Spike Island Fishing

Last updated: 1 week ago

Spike Island Fishing Map

Spike Island lines the Bristol Floating Harbour between the New Cut and Cumberland Basin. It offers deep, sheltered, largely non‑tidal water along quay walls, pontoons and slipways. The mark is best known for big shoals of mullet in warmer months, with occasional bass moving in around the lock/sluice flows. The adjacent New Cut holds flounder, and silver eels show after dark. Expect clear-to-coloured water depending on rainfall and sluice operation; stealth and light tackle are key. Observe local bylaws: avoid marinas, moorings, lock gates and working areas (Underfall Yard), and keep clear of boat traffic.

Ratings

⭐ 6.2/10 Overall
Catch Potential 6/10
Species Variety 5/10
Scenery & Comfort 9/10
Safety 6/10
Accessibility 9/10

Fish You Can Catch at Spike Island

🐟 Mullet (Thick-lipped) 8/10
🎯 Tip: Bread flake under a float or freelined; breadcrumb chum. Best in calm, clear water in the Floating Harbour; summer-autumn, midday to dusk around moored boats and lock gates.
🐟 Bass 7/10
🎯 Tip: Crab or rag baits rolled along edges on the flood/first of ebb, or weedless soft plastics in eddies by lock gates. Dusk/night on spring tides.
🐟 European Eel 7/10
🎯 Tip: Ledger rag or fish strip on muddy margins at dusk/night; neap tides reduce debris. Handle carefully and release - retention prohibited.
🐟 Common Goby 6/10
🎯 Tip: Size 18-22 hooks; tiny worm or prawn slivers fished static on the bottom in slack water along silt edges and pontoon bases. Summer.
🐟 Shanny 6/10
🎯 Tip: Size 14-18 hooks with rag or mussel lowered tight to harbour walls/steps at low water. Best in warmer months around weeded structure.
🐟 Mullet (Thin-lipped) 6/10
🎯 Tip: Small spinners with a rag strip worked in the flow on the flood; clear water, daylight. Target outflows and marina channels, late spring to early autumn.
🐟 Conger Eel 5/10
🎯 Tip: Stout gear; big fish baits tight to dock walls and lock structures after dark on the flood. Use strong mono and simple rigs to beat snags.
🐟 Flounder 4/10
🎯 Tip: Small rag or lug on a running ledger; cast to channel edges over mud on the ebb, late autumn to spring. Slow retrieve to draw takes.
🐟 Pouting 3/10
🎯 Tip: After dark around deeper walls; small fish or worm baits on size 2-4 hooks fished hard on the bottom. Autumn-winter.
🐟 Whiting 3/10
🎯 Tip: Occasional in cold snaps; small fish/squid baits at night on the flood from deeper quays. Two-hook flappers.

Spike Island Fishing

Summary

Spike Island sits between the River Avon’s New Cut and Bristol’s Floating Harbour, a central, urban mark with fast tides, deep walls and lots of structure. It’s a realistic venue for mullet, flounder and schoolie bass within walking distance of cafés and parking, but you must pay attention to local byelaws and ‘No Fishing’ signs around locks and working docks.

Location and Access

Reaching Spike Island is straightforward and mostly flat, with hard standings along quaysides and towpaths. You’ll be fishing either the south edge (onto the New Cut along Cumberland Road) or, where permitted, selected railings on the harbour side near Wapping Wharf. Expect city-centre parking controls and some paid car parks.

Seasons

Expect classic estuary species with a strong seasonal pattern. Winter sea species are much thinner this far upriver nowadays, but summer sport can be excellent for mullet.

Methods

Two distinct approaches work here: stealthy light tackle for mullet in the harbour/basins, and estuary ledgering or lures for bass and flounder on the New Cut when the tide eases.

Tides and Conditions

You’re fishing deep, powerful estuary water a long way from the open sea. Plan around the Bristol Channel’s huge range, target slack windows, and expect coloured water after rain.

Safety

This is a city‑centre, hard‑edged venue with vertical drops, strong currents and working docks. Treat every edge as a potential fall hazard and keep well clear of lock gates and moving vessels.

Facilities

Being in the heart of Bristol, amenities are close by, but access and parking are regulated. Plan ahead for bait and permits if you intend to fish the harbour sections.

Tips

Local patterns revolve around timing your session to the tide and keeping a low profile for mullet. Small tweaks make a big difference here.

Regulations

Rules here are a mix of national, IFCA, Environment Agency and local harbour byelaws. They change—check notices on site and official sources before you go.