Berkeley Pill Fishing

Summary

Berkeley Pill is the tidal outflow of the Little Avon River on the Gloucestershire shore of the Severn Estuary, between Sharpness and the old Berkeley nuclear site. It’s a classic inner-estuary mark: big tides, soft mud, and powerful run, but with rewarding fishing for codling in winter and bass, flounder and mullet through the warmer months. Fish it for the edges and the flood—timing and tidy presentation matter more than brute casting distance.

Location and Access

This mark sits west of Berkeley town on the Severn Way floodbank where the Little Avon (Berkeley Pill) meets the estuary. Access is straightforward on foot via public footpaths, but parking is limited and you must not venture onto the mudflats.

• Approach from the A38 to Berkeley (GL13), then follow local lanes signed for Ham/Severn Way/river. On-street parking is usually found in Ham or on the outskirts of Berkeley—park considerately and do not obstruct farm gates.
• There is no public vehicular access onto the old Berkeley power station site; respect all security fencing and private road signs.
• From the nearest roadside parking, expect a 10–20 minute walk along the floodbank/Severn Way to the pill mouth. Ground is uneven grass, stiles and gates; boots recommended.
• Fishing positions are typically atop the floodbank or on firmed edges beside rock armour near the pill. Do not step onto exposed mud or saltmarsh—it's dangerously soft.

Seasons

The Severn’s inner estuary is a highly seasonal fishery. Expect estuarine staples with peak periods around the bigger tides.

• Spring:
  • Flounder nosing into the pill with the flood
  • School bass on crab and worm baits
  • Thick‑lipped mullet appearing in settled water inside the pill
• Summer:
  • Bass (schoolies with the odd better fish) on peeler crab or livebait/sandeel where flow allows
  • Flounder and occasional eel (European eel must be released)
  • Mullet (bread and small baits) in clearer neap-tide windows
  • Very occasional smoothhound on peeler crab in strong warm spells
• Autumn:
  • Bass continue into October on crab and worm
  • Whiting on some tides if clarity improves
  • First codling show on bigger springs and coloured water
• Winter:
  • Codling the headline target on lug/squid wraps
  • Whiting as bycatch on smaller hooks
  • Expect rays to be rare this far up, but an odd thornback is possible in mild spells

Methods

Presentation and holding bottom in ferocious tide run are the keys here. Fish short, accurate casts along seams and eddies.

• Rods and leads: 12–13 ft beachcasters or sturdy estuary rods; 5–7 oz wired grip leads are standard. Use 60 lb shockleader.
• Rigs:
  • Pulley pennel (3/0–4/0) for codling/bass; add a small squid tip to lug or wrap black lug and squid
  • 2‑hook flapper (size 1–2) for flounder/whiting on rag/lug
  • Running ledger with long snood for shy mullet/flounder in the pill at high water slack
• Baits:
  • Black lug, blow lug and ragworm are staples; fresh peeler or soft crab excels for bass/smoothhound
  • Squid strips or squid/lug cocktails for winter codling
  • Bread flake or tiny slivers of prawn for mullet under a float in quiet water
• Tactics:
  • Cast uptide a touch and let the gripper bed in; keep line angles shallow to hold
  • Work the flood up the edge of the channel and at the pill mouth; fish inside the pill around HW slack for flounder/mullet
  • Distance rarely wins—target eddies, current lines and the crease where fresh meets salt

Tides and Conditions

The Severn’s range is huge and dictates everything. Plan around tide size, state and the Severn Bore on big springs.

• Best tide states: 2 hours either side of high water; the last of the flood and first of the ebb are prime. Inside the pill, the HW slack window can be excellent for flounder/mullet.
• Tide size: Medium to big springs lift codling and bass; neaps can suit mullet and flounder with improved clarity.
• Conditions: Coloured water is normal; extra colour after rain can boost codling but reduce mullet activity. Light winds or offshore breezes make fishing the floodbank more comfortable.
• Time of day: Dusk into dark is reliable for codling/whiting in winter and for better bass in summer.
• Severn Bore: On the largest springs a bore wave runs—arrives swiftly and raises water levels abruptly. Keep well back and secure gear.

Safety

This is a serious tidal estuary with deep mud and fierce currents—treat it with respect. Accessibility is limited to those comfortable on uneven banks.

• Never step onto the mudflats or saltmarsh; they can swallow you to the knee or worse. Fish from the floodbank/rock-armour only.
• Strong currents and rapid tidal rise—be alert for the Severn Bore on big springs; never fish below the bank where retreat could be cut off.
• Wear a personal flotation device, especially when fishing alone or in darkness. Headtorch and spare light are essential.
• Waders: Use with care; studded soles help on slimy rock. Do not wade into the estuary here.
• Access: Stiles, uneven paths and soft ground—generally unsuitable for wheelchairs or those with limited mobility.
• Respect private land, livestock, and all signage around the former power station and any flood defences.

Facilities

Expect a wild, unfurnished shoreline. Stock up before you walk in.

• No toilets, shelters or lighting at the mark.
• Nearest amenities are in Berkeley town (shops, pubs, limited daytime toilets) and Sharpness (small convenience stores).
• Tackle/bait: Head for shops in Gloucester, Lydney or Thornbury for fresh lug/rag and terminal tackle—ring ahead for bait.
• Mobile signal is patchy but generally usable on higher ground of the floodbank.

Tips

Small local nuances can make the difference here.

• Fish the ‘crease’: Where the pill’s fresher water meets the main estuary flow is a natural highway—present baits just off that line.
• Fresh bait matters: Black lug for codling, peeler crab for bass—bring plenty; crabs strip hooks fast in summer.
• Short casts win: Many fish patrol tight to the rock armour and bank edges; don’t blast past them.
• Keep low and quiet for mullet: Float-fish bread inside the pill around slack; tiny hooks (size 8–12) and light fluorocarbon help.
• Hardware check: Re-tie often—debris, barnacles and the odd snag will abrade leaders quickly.
• Watch the bore times on big springs; set up well back and secure tripods and buckets.

Regulations

Understand the rules before you go—most are common-sense but they are enforced.

• Sea angling from the shore does not require an EA rod licence, but you must not target salmon or sea trout; any accidentally caught must be released immediately.
• European eel are critically endangered—release immediately. Shad and lamprey species in the Severn are protected; release if encountered.
• Bass measures change periodically. As a rule, expect a closed period in winter and a limited daily retention with a slot size during the open season—check current UK bass regulations before your session.
• Local bylaws fall under Devon & Severn IFCA; check for any seasonal or gear restrictions in the Severn Estuary before fishing.
• This shore is within nationally protected sites (SSSI/SPA/Ramsar). Stay on paths, avoid disturbing birds on the saltmarsh, and take all litter home.
• Private property: No access inside Sharpness Docks or within the fenced former power station estate; fish only from public rights of way and open floodbank.