Summary
Shirehampton Railway Bridge is a classic upper-estuary Bristol Channel mark on the north bank of the tidal River Avon, a short stroll from Shirehampton village. It offers powerful tides, coloured water and real chance fishing for codling in winter, bass year-round, and estuary species in season. The mix of hardstanding, access, and estuary character makes it a reliable, convenient venue for locals and visiting anglers.
Location and Access
This mark sits along the riverside path by Shirehampton, close to the Severn Beach Line railway and commonly referred to by locals as the "Railway Bridge" stretch. Access is straightforward with public transport and on-street parking near the river.
- Parking: Head for Station Road and The Lamplighters area, postcode BS11 9XA. Use on-street parking respectfully; the pub car park is for patrons.
- Rail: Shirehampton Station (Severn Beach Line) is a short walk to the riverside path and fishing spots.
- On foot: A level, surfaced path runs along the river. Most anglers set up on the hardstanding by the wall or at obvious gaps/steps down; do not venture onto the foreshore.
- Terrain: Concrete flood defence, grass verges and some rock armour. Banks can be high in places; a drop net is helpful if you plan to return fish safely.
- Notes: Do not access any railway structures or trackside areas—fishing is from the public riverside only.
Seasons
You’re fishing a powerful, muddy upper-estuary with a broad seasonal species mix. Expect lots of small fish with genuine chances of better codling and bass when conditions align.
- Spring (Mar–May): Flounder, school bass, thick- and thin-lipped mullet (calmer neaps), occasional conger after dark; rare thornback near bigger tides.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Bass (schoolies to the odd better fish at dusk/dawn), European eel (release advised), mullet, conger; the odd smoothhound on peeler crab is possible but not common this far upriver.
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): Peak estuary fishing—bass, returning flounder, whiting as temps drop, conger, and the first codling on fresh black lug/squid cocktails.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Codling in good years, whiting, pout; hardy flounder remain. Expect fewer bites but better table fish when a blow colours the Channel and pushes fish upriver.
Methods
Ledgering dominates because of the flow; keep it simple and strong. Aim to hold bottom, present clean baits, and avoid the worst snags with sensible rigging.
- Rigs: Pulley pennel (3/0–5/0) for codling/bass; 2-hook flapper or clipped-down 2-hook (size 1–2/0) for flounder/whiting; add a rotten-bottom link if ground is grabby.
- Leads: 6–8 oz wired grip leads are standard; on big springs you may need 7–8 oz to hold.
- Lines: 20–25 lb mainline with 60–80 lb shock leader; abrasion-resistant snoods (25–40 lb) for conger/bass rigs.
- Baits: Fresh black lug and squid wraps for codling; ragworm, black lug, and maddies for flounder; peeler crab or softies for bass and the chance of a hound; oily fish baits (mackerel/squid) for conger and winter whiting.
- Lures/float: Limited windows on neaps—soft plastics or metal shads in slack water eddies for bass; bread flake or small spinners/mepps for thin-lipped mullet in very calm, clear spells.
- Tactics: Cast uptide slightly and allow the lead to dig in; keep rod high to lift line over the flow; check baits frequently in crabby periods; keep one bait tight in for patrolling bass at dusk.
Tides and Conditions
The River Avon here is ruled by the Bristol Channel’s huge range—tide choice makes or breaks the session. Work with the flow, not against it.
- Best states: 2–3 hours up to high water and the first of the ebb are the most manageable; brief slack at high water can produce a quick flurry.
- Springs vs neaps: Neaps are easier to hold bottom and suit flounder/mullet; springs push fish hard against the banks but can be unfishable mid-tide—target the edges of the tide.
- Weather: After a blow in autumn/winter, coloured water and extra push can bring codling upriver; prolonged heavy rain can freshen the river and slow sport for a day or two.
- Time of day: Dusk into dark is prime for bass, conger and winter codling; daylight is fine for flatties and whiting.
- Watercraft: Look for eddies and seams created by bends, steps and moorings—these soften the flow and collect food.
Safety
Treat this as a serious estuary venue: fast currents, deep water and dangerous mud. Fish only from firm ground and keep an eye on the tide.
- Do not go onto the foreshore—silt and soft mud can act like quicksand.
- Wear a lifejacket, especially at night or in wet/windy conditions; use headtorches and non-slip footwear.
- Banks and walls can be high—use a drop net for landing/returning fish safely.
- Expect powerful wash and drawdown as the tide turns or when craft pass; step back from the edge.
- Snaggy ground in places: use rotten-bottom links and carry spare leads.
- Accessibility: The riverside path is level and suitable for trolleys; actual fishing spots vary—some have steps or uneven edges.
- Restrictions: Do not access the railway or any private moorings; obey any local signage and keep paths clear for other users.
Facilities
Shirehampton offers convenient amenities within a short walk. Plan self-sufficiency during night sessions.
- Food/drink: The Lamplighters pub by the river (opening hours vary); shops and takeaways on Shirehampton High Street.
- Toilets: Pub (customers only). No public toilets directly on the river path.
- Tackle/bait: Veals (Brislington) and Bristol Angling Centre stock sea bait and gear—call ahead for fresh lug/rag; limited options in the immediate village.
- Transport: Shirehampton Station nearby; regular local buses to the village.
- Phone signal: Generally good, though can fluctuate in the gorge-like sections.
Tips
Small venue quirks and habits often outfish brute force. A few local tricks can save a slow tide.
- Wrap black lug with a sliver of squid and elasticate—lasts longer against crabs and flow.
- Keep one rod close-in during the flood for bass mooching along the wall and eddies.
- On heavy spring run, fish half-tides: last 90 minutes of flood and first hour of ebb are easiest to hold.
- Carry 6–8 oz grips and a handful of plain leads—plain bombs roll to find soft spots/eddies on neaps.
- Expect weed and debris on autumn springs; fish shorter and keep line angles high.
- A simple drop net makes returning flounder and undersize bass far less stressful from higher sections.
- If mullet are present, downsize dramatically: small hooks, light fluorocarbon and bread flake; keep noise to a minimum.
Regulations
This is tidal water outside the Floating Harbour—sea fishing is generally permitted from public access. Still, a few rules and good practices apply.
- No general rod licence is required for sea species, but targeting salmon or sea trout in the tidal River Avon requires an Environment Agency migratory salmonid licence and is subject to strict close seasons—do not target them.
- Bass (recreational): Commonly 2 fish per angler per day at minimum 42 cm during the open season; catch-and-release only outside those dates. Always check current MMO/DEFRA guidance before you go, as rules can change in-year.
- European eel: Critically endangered—release all eels; many anglers use circle hooks to reduce deep hooking.
- Bait digging: Upper estuary mudflats include sensitive SSSI areas; bait digging may be restricted and is unsafe—source bait from shops or firm sand only with permission.
- Respect private property and moorings; do not fish from any railway structures or trespass on operational land.
- General sizes/bags: Follow local IFCA/EA byelaws and recommended minimum sizes even if not legally mandated for recreational shore fishing.
- Litter and biosecurity: Take all waste home; rinse waders/gear to prevent spreading non-native species.
