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Bristol

Spike Island

6.2 · Harbour · Bristol

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.

Should you fish Spike Island?

55 Fair

Today · Best available

Best available: 03:00-06:00

Most likely species: European Eel and Bass

Fair conditions. Best available around 03:00-06:00, but no window reaches the strong threshold today. Good chance of European Eel and Bass.

W 3 mph Rain 0% High tide 00:42

Fishable, but pick your timing carefully.

Plan this mark

7-day fishing forecast for Spike Island — 7-day forecast

Scores and best windows are weighted for .

Met Office Met Office · Open-Meteo

Where the data comes from. Weather and sea-state readings come from the Met Office and Open-Meteo forecast models, refreshed several times a day. High and low water are taken from tide-station predictions for this stretch of coast.

How the score works. Each window is scored 0–100 from the signals that most reliably move fish inshore: tide movement (a running tide carries food, so the last of the flood and first of the ebb are usually the prime spells), wind speed and direction (onshore wind stirs food into the surf — up to the point it makes fishing hard), sea state (a little wave and swell movement helps, heavy swell hurts), and weather — rain, temperature and light. Behind the headline number we score bite opportunity and comfort separately, and run a separate safety check on wind and swell. The size of the tide counts too: spring tides move more water than neaps, so the tidal range for this stretch of coast is weighed alongside the tide's direction, your target species and this mark — and unusually big springs strengthen the safety check, because the water rises faster and covers more ground.

Your target species counts. Pick a species below and the score also weights what we know about it — its season, preferred sea temperature, tide stage and sea state, and whether it feeds by day or night.

The rating is guidance, not a guarantee — conditions change fast on the coast, so always judge the sea in front of you before you fish.

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· windows & tide

Spring vs neap tides. Spring tides have a larger difference between high and low water, so more water moves on each tide — usually stronger flow that stirs up food and gets fish feeding. Neap tides have a smaller range and generally gentler movement. The range here is compared with what is normal for this stretch of coast, and the cycle swings between springs and neaps roughly every week, following the moon.

Big spring tides: the water rises faster and covers more ground than usual — double-check access routes and cut-off points before you fish.

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Spike Island is best treated as two different venues in one: a sheltered, mostly non-tidal harbour-side mullet mark, and a powerful New Cut edge where bass, flounder and eels are more tide-dependent. The best decisions here are about choosing the right side for the target species, keeping presentations subtle, and avoiding the periods when spring flow, rain debris or harbour restrictions make the fishing inefficient or unsuitable.

  • Know when to fish the harbour side instead of the New Cut.
  • Time the short New Cut window instead of battling the full tide.
  • Use the right close-wall bread tactics for Spike Island mullet.
  • Pick neaps, slacks and current seams for better bass and flounder odds.
  • Avoid the restricted harbour areas that can ruin a session.

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Forecast tuning currently supports Bass and Mackerel — more species are on the way.

Overall rating

6.2 /10

Blend of catch potential, access, safety, and overall experience.

Category scores

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

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.

Local knowledge

Spike Island fishing guide

Practical access, seasons, methods, tides, safety and facilities for this mark.

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.

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.

  • Access routes: A370/Cumberland Road for the New Cut side; approach Wapping Wharf/M Shed area for the harbour side.
  • Parking: Pay-and-display around Wapping Wharf/Harbourside (e.g., BS1 6UD vicinity) and along Cumberland Road; residential zones operate—check signs and hours.
  • Public transport: Frequent buses and MetroBus along Cumberland Road; Temple Meads and Bedminster stations are a walk or short bus ride.
  • Terrain: Solid quays, cobbles, railings; high vertical walls in places. No beach access.
  • Access notes: The Underfall Yard, lock gates and some harbour edges are working areas and commonly signed ‘No Fishing’—obey all signage and keep clear of moorings.

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.

  • Spring (Apr–Jun): Thick‑lipped and thin‑lipped grey mullet, early schoolie bass, flounder; eels appear as water warms.
  • Summer (Jul–Sep): Peak mullet; bass to schoolie/occasional better fish; flounder consistent; eels common—handle quickly and release.
  • Autumn (Oct–Nov): Mullet linger until the first cold snaps; bass on springs around moving water; flounder.
  • Winter (Dec–Feb): Scrappy flounder on neaps; odd bass possible; historic codling runs are now rare this far up.
  • Occasional/nearby: Smelt late winter, thin‑lipped mullet on spinners, accidental shad/salmon/sea trout in season (all protected—return immediately).

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.

  • Mullet tactics:
    • Float or freelined bread flake with steady bread mash; 6–8 lb mainline, size 8–12 hooks, long handled landing net.
    • Thin‑lips will take small in‑line spinners tipped with a sliver of rag.
    • Fish tight to walls and under moored hulls; keep noise and shadows to a minimum.
  • Flounder rigs:
    • Light 1–2 hook flappers or long‑trace running ledger with size 2–4 Aberdeens.
    • Baits: ragworm and maddies; cocktail with a sliver of mackerel or squid for scent.
    • Cast short into channels and eddies; let baits settle then inch them along.
  • Bass options:
    • Paddletails or small metal lures worked along current seams on a flooding tide; weedless 7–12 cm soft plastics shine.
    • Baits: peeler/soft crab, ragworm or prawn on a running ledger; use a weak link to your lead—snags are common.
  • Lead choice and terminal gear:
    • Neaps: 2–4 oz can suffice; springs or fast ebb/flood: 5–8 oz, spider/watch leads help grip.
    • Use rotten‑bottoms and be prepared to lose gear; the New Cut holds debris.
  • Times: Early/late or overcast days for mullet and bass; flounder bite steadily on neaps and around slack water on springs.

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.

  • Best tide windows: Last 2 hours of the flood through first hour of the ebb are most manageable in the New Cut; longer fishable periods on neaps.
  • Springs vs neaps: Springs create fierce flow—fish the brief slacks; neaps favour flounder and controlled lure work.
  • Water clarity: Generally coloured; mullet still feed confidently but keep presentations subtle. After heavy rain the New Cut can carry debris—use heavier leaders.
  • Light and timing: Dawn/dusk for bass and mullet; bright middays can still work for mullet if you pre‑bait and stay stealthy.
  • Wind: SW–W winds funnel but don’t create surf; strong winds plus a big spring can make ledgering impractical.
  • Lock/sluice movement: When Underfall sluices run, moving water can switch bass on—never fish from or too close to the structures; observe any exclusion signage.

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.

  • Vertical walls and drops: Do not climb railings; use a long landing net; keep children and dogs away from edges.
  • Currents: The New Cut rips on springs; a lifejacket is strongly recommended, especially after dark.
  • Slips and trips: Algae, wet cobbles and metal edges are slick—wear grippy footwear.
  • Snags: Submerged debris is common—use weak links to your leads and avoid hauling from awkward angles.
  • Traffic: Shared paths with cyclists and runners—keep rods, tripods and buckets tight to the railings.
  • Working areas: No fishing from lock gates, ladders, pontoons or within signed exclusion zones around Underfall Yard and moorings.
  • Night fishing: Stick to lit areas, go with a mate, carry a headtorch and phone; be respectful of residents and moored boats.

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.

  • Toilets: Public facilities around M Shed/Harbourside during opening hours; additional facilities in Wapping Wharf venues.
  • Food and drink: Numerous cafés, bars and takeaways at Wapping Wharf and along the waterfront.
  • Tackle and bait: Several shops within a 15–30 minute drive (e.g., Keynsham/Brislington) often stock ragworm and frozen baits—call ahead for availability and opening times.
  • Parking: Pay‑and‑display and controlled zones; check tariffs and time limits, especially evenings/weekends.
  • Mobile signal: Generally good.
  • Seating/shelter: Limited; bring a lightweight chair if ledgering. No shelters on lock structures or working quays.

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

  • Pre‑bait subtly for mullet with small golf‑ball bread mash every 10–15 minutes rather than one big dump—too much feed draws them off your hook.
  • If you can see mullet tails flicking tight to the wall, drop a freelined flake 30–60 cm off the stones and do not strike hard—just lift and walk them out.
  • On the New Cut, pick neaps and aim for short, precise sessions around slack; a 2‑hour window often outfishes a 6‑hour slog.
  • Use dark, abrasion‑resistant leaders (20–30 lb) to cope with brick edges and flotsam.
  • Carry a very long handle net—harbour walls are high and fish are lost at the step.
  • For bass on lures, fish current seams and eddies created by moored vessels and outflows; keep retrieves slow in the coloured water.
  • Expect eels on warm nights—crush barbs and keep unhooking gear ready to release them quickly.
  • Always have a rubbish bag; harbour staff are quick to clamp down if anglers leave litter or groundbait smears on the paving.

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.

  • Harbour byelaws: Large sections of the Floating Harbour, Underfall Yard, lock gates and pontoons are ‘No Fishing’. Do not fish from lock gates, ladders, pontoons, or within marked exclusion zones, and keep clear of moored craft and working quays. Obey any signage.
  • Environment Agency rod licence: Not required for purely sea fishing, but if you fish the harbour/New Cut and could reasonably catch freshwater species (e.g., eels, perch, pike, roach), an EA licence may be required. Carry one if using coarse methods; enforcement can occur in mixed fisheries.
  • Coarse close season: Applies on rivers (including the tidal River Avon/New Cut) from 15 March to 15 June. You may target sea species in estuaries, but you must not intentionally fish for coarse species and must release any coarse fish immediately. The Floating Harbour (canalised stillwater) follows separate permissions—check local rules/permits.
  • Bass: Recreational bass rules include size and seasonal bag limits (42 cm minimum; closed or catch‑and‑release periods typically in winter months). Regulations are updated periodically—check MMO/DEFRA for current dates and limits.
  • Eels and shad/salmonids: European eel should be released—do not retain. Allis/twaite shad, salmon and sea trout are protected—release immediately if accidentally hooked.
  • Size limits and gear: Devon & Severn IFCA minimum conservation reference sizes apply in this district—consult D&S IFCA for current limits and any netting/trap prohibitions.
  • Permits: Some stretches of the Floating Harbour require a harbour angling permit; working dock areas may be completely closed to fishing. Confirm with Bristol City Council/Harbour Office.
  • Bait collecting: The Avon New Cut is a designated Local Nature Reserve—do not dig banks or disturb habitats; keep to paths and respect wildlife.
  • General: No littering, no lighting fires, no obstructing walkways or emergency ladders. Use barbless or crushed‑barb hooks if you expect eels and return unwanted catch promptly.