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Gloucestershire

Aust

5.9 · Estuary · Gloucestershire

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 tackle, 6–8 oz grip leads and pulley rigs are standard. Best from spring–autumn for thornbacks and bass; late autumn–winter brings whiting and the odd codling. Access is via paths to firm foreshore/rocky ledges near the old ferry slip—never venture onto the mud. Weed and floating debris can be severe on big springs; neaps are easier.

Should you fish Aust?

57 Fair

Today · Best available

Best available: 21:00-00:00 around the rising tide

Most likely species: Bass and European Eel

Fair conditions. Best available around 21:00-00:00 around the rising tide, but no window reaches the strong threshold today. Good chance of Bass and European Eel.

W 4 mph Rain 0% High tide 00:42

Fishable, but pick your timing carefully.

Plan this mark

7-day fishing forecast for Aust — 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.

Wednesday 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.

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Aust is a short-window upper Bristol Channel estuary mark where tide timing matters more than distance. The best plan is usually to fish from the firm foreshore or rocky ledges around the old ferry/slipway area, aiming into muddy gutters, channel edges and rough patches with strong bait rigs and 6–8 oz grip leads. Neaps to mid-neaps give the best balance of presentation and safety; bigger springs can fish, but debris, bore risk and the speed of the flood make them much less forgiving.

  • Know when Aust is worth fishing and when the tide is too much
  • Target the close gutter instead of wasting effort on hero casts
  • Pick the right window for bass, rays, codling and whiting
  • Avoid the spring-tide mistakes that ruin sessions here
  • Use the rig and lead setup that suits Aust’s fierce run

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Beachley 1.6 mi Olveston 2.7 mi Tutshill and Sedbury 2.8 mi Pilning 3.0 mi Oldbury-on-Severn 3.2 mi

Explore nearby towns: Beachley · Olveston · Tutshill and Sedbury · Pilning · Oldbury-on-Severn

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

Overall rating

5.9 /10

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

Category scores

Catch Potential 7/10
Species Variety 6/10
Scenery & Comfort 4/10
Safety 2/10
Accessibility 5/10

Bass 8/10
Tip: Crab or lug baits into the fierce tide run; fish 2 hrs either side of low on the flood, dusk best; summer–autumn; heavy grip leads.
Flounder 7/10
Tip: Ragworm or lug on long traces with flat leads; target channel edges on neap tides; winter–spring; keep rigs pinned in the flow.
Cod 6/10
Tip: Big lug or lug/squid cocktails; fish rough patches on the flood in the dark; late autumn–winter; 6oz+ grippers.
European Eel 6/10
Tip: Warm nights; peeler crab or fish baits close in along eddies; fish dusk into dark on a flooding tide; unhook carefully.
Thornback Ray 5/10
Tip: Peeler, sandeel or squid on pulley rigs; aim at channel edges; fish the flood on neaps; late spring–autumn; use strong leaders.
Starry Smoothhound 5/10
Tip: Peeler crab essential; late spring–early summer; first of the flood at dusk; 6oz grippers and pulley rig to tide seams.
Whiting 4/10
Tip: Small strips of mackerel or squid on 2-hook flappers; winter nights on the flood; cast uptide to hold bottom.
Lesser Spotted Dogfish 3/10
Tip: Mackerel or squid baits; summer–autumn nights; bycatch while ray/bass fishing; best around slack to early flood.
Conger Eel 3/10
Tip: Large fish baits near rough patches at night; neap tides preferred; heavy mono trace; rare but possible from shore.

Local knowledge

Aust fishing guide

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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