The Pump House, Hotwells Fishing

Last updated: 1 week ago

The Pump House, Hotwells Fishing Map

Urban harbour mark beside The Pump House in Hotwells, on the edge of Cumberland Basin/Junction Lock. Brackish water with strong tidal flows from the Avon and a very large tidal range. Deep water tight to the wall at high tide with mud/silt bottom and plenty of structure (locks, pilings, steps). Best results on the flood and first of the ebb when fish work the eddies and seams. Expect thin- and thick-lipped mullet in season, flounder year-round, bass on warmer months and eels after dark. Ground can be snaggy; fish light where possible and keep clear of moorings and boat traffic. Check local signage as some areas near the lock gates may be restricted.

Ratings

⭐ 6.4/10 Overall
Catch Potential 6/10
Species Variety 6/10
Scenery & Comfort 8/10
Safety 6/10
Accessibility 9/10

Fish You Can Catch at The Pump House, Hotwells

🐟 Mullet (Thin-lipped) 8/10
🎯 Tip: Small spinners with worm strip worked along scum lines and outflows on the flood; summer to autumn; fish tight to the walls near the Pump House.
🐟 European Eel 7/10
🎯 Tip: After dark; ledger ragworm or mackerel strip in slack water by the walls/lock entrances; spring to autumn; expect silt and snags.
🐟 Mullet (Thick-lipped) 7/10
🎯 Tip: Bread flake under a waggler; groundbait with mashed bread. Work eddies by the walls/basin at first light on neap tides; spring to autumn.
🐟 Bass 6/10
🎯 Tip: Rising tide at dusk or dawn; small paddletails or metals along wall eddies and outflows, especially after rain-coloured water; late spring to autumn.
🐟 Common Goby 5/10
🎯 Tip: Size 16-20 hooks with tiny worm bits; fish tight to muddy margins and slack beside the wall; gentle lift-and-hold in warmer months.
🐟 Shanny 5/10
🎯 Tip: Micro hooks with rag scraps; drop straight down the wall among crevices at low to mid tide; year-round; fast bites close in.
🐟 Flounder 4/10
🎯 Tip: Ragworm on a running ledger across muddy channel edges on the ebb or first flood; winter to spring; long snoods, minimal lead.
🐟 European Smelt 3/10
🎯 Tip: Winter evenings; small sabiki or single size 12 with rag sliver near lights; keep midwater on neap tides; short dusk feeding flurries.
🐟 Golden-grey Mullet 2/10
🎯 Tip: Occasional summer visitor; tiny rag or isome under a float over shallow margins on sunny neap tides; stealthy approach.
🐟 Sea Trout 2/10
🎯 Tip: Rare bycatch on small spinners worked for mullet/bass on the flood at dawn or dusk; observe local bylaws and closed seasons.

The Pump House, Hotwells Fishing

Summary

The Pump House, Hotwells, sits on the edge of Bristol’s historic harbour where the tidal River Avon meets the Cumberland Basin. It’s a classic inner-estuary mark: urban, convenient, and surprisingly productive for flounder, mullet and schoolie bass when you hit the right windows of tide and clarity. With firm quayside footing and nearby amenities, it’s a great after‑work or short‑session venue.

Location and Access

This mark is centered around the quayside by The Pump House in Hotwells, on the harbour side of the River Avon close to the entrance locks. Access is straightforward on paved quays and paths, with railings along much of the edge and several level approaches from the Hotwells road network.

Seasons

This is a brackish, highly tidal inner-estuary, so expect hardy estuarine species with seasonal peaks. Summer brings mullet and bass; the cooler months suit flounder.

Methods

Fast tides and man‑made structure dictate compact presentations, secure grip leads in the river, and finesse tactics for mullet inside calmer water. Short to medium casts often outfish blasting long.

Tides and Conditions

The Bristol Channel’s range creates fierce flow here; plan around neaps and slack periods. Water is nearly always coloured—don’t wait for gin‑clear conditions.

Safety

This is an urban, working-waterfront environment with vertical drops, fast tides and deep mud on any exposed foreshore. Treat the edge with absolute respect and fish within the railings.

Facilities

One of the perks of this mark is the urban convenience—food, loos and coffee are close at hand. Expect paid parking and decent mobile coverage.

Tips

Short, accurate casts into eddies and alongside structure consistently beat heaving long into the main flow. Watch the water before setting up—fish often show you where to start.

Regulations

This area straddles the tidal River Avon and the entrance to Bristol’s Floating Harbour, which is governed by harbour byelaws. Rules and signage can change—always check locally before you start.