Lamplighters Marsh Fishing

Last updated: 1 week ago

Lamplighters Marsh Fishing Map

A tidal estuary bank on the River Avon beside Lamplighters Marsh (Shirehampton). Mixed mud, shingle and stone revetment with a fast, deep channel on springs. Fishing is best around the last two hours of flood through the first of the ebb; neaps give clearer water for mullet. Access is easy via the riverside path from The Lamplighters pub/park, with plenty of room for ledgering along the hard standings. Expect powerful tides, floating debris and boat wash; avoid the soft mud below the revetment and do not venture onto exposed mudflats. Night sessions can be productive. Typical baits are ragworm, lugworm, peeler crab, fish strips and bread; light lures or small spinners also score in the slacks. Check local tide times and byelaws before fishing.

Ratings

⭐ 6.5/10 Overall
Catch Potential 7/10
Species Variety 6/10
Scenery & Comfort 7/10
Safety 4/10
Accessibility 8/10

Fish You Can Catch at Lamplighters Marsh

🐟 Flounder 8/10
🎯 Tip: Muddy estuary mark; 2–3 hrs up to high on springs. Light running ledger, size 2–4 hooks, ragworm or peeler. Aim at channel edges/creases. Use a long-handled net and beware soft mud.
🐟 Bass 7/10
🎯 Tip: Best on the flood into dusk, coloured water after rain. 3–4" paddle tails/weedless soft plastics worked along creases, or peeler/mackerel strip in the channel. 1–3 oz leads in the flow.
🐟 Mullet (Thin-lipped) 7/10
🎯 Tip: Summer on the flooding tide. Small spinners (Mepps) tipped with rag/Isome along outfalls and weedlines. 6–8 lb fluoro, long leader, stealthy approach.
🐟 European Eel 6/10
🎯 Tip: Warm nights on neaps. Simple leger with worm or fish strip in the margins and channel edges. Use barbless/circle hooks for easy release; expect powerful wriggles in strong flow.
🐟 Mullet (Thick-lipped) 6/10
🎯 Tip: Float-fish bread flake/crust along walls and eddies on evening floods in summer. Pre-bait with bread mash; size 8–10 hooks, light line.
🐟 Common Goby 5/10
🎯 Tip: Micro session at low to mid tide along muddy margins. Size 14–18 hooks, tiny rag/prawn slivers; short drop-shot under the rod tip.
🐟 Sand Goby 5/10
🎯 Tip: Flooding tide over shallow sandy/muddy pockets. Ultra-light gear, size 14–18 hooks with rag slivers; short casts and slow lifts.
🐟 European Smelt 4/10
🎯 Tip: Late winter nights on neaps. Small sabikis or size 12–14 with fish slivers, near-surface around any lights; cast to channel seams.
🐟 Sea Trout 3/10
🎯 Tip: Occasional on dusk floods in summer. Small silver spinners or slim minnows in the main channel. Handle carefully and release promptly.

Lamplighters Marsh Fishing

Summary

Lamplighters Marsh sits on the tidal River Avon between Shirehampton and Sea Mills in northwest Bristol, where the estuary breathes the vast tides of the Severn. This urban-green fringe is a genuine, year‑round scratchpad for Bristol Channel species, with bass, rays, codling, smoothhounds and mullet all realistic targets in season. Expect powerful currents, dramatic tide swings, and surprisingly good fishing when you time it right.

Location and Access

Reaching the mark is straightforward and the walking is flat, with a surfaced riverside path that threads through the nature reserve. Most anglers base themselves by The Lamplighters pub and work stretches of bank east and west along the path.

Seasons

This stretch of the Avon fishes like an inner estuary: fast tides, coloured water, and seasonal visitors riding the salinity line. Think sensible expectations and tidy tactics rather than hero casts.

Methods

Simple, strong estuary tactics score here; the current is unforgiving and the bottom can be snaggy with rubble and debris. Set up methodically and fish fresh baits confidently.

Tides and Conditions

The Severn’s tide range rules everything here; get the state of tide and river conditions right and the mark comes alive. Springs push salt and fish upriver; neaps are easier to fish but can be quieter for rays.

Safety

This is a serious tidal river with deep, soft mud and powerful surges—treat it with respect. Keep to the made path and never descend onto the foreshore.

Facilities

Urban convenience is one of this mark’s perks, though on‑site facilities are limited beyond the pub. Plan ahead for late‑night sessions.

Tips

Lamplighters rewards tidy, tide‑aware fishing and a bit of patience. Treat it like a compact Bristol Channel mark and it will make sense.

Regulations

Know the estuary rules—this is a protected, highly dynamic environment with overlapping byelaws. When in doubt, check the Environment Agency and Devon & Severn IFCA before you go.