Where’s The Fish? Logo for Where's The Fish?
Devon

Heddon's Mouth

6.9 · Rocks · Devon

Remote, boulder-strewn cove at the mouth of the River Heddon with deep, kelpy water close to the headlands. Best in settled seas on a flooding tide into dusk. Lure and float fishing excel; bottom fishing after dark produces larger rough-ground species. Access is a scenic walk from Heddon Valley (National Trust), then a scramble over rocks to reach ledges.

Should you fish Heddon's Mouth?

43 Low

Today · Best available

Best available: 03:00-06:00

Most likely species: Bass and Conger Eel

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

W 5 mph Rain 1% High tide 11:53

Consider a backup mark if conditions do not improve.

Plan this mark

7-day fishing forecast for Heddon's Mouth — 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.

Saturday 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.

Now

Tide curve will appear once tide data is available.

All windows will appear once the forecast is loaded.

Premium forecast

Unlock exact best windows, tactics and backup options for this mark.

Trip planner

Find the best time to fish Heddon's Mouth

Choose when you're free and what you want to catch. We'll show the best tide, weather window and method for this mark.

Premium unlocks exact windows, tactics and alerts.

Premium Mark Insight

Locked

Heddon’s Mouth is a committing North Devon rock mark where the best fishing usually comes when settled sea, flood tide and low light overlap. Treat it as a mobile rough-ground session: fish the boulder surf and stream-mouth colour lines for bass, then work the kelp edges and headland ledges for pollack, wrasse, mackerel and gar. After dark, heavier bottom tactics into rough ground can produce huss, conger, pouting and dogfish, but snags, swell and exit planning become the main constraints.

  • Know when to fish the stream-mouth boulders instead of the headland ledges
  • Time the flood-to-high window for bass, pollack and night rough-ground species
  • Pick lure, float or bottom tactics to match the kelp and boulder ground
  • Avoid the swell and tide combinations that make this cove a poor decision

Included with Premium

Cancel anytime · Stripe

Unlock this mark's plan

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

Lynton and Lynmouth 4.0 mi Combe Martin 4.6 mi Bratton Fleming 7.4 mi Chambercombe 8.0 mi Ilfracombe 8.1 mi

Explore nearby towns: Lynton and Lynmouth · Combe Martin · Bratton Fleming · Chambercombe · Ilfracombe

Zoom and pan to explore access points and nearby marks.

Jump to guide

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

Overall rating

6.9 /10

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

Category scores

Catch Potential 7/10
Species Variety 8/10
Scenery & Comfort 8/10
Safety 4/10
Accessibility 5/10

Pollack 9/10
Tip: Work weedless soft plastics or float-fished sandeels along kelp edges from the headlands. Best at dawn/dusk on the flood; cast parallel to ledges.
Bass 8/10
Tip: Fish the boulder surf with surface/shallow lures in an onshore swell, or crab/sandeel baits near the stream mouth. Dawn/dusk on a flooding tide, autumn blows best.
Ballan Wrasse 8/10
Tip: Crab or ragworm into kelp gullies under a float or short ledger. Daylight on the flood; summer–early autumn. Use strong gear and rotten-bottom rigs.
Pouting 7/10
Tip: Small mackerel/squid strips on 1/0–2/0 flappers dropped into rough ground. Dusk/night on the flood; expect snags—use weak links.
Mackerel 7/10
Tip: Summer shoals off the headlands; feathers or 20–40g metals at first/last light on a rising tide. Clear water and bird activity help.
Conger Eel 7/10
Tip: Big fish baits after dark into boulders/kelp. First hours of the flood to high water. Heavy abrasion-resistant gear, use rotten-bottoms.
Bull Huss 6/10
Tip: Ledger large fish or peeler baits into rough ground after dark. Flood to high fishes best, summer–autumn. Long rubbing leader recommended.
Corkwing Wrasse 6/10
Tip: Small hooks with rag/shrimp under a float tight to weed. Lower baits into gullies on the flood in summer for steady bites.
Three-bearded Rockling 5/10
Tip: Small worm/squid baits fished static among boulders at dusk/night on the flood. Short traces to limit snags.
Lesser Spotted Dogfish 5/10
Tip: Mackerel or squid strips on the bottom at night; aim for any cleaner patches between boulders. Flood to high water often best.
Garfish 5/10
Tip: Float-fish small mackerel slivers or use slim metals set shallow off the headlands in calm, clear summer seas. Flooding tide, early/late light.

Local knowledge

Heddon's Mouth fishing guide

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

Heddon's Mouth is a dramatic, boulder-strewn cove on Exmoor’s north Devon coast, where the River Heddon meets the sea below towering cliffs. It offers classic North Devon rock and boulder fishing in wild, unspoilt surroundings. Expect hard-fighting fish, challenging ground, and memorable sessions when the tide and swell align.

Set in the National Trust’s Heddon Valley between Combe Martin and Lynmouth, access is via a scenic riverside path from the Hunter’s Inn. The final approach is over large, slippery boulders and shingle, so travel light and wear proper footwear.

  • Parking: National Trust Heddon Valley car park by the Hunter’s Inn, Parracombe (postcode EX31 4PY). NT members usually park free; otherwise pay-and-display.
  • Main approach: From the car park/inn, follow the level path down the river to the cove (around 1 mile; 20–30 minutes). The last 100–200 metres are over uneven boulders.
  • Alternative approaches: Steep descents from the South West Coast Path (e.g. via Trentishoe/West Side or Woody Bay) are longer and more strenuous; only for fit, experienced walkers.
  • Terrain at the mark: Big rounded boulders, cobble shingle, kelp, and jagged rock ledges either side of the cove. Space is limited near high water.
  • Public transport is limited; this is a remote valley with narrow lanes. Arrive early in peak season to secure parking.

This is classic rough-ground, north-facing coast with seasonal variety. Summer brings lure sport, while autumn and winter suit bait fishing for larger nocturnal species.

  • Spring (Mar–May):
    • Bass (schoolies to better fish on a building sea)
    • Pollack (from ledges and points)
    • Wrasse (ballan; increasingly active from late spring)
    • Mullet (thin- and thick-lipped around the river mouth in calm, clear water)
  • Summer (Jun–Aug):
    • Pollack and mackerel (dawn/dusk; lures and float)
    • Garfish and scad (evenings, clear water)
    • Ballan wrasse (peaks mid-summer)
    • Bass (lures in fizz; bait in coloured water)
    • Pouting, poor cod; occasional cuckoo wrasse off the rougher points
  • Autumn (Sep–Nov):
    • Bass (often the best period, especially after blowy spells as it settles)
    • Pollack (bigger fish at dusk into dark)
    • Huss/bull huss; conger after dark on big baits
    • Mackerel/scad lingering into October in mild years
  • Winter (Dec–Feb):
    • Bull huss, conger, rockling, pouting
    • Whiting in some seasons; the odd spurdog in deeper water years
    • Occasional codling in cold snaps (rare on this section of coast)

Rough ground tactics, strong gear, and snag management are essential. Travel with a minimalist, mobile approach and pick your platforms carefully.

  • Lure fishing (spring–autumn):
    • Bass: surface walkers and subsurface minnows in a light chop at first light; 20–40 g metals or 4–6 inch soft plastics when there’s tide.
    • Pollack: weedless soft plastics on 10–20 g heads or 20–40 g metals; work along the points/ledges at dusk.
    • Garfish/mackerel/scad: small metals (10–20 g), slim spoons, or 2–3 inch soft plastics on light gear.
  • Float fishing:
    • Depths of 8–15 ft over kelp gullies; baits include sandeel, mackerel strip, prawn, or crab for wrasse/pollack/gar.
    • Use streamlined floats and fluorocarbon leaders for clear water mullet and gar.
  • Bottom fishing (evening/night or in coloured water):
    • Rigs: pulley or pulley pennel (4/0–5/0) with a rotten-bottom/weak link; up-and-over for distance if needed.
    • Baits: peeler crab, squid, mackerel, sandeel; crab/squid cocktails for huss; whole squid or large fish baits for conger after dark.
    • Snoods short and abrasion-resistant; 25–60 lb leaders and tough mono/fluoro.
  • Wrasse tactics:
    • Float-fished or freelined hardback/peeler crab; or weedless soft plastics (2/0–4/0) around kelp gullies.
    • Unhook quickly and release—wrasse are slow-growing and valuable to the ecosystem.
  • Gear notes:
    • 10–11 ft lure rod (15–40 g) with 20–30 lb braid for lures; 12–13 ft 4–6 oz beach/rock rod and 25–30 lb mono or 40–50 lb braid for bait.
    • Always incorporate a weak link below the lead; expect snags.

This north-facing cove is driven by Bristol Channel tides and swell. Reading the sea is key to success and safety.

  • Tide state:
    • Flood to high typically fishes best for bass pushing into the boulders; last 2 hours of the flood can be excellent.
    • Over the top into the first of the ebb for pollack from the points; avoid being cut off on ledges.
    • Neaps suit lure and float work in clearer water; springs create more movement but also more weed and snags.
  • Sea and wind:
    • A gentle to moderate swell with some fizz is ideal for bass; too much northerly swell makes it unfishable and dangerous.
    • Clear, calmer water favours pollack/gar/mackerel; coloured water after a blow brings bass closer.
    • Offshore/southerly winds flatten the cove; strong northerlies pile swell straight in.
  • Time of day and season:
    • Dawn/dusk prime for lures and float; night sessions for huss/conger.
    • Late summer to late autumn often produces the best mixed bags.

This is a committing, rough-ground mark beneath high cliffs. Plan conservatively and treat swell forecasts with respect.

  • Footing: Large rounded boulders, slime and kelp—use studded boots or rock spikes; wading staffs can help.
  • Swell and tide: North-facing and exposed; rogue sets surge across the boulders. Never fish close to the waterline in swell; watch for rapid flooding on springs and avoid ledges that can cut off.
  • Rockfall: Steep friable cliffs—don’t linger under overhangs; helmets are sensible on ledges.
  • Night fishing: Headtorch plus spare, glow sticks on gear, and a clear exit route; avoid solo night sessions.
  • Clothing/PPE: Wear a PFD/lifejacket, carry a knife to cut free from snags, and pack a first-aid kit.
  • Mobile signal: Often patchy at the beach; better near the valley/inn. Tell someone your plan and ETA.
  • Accessibility: The riverside path is level and well-made, but the final approach is over big boulders; not suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs, or limited mobility.
  • Wildlife/seasonal: Ground-nesting and cliff-nesting birds (spring–summer); keep noise down and avoid climbing near nest sites. Ticks can be present in bracken—check after your trip.

Facilities are concentrated at the National Trust hub around the Hunter’s Inn; the beach itself is wild with no amenities.

  • Toilets: Near the NT car park/Hunter’s Inn (check seasonal opening hours).
  • Food/drink: Hunter’s Inn serves meals and refreshments; hours vary by season.
  • Tackle/bait: Nearest options in Combe Martin, Ilfracombe, and Barnstaple; buy bait before you go—none at the cove.
  • Parking: NT pay-and-display at Heddon Valley; limited roadside alternatives on narrow lanes.
  • Phone/data: Intermittent in the valley; usually weak or none at the beach.
  • Lighting/water: No lighting, no potable water—bring everything you need in and take all litter out.

Small adjustments and local habits make a big difference on this mark.

  • Rotten-bottoms are mandatory: carry spare weak-link leaders and clips; a 10–15 lb mono weak link below the lead saves end tackle.
  • Work the edges at dawn: bass often cruise the first line of boulders—keep moving and fan your casts.
  • Colour lines count: after a blow, fish the boundary where river-stained water meets clearer sea; lures or big crab baits.
  • Crab activity is high: in summer/autumn, use tougher baits (squid, crab/squid cocktail) or rebait frequently.
  • Mullet are spooky: scale down to 6–8 lb fluoro, size 6–10 hooks, and bread flake or mashed bread feed; keep noise to a minimum.
  • Birds show the bait: terns and gulls reveal sandeel/mackerel—switch to metals or small SPs when they’re working.
  • Respect the setting: this is National Trust and Exmoor—no fires or BBQs, keep dogs under close control near livestock, and pack out every scrap.

Heddon’s Mouth lies within Exmoor National Park and the National Trust’s Heddon Valley, and along the Bideford to Foreland Point Marine Conservation Zone. Recreational rod-and-line sea angling from the shore is generally permitted here, but you must follow current national and local rules.

  • Access/landowner: National Trust land—no camping, no fires/BBQs, and follow local signage. Fishing from the shoreline is commonly tolerated; if any temporary restrictions/signs are posted on the day, comply.
  • Marine Conservation Zone: Bideford to Foreland Point MCZ includes this coastline. MCZs can restrict certain gears; rod-and-line angling has been permitted at time of writing. Check for updates before your trip.
  • Local byelaws: Devon & Severn IFCA byelaws apply on this coast (e.g. gear restrictions, MLS guidance, intertidal collecting rules). Do not damage or remove living reef/kelp and avoid turning boulders for bait.
  • Minimum sizes and protected species: Observe UK national MLS and protected species rules. Return wrasse in good condition; handle conger/huss carefully and release if not kept for consumption.
  • European seabass: Bass rules (bag limits, seasons, 42 cm minimum size) are updated periodically. Always check the latest MMO/DEFRA notice before retaining any bass.
  • General: No littering, no leaving line/terminal tackle; respect seasonal bird nesting and seal haul-outs. In emergencies dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.