Summary
Aust is a classic Severn Estuary mark on the English side of the old Severn Bridge in South Gloucestershire. It’s renowned for powerful tides, chocolate-brown water and hard-hitting winter codling, with rays and bass in warmer months. Experienced, well-prepared anglers rate it for its productivity and its dramatic setting—though it demands respect and heavy gear.
Location and Access
Set beneath the M48 Severn Bridge, Aust is reached most easily from the Severn View area near Aust village. Access is straightforward on paper but the final approach to the foreshore involves uneven ground and boulders.
- Drive via the M48 to Severn View; parking is typically at/near Severn View Services (postcode: BS35 4BH). Check current parking rules and time limits.
- A public footpath (Severn Way) leads down towards the old ferry/slipway area and foreshore. Expect 10–15 minutes on foot.
- The last stretch is steep/uneven with rock armour, broken concrete, and mud underfoot at lower states—good boots are essential.
- Do not trespass beyond fences or restricted bridge areas; stick to obvious paths and the open foreshore.
Seasons
The Severn here is a classic seasonal estuary fishery with a few standouts. Expect short, intense feeding spells around the better tide windows.
- Spring (Mar–May):
- Thornback ray on squid/mackerel baits (best April–June)
- Early bass on peeler crab (late April/May)
- Late codling linger into March on settled neaps
- Summer (Jun–Aug):
- Bass (schoolies to decent fish) on crab and worm baits
- Thornback ray remains possible on neaps
- Conger and silver eels after dark; flounder occasional
- Smoothhound occasional in late May–June on crab
- Autumn (Sep–Nov):
- Bass peak Sept–Oct; rays still show on calmer neaps
- Whiting arrive from late Oct/Nov
- Codling start in earnest with the first blows
- Winter (Dec–Feb):
- Codling the headline species after rough westerlies
- Whiting, pout and the odd flounder
- Conger possible on milder nights
Methods
Aust is overwhelmingly a bait venue demanding stout tackle and streamlined presentations. Keep rigs simple, strong and aerodynamic.
- Tackle:
- 12–13 ft beachcasters or powerful estuary rods; 6500–7000 size multipliers or robust fixed-spools
- 60–80 lb shock leader; 25–30 lb main line (braid users: heavy leader and abrasion protection)
- 5–7 oz wired grip leads; carry extra for debris loss
- Rigs:
- Pulley pennel (3/0–6/0) for cod/ray; pulley dropper for close-range bass
- Simple 1-up/1-down with short snoods on neaps; rotten-bottom links help with snags
- Strong components (60–80 lb rig body; 30–50 lb snoods)
- Baits:
- Winter codling: lugworm (black/blow) often with squid tip; razor or cart can help after a blow
- Rays: squid, mackerel or bluey; toughen with bait elastic
- Bass: peeler crab prime in late spring/summer; lug/rag cocktails also work
- Conger/eels: fish or squid sections
- Range and timing:
- Don’t always bomb it—many fish run the gutter tight in on the flood; start short and stagger rods
- Night sessions are very effective; daylight bites still happen around the best tide phases
Tides and Conditions
Aust lives and dies by tide state. The Severn’s range is huge; plan sessions around safer, more manageable phases.
- Best tide windows:
- Neaps to mid-neaps are friendlier for presentation; 2 hours either side of low water is a common productive/safe window
- On bigger springs, try the last of the flood to high slack and the first of the ebb—if safe to do so
- Conditions:
- After a westerly blow and rising barometer, codling often switch on
- Constant colour means bright days can still fish; dusk/night usually improves bass and conger
- Heavy freshwater and springs can bring debris; be ready to wind in and clear lines
- Severn Bore:
- On larger springs, a pronounced bore can surge through—know the timetable and be well clear well before it arrives
Safety
This is a serious tidal venue with soft mud, fast water and unstable ground. If in doubt, do not go—fish a gentler mark instead.
- Hazards:
- Rapid, extreme tidal rise; strong currents; the Severn Bore on big springs
- Deep mud and soft silt—do not step onto exposed mudflats
- Rock armour, broken concrete and slipway algae are very slippery; wear studs/cleats
- Cliff and rockfall risk beneath Aust Cliff; avoid standing close to the face
- Debris (logs/weed) can smash lines during springs/floodwater
- Personal safety:
- Wear a lifejacket, carry a headlamp, and fish with a partner if possible
- Set a firm rod tripod high up; pre-plan an exit as the tide floods
- Waders can be hazardous in fast flow—use with caution
- Access needs:
- Not suitable for wheelchairs or those with limited mobility due to steep, uneven approach
- Observe any local signage; no access to bridge structures or fenced-off areas
Facilities
You’re close to roadside amenities, but the shore itself is wild and exposed. Prepare to be self-sufficient at the water’s edge.
- Nearby:
- Severn View Services (BS35 4BH): toilets, fuel/snacks, and indoor shelter (check opening hours for specific outlets)
- Tackle/bait: options in Thornbury, Bristol and Chepstow; pre-order fresh lug/peeler in season
- On-site:
- No facilities on the foreshore; no lighting; limited shelter from wind/rain
- Mobile signal is generally fair but can fluctuate under the bridge and near the cliffs
Tips
Regulars treat Aust like a tidal ambush point—short, accurate, toughened baits in the right window beat hero casts.
- Use 6–7 oz wired leads and keep rod tips high to clear cross-tide weed
- Clip-down, streamlined baits with plenty of elastic; avoid flappy presentations
- Start one rod at 15–40 yards to work the gutter on the flood—bass and codling often patrol tight in
- A long rotten-bottom link saves gear over snags and rubble
- Check the Severn Bore times on springs and retreat early; do not cut it fine
- Keep spare rigs/leads ready—debris can force frequent re-casts
- Headtorch with a strong flood beam helps spot incoming tide lines and floating logs
Regulations
Aust is on the English (Devon & Severn IFCA) side of the estuary. Rules can change—always confirm before you fish.
- Licensing:
- No EA rod licence is required for sea fish from the shore in England
- Targeting salmon/sea trout requires a licence and is not permitted with standard sea methods; release any caught incidentally
- Species protections and sizes:
- European eel must be released
- Bass measures commonly restrict retention in winter and allow limited retention (e.g., 2 fish/day at ≥42 cm) during a defined Mar–Nov window—check current UK/DEFRA notice before keeping any bass
- Tope caught by rod and line must not be retained in England; release immediately
- Spurdog and skate/ray measures vary—check current IFCA/DEFRA guidance and follow best-practice size limits
- Methods/areas:
- Netting and hand-gathering are regulated by Devon & Severn IFCA byelaws; do not set nets or remove shellfish/crabs without verifying legality
- This coastline includes SSSI designations—do not hammer or remove material from the cliffs; stick to paths and heed local signage
- No fishing from bridge structures; keep clear of any restricted infrastructure
- General:
- Observe minimum conservation sizes, bag limits and closed seasons where applicable
- Take litter home and avoid leaving discarded line/hooks on this sensitive estuary