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Devon

Greencliff

6.7 · Rocks · Devon

A rugged North Devon rock mark beneath the Greencliff/Abbotsham cliffs. You fish from low-tide rock platforms and boulder scars into kelp-filled gullies that drop into mixed rough with clean sand patches. It’s a classic summer–autumn venue for wrasse, pollack, bass, mackerel and garfish; after dark it can throw up conger and bull huss. Winter brings pouting and the odd rockling or codling in a big sea. Best with a flooding tide into dusk and a light to moderate swell with clear or clearing water. Access is via the SW Coast Path from the Greencliff (National Trust) parking area, then a 15–25 minute walk and a steep, sometimes slippery scramble to the ledges. Beware swell, surges and tide cut-off on springs; use strong tackle and rotten-bottom rigs. Cleated boots and a PFD are strongly advised.

Should you fish Greencliff?

49 Low

Today · Best available

Best available: 06:00-09:00 around the rising tide

Most likely species: Ballan Wrasse and Pollack

Poor conditions. Best available around 06:00-09:00 around the rising tide, but no window reaches the strong threshold today. Good chance of Ballan Wrasse and Pollack.

NW 5 mph Rain 19% High tide 11:36

Consider a backup mark if conditions do not improve.

Plan this mark

7-day fishing forecast for Greencliff — 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.

Wednesday looks better than today. Unlock the week to see its score and exact window.

· 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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Greencliff is a mobile, rough-ground North Devon rock mark where the flood is usually the key. Fish low-tide ledges and kelp gullies as the water pushes in, then retreat and re-pick ambush points rather than sitting in one place. It is strongest from late spring through autumn for wrasse, pollack, bass, mackerel and garfish, with huss, conger and pouting more likely after dark. The mark is productive but committing: swell, slippery rock, fast tide and cut-off risk should decide whether you fish at all.

  • Know when to fish the outer ledges—and when to step back.
  • Pick the right gullies for bass, wrasse, pollack or huss.
  • Time the flood instead of wasting the dead water.
  • Use snag-resistant rigs that suit Greencliff’s kelp and rock.
  • Spot the conditions that make this mark unsafe or unfishable.

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Jump to towns around this mark for more marks and guides.

Westward Ho! 1.9 mi Bideford 2.7 mi Northam 2.8 mi Littleham 3.2 mi Appledore (Torridge) 3.8 mi

Explore nearby towns: Westward Ho! · Bideford · Northam · Littleham · Appledore (Torridge)

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

Overall rating

6.7 /10

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

Category scores

Catch Potential 7/10
Species Variety 8/10
Scenery & Comfort 7/10
Safety 4/10
Accessibility 4/10

Ballan Wrasse 9/10
Tip: Rough kelp/reef. Fish crab or hardback or rag close to rock ledges. Best May–Sep, mid–flood to high. Use strong gear, rotten-bottom to beat snags.
Bass 8/10
Tip: Work weedless soft plastics or surface lures through surfy gullies on a flooding tide at dawn/dusk. After blow, fish peeler/crab baits. Summer–autumn.
Pollack 8/10
Tip: Distance not needed; cast soft plastics or metal jigs along kelp edges at dusk on the flood. Long leaders/weedless hooks. Spring–autumn.
Bull Huss 7/10
Tip: Large fish/squid baits dropped into gullies after dark, 2 hrs either side of high on neap tides. 40–60lb trace, rotten-bottom. Year-round, best late spring–autumn.
Pouting 6/10
Tip: Small strips of mackerel/squid on size 2–4s at night, cast to scoured channels. Flood to first of ebb. Year-round, peak autumn/winter.
Mackerel 6/10
Tip: Summer shoals on flood; metals or small feathers from higher rock points. Best evening into dusk on clear water. Watch swell.
Corkwing Wrasse 6/10
Tip: Small ragworm or prawn under a float tight to kelp. Flood to high, May–Sep. Keep baits moving to avoid snags.
Conger Eel 6/10
Tip: Night over rough ground; whole mackerel/squid on strong gear. Fish the last of the flood/high from secure rock platforms. Best summer–autumn.
Lesser Spotted Dogfish 5/10
Tip: Small fish or squid baits onto cleaner patches at night, 2 hrs either side of high. Year-round; avoid heavy kelp to reduce snags.
Garfish 5/10
Tip: Float fish thin strips of mackerel or small sandeels mid-water on flooding evening tides in late spring–autumn; clear water helps.

Local knowledge

Greencliff fishing guide

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

Greencliff sits between Abbotsham and Westward Ho! on North Devon’s rugged Bideford Bay, where tilted rock ledges and kelp-filled gullies meet sand patches. It’s a classic rough-ground mark for bass, wrasse and huss, with atmospheric sunsets and big Bristol Channel tides that switch the venue on and off in minutes.

Overview: Access is via the South West Coast Path with options from Abbotsham or Westward Ho!. Expect a steep field path and a cobble/rock shoreline; plan your load and footwear accordingly.

  • Approach from Abbotsham: follow Greencliff Lane to the coast path; very limited roadside spaces—do not block gates or tracks (nearest village postcode: EX39 5AP). Obey any local parking signs.
  • Approach from Westward Ho!: use seafront or Kipling Tors car parks (around EX39 1HN) and walk the coast path west 20–35 minutes to Greencliff.
  • Terrain: steep grassy descent that can be muddy, then a storm pebble ridge and extensive, weeded rock platforms with gullies; not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
  • Footing: rock is glassy when wet or algal; studded boots or rock boots strongly recommended.
  • Night access: feasible for experienced anglers but navigation is tricky—recce in daylight first.

What you can expect: Greencliff is primarily a rough-ground venue. Bass headline the warmer months; wrasse and pollack add sport in daylight, with huss and conger after dark.

  • Spring (Apr–May): school and early bass, pollack, wrasse starting, rockling; spider crabs arrive and peelers become prime bait.
  • Summer (Jun–Aug): bass (including better fish at dusk), wrasse, pollack, garfish, mackerel shoals on calm evenings, smoothhound on peeler, dogfish; occasional bull huss.
  • Autumn (Sep–Nov): peak bass months, wrasse to first frosts, bigger pollack at dusk, bull huss, conger at night; odd codling possible after heavy blows but not reliable.
  • Winter (Dec–Feb): conger, bull huss, rockling, dogfish; whiting if you can reach nearby sand patches on the right tide; codling remain occasional bonuses.

How to fish it: Think snag-resistant tactics close to structure on a flooding tide, with mobile lure work in calmer water and beefed-up bottom gear for the rough stuff.

  • Lure fishing for bass: weedless soft plastics (4–6 in) on weighted belly hooks; surface walkers and shallow divers over the flooding tide, especially at dawn/dusk in a light onshore ripple.
  • Float fishing: ragworm or crab for wrasse tight to kelp edges; sandeel or strips of mackerel for pollack along the drop-offs at dusk.
  • Bottom fishing: pulley/pulley pennel (rotten-bottom link) with 4–5 oz leads; 30–50 lb leader; big mackerel, squid or bluey for huss/conger after dark; peeler crab or fresh lug/sandeel for bass over sandy tongues between ledges.
  • Smoothhound tactics (summer): peeler crab on a 3/0–4/0 strong hook, 20–30 lb snood, fish into slightly cleaner ground on the first half of the flood.
  • Distance vs accuracy: long casts are less important than placing baits in gullies/edges; move frequently until you find fish.
  • Terminal tweaks: always use a weak-link (sacrificial) weight clip; consider single-hook rigs and short snoods to reduce snagging.

When it fishes: The Bristol Channel’s range and residual swell dictate everything. Aim for a manageable swell with some colour and fish the flood.

  • Best tide: mid to large floods; 2 hours before to 1 hour after high water is prime for bass. Neaps can be excellent for lures thanks to reduced weed.
  • Sea state: a light onshore push with fizz and 1–3 ft swell puts bass on the ledges; too much swell and it becomes unfishable and unsafe.
  • Water clarity: a slight tea-stain colour is ideal. Gin-clear suits wrasse and lure pollack; chocolate brown limits success.
  • Time of day: dawn and dusk shine for bass and pollack; wrasse prefer daylight with some movement; huss and conger peak after dark.
  • Wind: W–NW can create swell; E/SE gives calmer surfaces for lures but can be very clear—downsize and go subtle.

Hazards to respect: This is a committing rough-ground venue with fast tides, slippery rock and real cut-off potential. Treat it like a low-tide reef.

  • Slippery ledges and kelp: wear studs/felts and move deliberately; avoid green, glassy patches.
  • Tidal cut-off: study the reef layout at low water; do not fish gullies that flood behind you—always leave an escape route.
  • Swell and surges: rogue waves can sweep platforms; keep back from edges and never turn your back on the sea.
  • Cliffs and falls: avoid standing beneath crumbly faces; do not descend unofficial scrambles.
  • Night fishing: only for experienced parties with headtorches and backups; mark exits; carry a charged phone and consider a PFD.
  • Weather and signal: phone coverage can be patchy; tell someone your plan and check a reliable local tide table for Bideford Bay.
  • Livestock and access: keep dogs on leads, leave gates as found, and stick to signed public rights of way.

What’s nearby: The mark itself is wild with no amenities on the shore. Plan to be self-sufficient.

  • Parking: limited roadside near Greencliff lane end (respect residents) or formal car parks at Westward Ho! (around EX39 1HN).
  • Toilets and food: public facilities, cafés and takeaways in Westward Ho!; The Thatched Inn at Abbotsham for food/drink (EX39 5AP area).
  • Tackle and bait: Summerlands Tackle in Westward Ho! stocks bait, lures and rough-ground gear.
  • Mobile signal: intermittent by the water; generally better up on the coast path.
  • Water and shelter: none on site; bring water, warm layers and a dry bag.

Hard-won lessons: Greencliff rewards tidy, mobile fishing and punishes laziness. Travel light, read the water, and expect to lose some gear.

  • Use a rotten-bottom every cast; carry pre-tied rigs and spare leads.
  • After a blow, give it 24–48 hours for the colour to fine down—bass love the residual fizz.
  • Work the flood: start on the outer edges at low, then step back as the water climbs, re-finding ambush points each session.
  • May rot/weed: expect suspended weed on big spring floods—switch to weedless lures or fish baits in clearer side gullies.
  • Wrasse etiquette: release big females; small, barbless or crushed barbs make unhooking easier around kelp.
  • Visual cues: any bird fuss over bait shoals can herald a brief mackerel/garfish window—keep a small metal ready.
  • Quiet counts: keep footsteps light on shallow ledges; bass in skinny water spook easily.

Know the rules: This coastline falls within the Devon and Severn IFCA district. Shore angling is permitted, but specific protections and seasons apply and can change.

  • European seabass: regulations are reviewed annually. As of 2024 guidance, minimum size 42 cm with a restricted open season and daily bag limit; check the latest DEFRA/IFCA notice before retaining any bass.
  • IFCA byelaws: hand-gathering, bait digging and crustacean conservation byelaws apply; do not take berried or undersized crabs/lobsters and follow any local restrictions on gathering.
  • Protected sites: much of the coast is within AONB/SSSI designations—angling from the shore is allowed, but do not hammer rocks for bait or damage geology or wildlife.
  • General: take only what you’ll eat, use a fish-measure, and dispose of line/lead responsibly. If in doubt, practice catch and release and check Devon and Severn IFCA for current rules.