Shirehampton Ferry Steps Fishing

Last updated: 6 days ago

Shirehampton Ferry Steps Fishing Map

Tidal steps on the River Avon at the former Shirehampton–Pill ferry. Deep, fast-flowing estuarine channel with extreme tidal range and strong lateral pull; best fished the last two hours of the flood and the first of the ebb around high water. Muddy margins and scattered snags; use strong grip leads (6–7 oz) and a weak-link/rotten-bottom. Access via the riverside path near The Lamplighters; the steps can be slippery, and the flow is hazardous—no wading. Summer into early autumn sees bass and mullet with reliable flounder; late autumn–winter can produce whiting and the odd codling. Night fishing improves bites. Check large spring tides and avoid low-water springs when mud is exposed.

Ratings

⭐ 5.8/10 Overall
Catch Potential 6/10
Species Variety 6/10
Scenery & Comfort 6/10
Safety 4/10
Accessibility 6/10

Fish You Can Catch at Shirehampton Ferry Steps

🐟 Flounder 8/10
🎯 Tip: Fish channel edges over mud; lugworm or rag on long snoods. Best last 2hrs flood and first of ebb. Use 5–7oz grip leads in strong tide.
🐟 Bass 7/10
🎯 Tip: Peeler crab or lug; fish the flood into dusk around eddies by the steps. Cast uptide with 6–7oz grips and a rotten-bottom to beat snags.
🐟 European Eel 6/10
🎯 Tip: Warm nights; small fish or squid strips ledgered in margins and creases on last ebb/first flood. Use a weak-link to avoid losing gear.
🐟 Mullet (Thin-lipped) 6/10
🎯 Tip: Summer neaps; baited Mepps or small spinners worked through slack margins and creases. Stealthy approach pays.
🐟 Whiting 5/10
🎯 Tip: Winter nights on small lug/squid cocktails at range on the flood. 2–3 hook flappers with small hooks.
🐟 Mullet (Thick-lipped) 5/10
🎯 Tip: Summer neaps; bread flake under a small float in slack water by structure. Early morning is best.
🐟 Cod 4/10
🎯 Tip: Occasional in cold winters; big lug/crab baits into main flow after dark on spring tides. Heavy gear with 6–7oz grips.
🐟 Pouting 3/10
🎯 Tip: Odd fish at night near structure on rag or squid strips during the flood. Keep baits small.
🐟 Dover Sole 3/10
🎯 Tip: Late summer nights; ragworm or black lug cast short onto mud/sand seams on neap tides. Keep rigs static.
🐟 European Smelt 2/10
🎯 Tip: Late winter neaps; tiny spinners or small fish slivers on size 8–10 hooks in midwater near surface at dusk. Rare bycatch.

Shirehampton Ferry Steps Fishing

Summary

Shirehampton Ferry Steps sit on the tidal River Avon at Shirehampton, just inside the upper reaches of the Bristol Channel. It’s a classic estuary wall mark with fierce tides, deep coloured water and genuine chance fish in season. Expect bass on the flood in warmer months and winter codling/estuary species when the weather turns, with conger always a possibility after dark.

Location and Access

This mark is reached from Shirehampton village and the riverside path by The Lamplighters area (BS11). Access is straightforward and urban, but you’ll be fishing from a high wall and old ferry steps, so plan how you will safely land fish.

Seasons

Fishing here follows an estuary calendar, with bass and mullet in the warmer months and traditional winter targets as the water cools. The ever-present conger eel loves the structure and coloured water.

Methods

Strong tide work and a high wall call for robust gear, short snoods, and gripper leads. Fish baits confidently—this is classic Bristol Channel estuary fishing.

Tides and Conditions

The River Avon here is dominated by one of the world’s biggest tidal ranges. Plan your session around manageable flows and safe water levels.

Safety

This is a high, hard estuary wall with steep, often slimy steps and very fast tides. Treat it with full respect and plan how you will land fish before you start.

Facilities

You’re in an urban setting with amenities close by, but there are no dedicated angling facilities on the wall itself.

Tips

This stretch rewards tidy presentations and working with the tide rather than against it. Small adjustments often make the difference in the coloured water.

Regulations

This is tidal water within the Port of Bristol/Avon navigation. Normal public shore angling is generally tolerated, but you must observe any local signage and byelaws.