Northam Burrows Fishing

Last updated: 1 week ago

Northam Burrows Fishing Map

Expansive sand and shingle fronted by the Pebble Ridge with the Skern estuary on the landward side. Productive in a surf for bass and summer smoothhounds, with small-eyed and spotted rays on settled evenings. The Skern channels hold thin-lipped mullet and flounder. Best on a flooding tide into dusk; target close-in gutters and sandbars rather than pure distance. Strong tides and surf can make conditions challenging; avoid the soft mud in the Skern and be mindful of fast-filling channels and drift.

Ratings

⭐ 6.8/10 Overall
Catch Potential 7/10
Species Variety 7/10
Scenery & Comfort 8/10
Safety 5/10
Accessibility 6/10

Fish You Can Catch at Northam Burrows

🐟 Bass 9/10
🎯 Tip: Surf beach; dawn/dusk and after a blow. Fish flooding tide over outer sandbars. Lures (shallow divers, metals) or fresh sandeel/peeler crab.
🐟 Smoothhound 8/10
🎯 Tip: Late May–Sept. Cast peeler crab from the Pebble Ridge into clean sand gullies on the flood/evening; light pulley rig.
🐟 Small-eyed Ray 7/10
🎯 Tip: May–Oct, night. Long casts with sandeel/launce onto clean sand; target low-to-mid tide over gullies.
🐟 Starry Smoothhound 7/10
🎯 Tip: Summer evenings on a flooding tide. Fresh peeler or hermit crab; cast to gutters beyond the first breaker from the Pebble Ridge.
🐟 Whiting 6/10
🎯 Tip: Oct–Feb nights on the surf beaches; small mackerel or worm baits at medium range; fish mid-flood to high.
🐟 Flounder 6/10
🎯 Tip: Autumn–winter in Skern channels; lug/rag or crab on light running rig; best last of the ebb and first flood.
🐟 Lesser Spotted Dogfish 6/10
🎯 Tip: Year-round, best at night. Small mackerel/sandeel baits on 2-hook flappers into surf troughs; any state of tide.
🐟 Dab 5/10
🎯 Tip: Winter daylight over clean sand at medium range; small worm baits on size 2 hooks.
🐟 Dover Sole 5/10
🎯 Tip: June–Sept, warm nights. Fish close in along sandy gutters with rag/lug or peeler; light running rigs kept still on the flood.
🐟 Plaice 4/10
🎯 Tip: Spring on calm, bright days; long casts over clean sand with bright beads and worm tipped with squid; best on the flood.
🐟 Mullet (Thick-lipped) 4/10
🎯 Tip: Summer in Skern/estuary edges; bread flake or small harbour rag under a float on the flood; stealth essential.
🐟 Golden-grey Mullet 4/10
🎯 Tip: Summer calm surf lines; tiny rag/isome on size 6 hooks, sight-fish in knee-deep water on a flooding tide.

Northam Burrows Fishing

Summary

Northam Burrows sits on the north side of the Taw–Torridge estuary, backing onto the long surf beach at Westward Ho! and the famous Pebble Ridge. It’s a versatile mark offering surf, estuary and reefy fringes within walking distance, producing bass, smoothhound and small‑eyed rays in season. With huge tides and constantly shifting sandbanks, it rewards anglers who read the water and time their sessions.

Location and Access

Set within Northam Burrows Country Park, access is straightforward via Westward Ho! and Northam, with seasonal vehicle entry to the park. You can fish the surf side by crossing the Pebble Ridge, or the estuary side (the Skern) via grass tracks and firm trods.

Seasons

The area fishes differently between the open surf and the estuary margins. Expect classic surf species on the beach and flats species inside the Skern, with peaks from late spring to autumn.

Methods

You can fish bait in the surf, scratch in the estuary channels, or lure fish along the surf line and rock fringes. Match your end tackle to the pull of the Bristol Channel and expect to step up leads on springs.

Tides and Conditions

The Burrows is highly tide‑driven with a huge range; water movement and clarity dictate species. Plan around 2–3 hours either side of high on the beach and the slacker stages in the estuary.

Safety

This is an exposed Atlantic surf beach and a dynamic estuary—treat both with respect. Footing can be treacherous on the Pebble Ridge and the Skern has soft mud.

Facilities

Facilities are close by, but the fishing areas themselves are wild and unlit. Plan to be self‑sufficient once you leave the car.

Tips

Reading the beach and timing your casts makes a big difference here. Treat it as several marks in one and move to find life.

Regulations

This coastline falls under Devon & Severn IFCA and sits within protected habitats (SSSI), so there are specific local considerations. Always check the latest byelaws and national rules before fishing.