The Run Mudeford Fishing

Last updated: 1 week ago

The Run Mudeford Fishing Map

A fast, narrow tidal channel at the mouth of Christchurch Harbour between Mudeford Quay and Mudeford Sandbank. Strong currents funnel bait and predators, giving short but productive windows around the turn of the tide. Summer sees mackerel and garfish in the flow; bass hunt the eddies and seams; mullet graze in calmer margins inside the harbour. After dark and in winter, expect whiting, pouting and the odd flatfish from the sandy patches. Heavy leads and abrasion‑resistant gear are useful; a long-handled landing net helps at the quay. Keep clear of ferry and lifeboat lanes and beware very strong tides along the edge.

Ratings

⭐ 6.4/10 Overall
Catch Potential 6/10
Species Variety 7/10
Scenery & Comfort 8/10
Safety 4/10
Accessibility 8/10

Fish You Can Catch at The Run Mudeford

🐟 Bass 9/10
🎯 Tip: Shallow-diving plugs or soft plastics drifted through the main flow at dawn/dusk on a flooding tide; live prawn or peeler in the eddies.
🐟 Mullet (Thin-lipped) 9/10
🎯 Tip: Modified Mepps with small ragworm trotted midstream on neap tides; work current seams by the groynes in clear water, daytime.
🐟 Garfish 7/10
🎯 Tip: Float a thin mackerel strip shallow and drift it across the Run on a making tide; best in bright, calm summer conditions.
🐟 Mullet (Thick-lipped) 7/10
🎯 Tip: Bread flake on size 8–10 under a float in eddies by quay walls on a flooding evening tide; trickle in bread mash.
🐟 Golden-grey Mullet 7/10
🎯 Tip: Small bread or prawn baits under a float in slack margins on the flood, summer; fine tackle, let it trundle along the wall.
🐟 Whiting 6/10
🎯 Tip: Winter nights; small lug/squid cocktails on a 2-hook flapper, short casts to hold bottom on neaps or at brief slacks.
🐟 Mackerel 6/10
🎯 Tip: Spin small metals or cast sabikis into the tide at first light on the flood; late spring to early autumn when shoals push in.
🐟 Scad (Horse Mackerel) 6/10
🎯 Tip: After dark under quay lights; tiny sabikis or 3–7 g jigheads with isome, let rigs swing in the flow on the flood.
🐟 European Smelt 5/10
🎯 Tip: Late autumn–winter nights; size 12–16 hooks with tiny fish or rag baits under lights, short casts into slack edges on neaps.
🐟 Gilthead Bream 5/10
🎯 Tip: Peeler or hardback crab on strong gear, short cast onto the sand edge from the sandbank on a flooding evening tide, summer.
🐟 Flounder 4/10
🎯 Tip: Small rag or lug on a running ledger, bump along the margins on the ebb; winter–spring; neaps help presentation in the strong flow.
🐟 Sea Trout 4/10
🎯 Tip: Occasional on bass lures at dusk in the flow; avoid targeting—release promptly and check local byelaws/close seasons.

The Run Mudeford Fishing

Summary

The Run at Mudeford is the narrow, fast-flowing entrance between Christchurch Harbour and the open sea in Dorset. It’s a classic tide-swept mark that draws bait and predators together, offering exciting sport for bass, mackerel, garfish and mullet when the water is moving.

Location and Access

Mudeford Quay sits on the Christchurch side of the harbour entrance, opposite the Hengistbury Head/Mudeford Sandbank. Most anglers fish from the quay railings or the sandspit side into the main channel known locally as “The Run.”

Seasons

The Run fishes best when the tide is moving and water temperatures are up, but it holds life year-round. Expect surface species in summer and more bottom dwellers and mini-species after dark or in colder months.

Methods

Fast tide calls for simple, efficient presentations that either hold bottom cleanly or trot naturally with the flow. Scale your approach to the water clarity and current speed.

Tides and Conditions

Movement is everything here. The Run lives up to its name, with fierce spring tides creating standing waves and fast drifts; neaps are more forgiving and often better for presenting baits.

Safety

This mark is powerful and unforgiving on big tides, with heavy boat and ferry movements. Treat edges with respect and never wade into the channel.

Facilities

Mudeford Quay is well served, especially in summer, with amenities on the doorstep. The sandspit side is more basic once you’re out along the huts.

Tips

Think edges, seams and eddies—predators pin bait against structure and slack lines. Small tackle tweaks make a big difference in the fast water.

Regulations

Rules can change—always check on-site signage and current byelaws before fishing. This is a busy working/quay and ferry channel with specific local restrictions.