New Cut Fishing

Last updated: 1 week ago

New Cut Fishing Map

The New Cut is a fast-flowing tidal channel of the River Avon running through south-central Bristol, with steep stone/concrete embankments, mud margins at low water, and strong currents on spring tides. It fishes like an urban estuary: mullet are the headline quarry, with flounder, eels and the odd bass. Access is via paths along Coronation Road and the north bank opposite Wapping Wharf, with railings and occasional low platforms by bridges. Best windows are the last two hours of the flood and first of the ebb when fish push tight to the walls and eddies form around bridge buttresses. Water clarity and runoff matter—sport is better after a few dry days. Use a long-handled landing net or drop net from higher sections, and never venture onto exposed mud. Expect an urban setting (traffic, cyclists), limited seating, and fast tidal flow that makes light end-tackle and tidy presentation important.

Ratings

⭐ 5.1/10 Overall
Catch Potential 5/10
Species Variety 5/10
Scenery & Comfort 5/10
Safety 4/10
Accessibility 7/10

Fish You Can Catch at New Cut

🐟 Mullet (Thick-lipped) 8/10
🎯 Tip: Bread flake under a float or freelined along the quay walls; groundbait with bread mash. Best May–Oct, neap tides, at slack or first of the flood. Stealth matters.
🐟 Bass 7/10
🎯 Tip: Work soft plastics or shallow plugs through eddies and near outfalls on the flood; peeler crab or worm baits tight to structure. Dusk into dark, late spring–autumn.
🐟 European Eel 7/10
🎯 Tip: After dark, ledger small worm or fish strips in the margins. Aim for last of the flood or first of the ebb to ease the flow. Peak June–Sept.
🐟 Mullet (Thin-lipped) 7/10
🎯 Tip: Baited spinner (small Mepps + rag/Isome) trotted in the flow on the flood; target clearer water and sunlit runs. Late spring to autumn.
🐟 Common Goby 6/10
🎯 Tip: Tiny size 14–18 hooks with small rag/Isome pieces dropped tight to steps and walls; fish at HW slack in summer.
🐟 Sand Goby 6/10
🎯 Tip: Light paternoster with tiny slivers of rag on size 16 hooks; target sandy/mud edges at HW slack or first of the ebb. Spring–autumn.
🐟 Two-spotted Goby 5/10
🎯 Tip: Sight-fish tiny baits or micro-lures around weed, bridge abutments and eddies; brightest days in summer; fish slack water.
🐟 Flounder 4/10
🎯 Tip: Long-snood running ledger with rag/peeler over mud tongues; winter–early spring. Best on last of the flood or first of the ebb when flow eases.

New Cut Fishing

Summary

The New Cut is the tidal channel of the River Avon that skirts Bristol city centre between Cumberland Basin and Totterdown. It’s an urban, fast-flowing stretch with huge tidal swings, coloured water and tricky access—but it rewards patient anglers with mullet, school bass and the odd flounder. Expect a technical, timing‑dependent venue that fishes best on neaps and around slack water.

Location and Access

Running parallel to Coronation Road (BS3) and Clarence Road/Temple Gate (BS1/BS2), the New Cut is bordered by continuous paths and railings with several footbridges. Access is straightforward on foot, but safe, practical fishing spots are limited due to high walls and steep, muddy banks.

Seasons

This is a brackish, estuarine river reach with migratory and marine visitors. Species presence changes with season, freshwater flow and temperature.

Methods

Presentation and timing matter more than distance here. Work the slacks and seams, travel light and be ready to move.

Tides and Conditions

Bristol’s extreme tidal range drives fierce currents. Plan around neaps and slack windows rather than chasing maximum depth.

Safety

This is a hazardous urban tidal river with deep, fast water, vertical walls and soft mud. Treat the edge like a cliff.

Facilities

The New Cut runs through the heart of the city, so amenities are close by, though not always right on the bank.

Tips

Success here often hinges on mobility and finesse—fish where the water looks easiest, not deepest.

Regulations

Regulations can vary across this mixed harbour/river environment—always obey on‑site signage and current national byelaws.