); neap tides are easier to present baits, while springs create heavy flow and debris. Short-to-medium casts into the channel edge and eddies work well. Classic estuary baits produce: rag/lug and peeler crab for bass, flounder and eels; lug/squid cocktails for winter codling and whiting; bread or tiny rag for mullet. Use gripper leads in the main flow. Take care with fast tides, slippery weeded stones and deep mud—do not venture onto the mud at low water.

Ratings

⭐ 6.3/10 Overall
Catch Potential 6/10
Species Variety 7/10
Scenery & Comfort 6/10
Safety 5/10
Accessibility 7/10

Fish You Can Catch at Kingsweston Pill

🐟 Bass 8/10
🎯 Tip: Work the flooding tide along current seams; peeler crab, rag or small paddle-tail lures. Best at dusk or after dark May-Oct, with extra push on big springs. Stay mobile along the wall.
🐟 Mullet (Thin-lipped) 7/10
🎯 Tip: Small Mepps-style spoon with rag trailer worked in the creek on the flood; clearer neaps help. May-Sep; long fluorocarbon trace and stealth.
🐟 Flounder 6/10
🎯 Tip: Light running ledger with rag/maddies or lug; cast short onto soft mud and channel edges. Best late autumn-spring on the flood and first of the ebb; creep baits back slowly.
🐟 European Eel 6/10
🎯 Tip: Worm or fish strip at dusk/night tight to margins and creek mouths on a simple running ledger, size 2-1/0. Warm months; unhook carefully and release promptly.
🐟 Mullet (Thick-lipped) 6/10
🎯 Tip: Bread flake or crust under a waggler near outfalls and walls; trickle in crumb. Calm neaps, midday sun helps; Jun-Sep.
🐟 Common Goby 5/10
🎯 Tip: Tiny hooks (14-18) with slivers of worm down the margins and around weed at mid tide; summer; good while scratching.
🐟 Whiting 4/10
🎯 Tip: Small fish strips or worm at night on winter springs into the deeper channel; 2-hook flappers, size 2-4; occasional this far upriver.
🐟 Sand Goby 4/10
🎯 Tip: Mini rigs with small worm baits over sandy or muddy patches at low to mid water; gentle lobs only; summer.
🐟 Dover Sole 3/10
🎯 Tip: Ragworm on long snoods over soft mud on a slow neap flood, late summer-autumn; gentle casts, keep baits still.

Kingsweston Pill Fishing

Summary

Kingsweston Pill sits on the north bank of the tidal River Avon between Shirehampton and Avonmouth, on the edge of Lamplighters Marsh. It’s a classic inner–Bristol Channel estuary mark with huge tides, heavy flow, and proper urban character. Expect codling and whiting in winter, bass and mullet in the warmer months, plus year‑round surprises if you get your timing right.

Location and Access

This mark is reached from the Shirehampton side of the River Avon, with level walking along the riverside path and short grassy or stony sections to set up. Aim for the Lamplighters area and follow the river path west towards the small tidal pill and moorings.

Seasons

This part of the Avon fishes like an inner estuary: coloured water, strong tides, and fish tight to the margins. Expect seasonal turnover.

Methods

The Avon here demands strong estuary gear and tidy presentation. Fish tight for bass and flounder; step up baits and hooks for codling in winter.

Tides and Conditions

The Bristol Channel’s massive range dominates this mark. Timing your session around the push and slack is more important than distance casting.

Safety

This is a fast, powerful estuary with deep mud and slippery banks. Plan conservatively and keep well clear of the edge as the tide races in.

Facilities

Shirehampton provides decent amenities a short walk away, with the bonus of a riverside pub at hand.

Tips

This stretch rewards neat, no-nonsense estuary angling. Treat it like the powerful river it is and fish tight and efficient.

Regulations

Estuary marks around Kingsweston Pill fall under national and local rules. Regulations can change, so check before you go and obey any on-site notices.