Gloucestershire
Places to fish in Gloucestershire
Last updated: 2 weeks ago
Fishing Marks in Gloucestershire
Arlingham
Arlingham is a classic upper Severn estuary mark on the Arlingham Peninsula, with a long floodbank overlooking broad mudflats and a fast, powerful main channel that comes within casting range on bigger tides. Expect very soft mud, rapidly flooding/ebbing tides and the Severn Bore; always fish from the firm bank...
Aust
A classic upper Bristol Channel estuary mark beneath Aust Cliff by the old Severn Bridge. Expect huge tidal range, fierce run and deep, muddy gutters with scattered rock. Most sessions are short and focused around the flood, high water and first of the ebb; distance casting is rarely essential. Heavy...
Aust Cliff
A powerful upper Bristol Channel rock-and-mud foreshore beneath the red Aust Cliff by the M48 Severn Bridge. Huge tides and fast flow carve deep gutters; most action comes on the first push of the flood and around dusk. Expect summer/autumn bass and mullet, with flounder, eels and winter whiting/cod. Heavy...
Awre
A classic upper Severn estuary bank mark on the west (Forest of Dean) side by the hamlet of Awre. Expect fast tides, heavy silt and mud, and powerful currents with the Severn Bore periodically surging through. Fish from firm ground beside the floodbank rather than the foreshore. Best results come...
Beachley
A powerful estuary mark on the Beachley peninsula beneath the Severn Bridge, where the Severn and Wye meet. Expect fierce tidal flow, deep fast channels and mixed mud, shingle and rough ground with snags. Best results come on neap tides, especially the final two hours of the flood and first...
Beachley Point
A powerful estuary point at the tip of the Beachley peninsula (Gloucestershire) where the Rivers Wye and Severn meet beneath the M48 Severn Bridge. The ground is mixed rock, shale and scoured mud with fierce tidal runs, overfalls and deep channels close in. Best fished on neap tides and around...
Fishing in Gloucestershire
Summary
Gloucestershire doesn’t have open coast, but it does front the mighty Severn Estuary — a broad, fast-flowing tidal river-scape of sea walls, saltmarsh and deep channels. The world-class tidal range, famous Severn Bore, and chocolate-coloured water make it a challenging but rewarding venue for estuary specialists. Expect flounder, school bass and mullet around docks and harbours, with occasional codling in cold winters toward the lower estuary.
Location and Access
Lower Severn (Sharpness, Purton, Lydney Harbour)
- Character: Wide estuary, deep shipping channels, extensive mudflats and the Purton Ships’ Graveyard. Sharpness Docks is a working port (observe bylaws and exclusions), while Lydney Harbour offers more sheltered water on smaller tides.
- Fishing: Short-to-medium lobs into channels and gutters; fish the flood and last of the ebb on neaps. Best for school bass, flounder, thick- and thin-lipped mullet (in and around the harbour/dock basins where permitted). Odd smoothhound and late-autumn codling possible in colder years.
Middle Severn (Frampton-on-Severn, Arlingham Peninsula, Newnham, Awre)
- Character: Broad, powerful river with sweeping bends, steep stone-faced sea walls and vast saltmarsh. Access via Severn Way footpaths and stiles; many fields are private — stick to rights of way.
- Fishing: Classic estuary ledgering close-in to the toe of the wall or along channel edges. Flounder are the mainstay, with schoolie bass from late spring. Mullet patrol slack corners and outfalls. Fish neaps and the slacker windows either side of high water.
Upper Tidal Severn (Minsterworth, Longney/Epney, Elmore/Over near Gloucester)
- Character: Strongly tidal but narrower; this is Bore country. Mud is treacherous and tide races hard on springs.
- Fishing: Specialist flounder and occasional bass in the right conditions; very short range. Strictly avoid Bore times and big springs. Migratory fish (salmon, shad, sea trout, lamprey) pass through — do not target and release immediately if accidentally hooked.
Seasons & Species
| Season | Likely Species | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr–Jun) | Bass (schoolies), Flounder, Mullet (thin-/thick-lipped) | Bass arrive with warmer temps; mullet show in harbours/docks on neaps and calm days. Crab baits excel for bass and flounder. |
| Summer (Jul–Sep) | Bass, Flounder, Mullet, Eel (release only) | Best consistent sport. Evenings into dark are prime. Eels are common by-catch — retention prohibited; handle carefully and release. |
| Autumn (Oct–Nov) | Flounder (peak), Bass (tail-end), Occasional Codling | Big flounder in coloured water; odd codling may appear lower down (Sharpness/Purton) in colder snaps. |
| Winter (Dec–Mar) | Flounder, Rare Codling | Reduced options; target flounder on smaller tides. Codling only in some years and mostly toward the lower estuary. |
- Protected/migratory species present in the Severn: twaite/allis shad, salmon, sea trout, lamprey, smelt. Do not target; release immediately if foul- or accidentally-hooked.
- Pelagics (mackerel/garfish) do not typically reach Gloucestershire’s stretches of the estuary.
Methods & Tackle
- Rods and leads: 12–13ft beachcasters with 5–7oz capability. Use 5–8oz breakout/grip leads; heavier on big springs. Tripods with butt grips help hold rods steady on sea walls.
- Mainline and leaders: 0.40–0.50mm mono copes better with abrasion and weed than braid. Use 60lb shock leaders when casting heavy leads.
- Rigs: Simple and strong.
- Running ledger or pulley/dropper with a long snood for bass/flounder.
- One-up one-down for spreading baits in gentle flow.
- Rotten-bottom (weak link) to save leads around snags (rocks, hulks at Purton).
- Hooks: Size 1–3/0 for bass/flounder; fine-wire size 6–8 for mullet (float or controller rigs) with bread.
- Baits: Peeler crab (prime for bass), blow/black lug and ragworm for flounder and bass, live prawn/shrimp close to structure, fish strip (mackerel/squid) in winter for codling lower down. For mullet: bread flake/crust, small rag, or harbour maggots where allowed.
- Casting: Often a short lob is best; fish patrol the toe of the wall and gutters. On stronger tides, keep leads low and streamlined to reduce drag.
- Lures: Generally low success due to turbidity; only consider in rare clearer water around docks/eddies with sub-surface soft plastics for bass.
Tides and Conditions
- Tidal range: Among the largest in the world; currents are fierce on spring tides. Neap tides usually fish more comfortably and allow baits to hold bottom.
- Best windows: 1–2 hours either side of high water on neaps. On springs, very brief lulls can be productive, but presentation is difficult.
- Wind: Westerly/SW winds pile the tide and debris up the estuary, often reducing fishability but sometimes stirring bass close to the walls. Light northerlies/easterlies can ease surface chop and help mullet activity in docks/harbours.
- Water clarity: Almost always coloured; bait fishing outfishes lures. Very occasionally, brief clearer spells on prolonged dry neaps can favour mullet tactics and opportunist bass around structure.
- Severn Bore: Occurs on big springs (check local timetables). Do not fish during bore passages; the surge is dangerous and can sweep gear and anglers from the wall.
- Debris: After heavy rain, freshwater push and drift wood can make it unfishable; consider postponing until levels settle.
Safety & Acccess
- Mud and saltmarsh are treacherous. Do not step off the hard sea wall or firm ground onto the foreshore — people get stuck every year.
- Severn Bore and springs: Never fish during a forecast Bore; secure gear and back well from the edge. Expect sudden surges and undertow on big springs.
- Cut-off risk: Flood tides rise very quickly and can surround you from behind on saltings and creeky edges. Always have an exit route and reposition before the flood reaches you.
- Ports and bylaws: Sharpness is an active commercial dock with restricted zones; Lydney Harbour has local rules and seasonal closures. Obey signage and security staff.
- Private land/SSSI: Much of the bank is SSSI or privately owned. Use public rights of way (Severn Way), stiles and designated parking, and keep gates closed.
- PPE: Wear a lifejacket on the wall, use studded boots, headtorch at night, and fish with a partner. Keep a throw line in the car.
- Shipping and wash: Keep well clear of moorings and the main channel near Sharpness; ship wash and rebound can be severe.
Tips
- Time your session to neap tides for best bait presentation; springs are often too fierce.
- Fish tight to the wall — many bites come within 10–20 yards where the channel scours.
- Peeler crab is king for bass and a top bait for flounder; in colder months add a sliver of fish strip to worm for scent and movement.
- Use a weak-link (rotten-bottom) on snaggy marks like Purton to save leads and fish more confidently.
- Check Severn Bore times and avoid those windows entirely — arrive early, pack down early.
- For mullet, arrive at first light on calm neaps; bring bread mash to prime, and fish fine tackle only where it’s safe and permitted.
- After heavy rain, give it 24–48 hours for debris to flush through before returning.
- Keep rigs simple and strong; fancy bling just collects weed in the tide.
- A long-handled disgorger/forceps helps with deep-hooked flounder; handle eels with wet hands and release promptly.
- Respect farmers’ land and livestock; park considerately in villages and avoid blocking gateways.
Nearby
- South Gloucestershire (unitary) – Severn Beach/Oldbury: popular lower estuary marks with more species variety.
- Somerset – Bristol Channel surf and reef marks (Burnham, Weston, Minehead) with rays, hounds and codling in season.
- Monmouthshire (Wales) – Lower Severn and Wye; strong tides and strict migratory fish protections.
- Bristol & North Somerset (unitary) – Avonmouth, Portishead, Clevedon piers and ledges; good whiting/codling in winter, hounds/rays in summer.
- Herefordshire/Worcestershire – Inland; no sea fishing but access to upper non-tidal Severn (licence required for coarse/trout).
FAQs
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Do I need a licence to fish here?
- You do not need a rod licence to fish for sea species (bass, flounder, mullet) in tidal waters. You do need an EA rod licence if fishing for coarse fish or trout/salmon anywhere, including tidal reaches. Migratory fish are protected — do not target them and release immediately if hooked.
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When is the best time to fish the Gloucestershire Severn?
- Late spring to early autumn for bass and mullet, autumn to winter for flounder. Aim for neap tides and the 1–2 hours around high water.
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Can I night fish?
- Yes, and nights can be excellent for bass in summer and flounder in autumn. Go with a partner, wear a lifejacket, and avoid Bore/spring-tide windows.
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Are lures effective?
- Seldom, due to turbidity. Bait rules here; try lures only in rare clear spells around docks/eddies on neaps.
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What regulations apply?
- Check current bass retention rules, local Devon & Severn IFCA bylaws, EA notices, and port/harbour regulations. Many banks are SSSI — follow access guidance.
Summary Table
| Area | Access & Character | Best Species | Best Methods | Prime Season | Key Safety Notes | Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lower Severn (Sharpness, Purton, Lydney) | Sea walls, working docks, mudflats; some restricted zones | Bass, Flounder, Mullet; odd Smoothhound/Codling | Short-range ledger with crab/worm; mullet float/bread in harbours | May–Oct (bass/mullet), Oct–Feb (flounder) | Strong run on springs; Bore risk; shipping wash; deep mud | Parking at Lydney Harbour; limited around Purton; no facilities on walls |
| Middle Severn (Frampton, Arlingham, Newnham) | Rural sea walls, saltmarsh; footpath access via stiles | Flounder, Bass (schoolies), Mullet (slacks) | Simple ledgering, weak-link leads; occasional mullet tactics | Jun–Oct (bass), Sep–Jan (flounder) | Cut-off hazard on flood; treacherous mud; livestock fields | Very limited parking; no toilets; use Severn Way rights of way |
| Upper Tidal (Minsterworth to Gloucester) | Narrower, powerful tide; Bore country | Flounder, occasional Bass | Short lob ledgering on neaps | Sep–Dec (flounder), Jun–Sep (bass) | Avoid Bore times; extreme surge; unstable banks | Minimal facilities; village parking only |