Berkeley Shore Fishing

Summary

Berkeley Shore sits on the English side of the upper Severn Estuary in Gloucestershire, a big-tide venue famed for coloured water, heavy tidal pull and classic estuary species. It’s a traditional winter codling/flattie and summer bass/smoothhound spot, fished mainly from the floodbank and rock-armoured edges. Expect demanding tides, muddy margins and proper estuary fishing that rewards good tide timing and stout tackle.

Location and Access

Berkeley Shore refers to the stretch of estuary frontage north of Sharpness and west of the town of Berkeley (GL13 area), backed by floodbanks and farmland. Access is typically via public footpaths along the Severn Way; do not cross private fields unless on a marked right of way.

• Approach via Berkeley or Sharpness on local roads; look for Severn Way footpath access points on the floodbank. Parking is limited roadside only—do not block farm gates or emergency access.
• A popular approach is from the Sharpness/Old Dock/Marina side, then walk the Severn Way north to your chosen stance; the floodbank walk is generally flat but can be long depending on your mark selection.
• Terrain is mostly grassed floodbank with stretches of rip-rap (large boulders) and muddy foreshore. There are few firm, low-tide ledges; most anglers fish the flood or top of the tide from the bank.
• The foreshore is soft silt/sand in places and can be treacherous—treat any exposed mud as out of bounds.
• Parts of the shoreline near docks, sluices or operational sites can be off-limits; obey all signage and keep to public rights of way.

Seasons

This is a seasonally driven estuary mark with classic upper-channel species in muddy water. Night tides and neaps often fish best for many targets.

• Spring (Mar–May):
  • Bass (schoolies early, better fish as the crab peel starts)
  • Flounder and dab (residual early-spring sport)
  • Thornback ray on sandeel/bluey when conditions settle
  • Silver eel (must be released)
• Summer (Jun–Aug):
  • Bass (peeler crab, live or fresh prawn/shrimp, worm cocktails)
  • Smoothhound (peeler/hardback crab when hounds run into the upper estuary)
  • Eel (release), occasional ray
• Autumn (Sep–Nov):
  • Bass (often good on dusk/night springs and after blowy weather)
  • Early codling runs in some years, whiting later on neaps
  • Flounder
• Winter (Dec–Feb):
  • Codling in suitable years on lug/squid cocktails
  • Whiting on smaller baits
  • Flounder grubbing in the edges on softer tides

Methods

Stout estuary gear and grip leads are essential. Most fishing is bottom fishing from the floodbank, casting to gutters and the channel edge on the flood and top of the tide.

• Tackle:
  • 13–14 ft beach rod rated to 6–8 oz; strong multiplier or fixed spool with 25–30 lb mainline and 60–80 lb shock leader.
  • 6–8 oz wired grip leads (carry a range). Consider up-tiding or letting a long line swing and settle on neaps.
• Rigs:
  • Pulley pennel (3/0–5/0) for codling, bass and rays; add a weak/rotten-bottom link where debris/snags are common.
  • Up-and-over for rays/codling when you need a long snood and clean presentation.
  • 2-hook flapper or loop rig with size 1–2/0 hooks for whiting/flounder.
• Baits:
  • Lugworm (fresh is king), ragworm; peeler or hardback crab in late spring/summer; squid/lug or squid/bluey cocktails for codling/rays.
  • Fresh peeler and softies transform bass and smoothhound fishing when the peel is on; prawn/shrimp can be deadly in summer.
• Presentation and timing:
  • Big, bound baits with elastic to withstand tide. Cast accurately to gutters and the near-channel seams two hours before to one hour after HW.
  • Night sessions often out-fish daylight; keep noise/light down on calm neaps.

Tides and Conditions

The Severn here has one of the world’s largest tidal ranges; success hinges on timing and holding bottom. Plan around tide size, wind and the Severn Bore schedule.

• Tide size:
  • Neaps are generally most manageable and consistent for holding bottom and picking at bass, flounder and codling/whiting in season.
  • Springs produce fierce run; they can switch on bass and rays but demand heavier leads and careful positioning.
• Tide state:
  • Prime window is typically from about 2 hours before HW through the top and into the first hour of the ebb. Some marks also give a short low-water channel opportunity on small tides, but footing is risky—only from safe ground.
• Conditions:
  • Coloured water is the norm; a bit of southwest airflow and a building barometer often helps. Prolonged freshwater spates can push fish down and carry debris.
  • The Severn Bore races through on certain big tides—keep off the foreshore and up on the bank well before the predicted time. Fishing can switch on after the bore has passed.
• Time of day/season:
  • Dusk and night neaps are excellent for bass and autumn/winter codling/whiting. Late spring into early summer is peak for smoothhound on crab.

Safety

Safety is paramount on Berkeley Shore: the mud is dangerous, the tide is rapid, and the bore is no joke. Favour conservative tactics and elevated positions on the bank.

• Do not step onto exposed mud or soft saltmarsh; people and dogs can become stuck quickly.
• Watch the tide from a high, safe stance; the flood can surge many metres in minutes, especially on bore days.
• The floodbank and rip-rap can be uneven and slippery; stout boots with good grip are essential. A headtorch and spare light for night sessions.
• Wear a personal flotation device if fishing near the edge; use a long drop-net only where safe—most fish are retrieved by walking to a safer landing spot at slack water.
• Debris (branches, entire trees) is common on the flood; keep lines high and be ready to break out and recast.
• Accessibility is moderate: flat walking on the bank, but limited formal seating and uneven ground. Not ideal for wheelchairs or those with limited mobility.
• Sections near docks, sluices, marinas and lifeboat slips may be restricted—observe signage and keep access routes clear.

Facilities

Facilities are modest along the shore itself; plan to be self-sufficient and tidy. Nearby towns provide essentials before you walk out.

• Parking is roadside only at access points; more formal parking, cafés and toilets are available around Sharpness/Marina area (check opening times and any fees).
• Shops, pubs and fuel in Berkeley (GL13). Wider services in Lydney, Thornbury and Gloucester.
• Tackle and bait: options exist in Lydney, Thornbury and Gloucester—ring ahead for lug, rag and crab availability.
• Mobile signal is variable on the floodbank; don’t rely on data for tide apps once out—download times before leaving.
• No lighting, no freshwater on site, and bins are scarce—pack out all litter and line.

Tips

Little details make a big difference on this estuary. Think heavy, simple and tidy—control your presentation and the bites will follow.

• Check the Severn Bore timetable and avoid standing low or on mud anywhere near its predicted time; fishing often improves in the hour after it passes.
• Use long bait elastic wraps to compact worm/crab baits so they survive the cast and the pull.
• A short shock-leader tail with a weak link to the lead saves expensive gear when debris snags your rig.
• Fish a clipped-down rig for distance and clean entry on neaps, then switch to a pulley pennel with a grippy lead once you locate the gutter.
• Peeler crab is gold from late April through June—bring enough and keep it cool and damp.
• Don’t chase the water down the foreshore; let the fish come to you on the flood and top. Move only along the bank.
• After heavy rain, give it a tide or two for the freshwater to ease before targeting rays or hounds.
• Keep noise and lights low at night; bass especially patrol close, tight to the rock armour and the first scoured edge.

Regulations

Berkeley Shore lies within the Severn Estuary, which carries multiple environmental designations and mixed management. Always check current rules just before your trip, as they can change.

• Access and land: Much of the hinterland is private farmland/sea defences—keep to public rights of way, leave gates as found, and follow any local “no fishing/no access” signs near docks, sluices or operational sites.
• Conservation designations: The Severn Estuary is an SSSI/SPA/SAC/Ramsar site. Avoid disturbing roosting and feeding birds, especially on big winter tides; no vehicles on the saltmarsh or floodbank.
• Bass: Recreational bass rules apply (bag limits, minimum size, and closed periods). As of recent years this has typically meant a minimum size of 42 cm and a limited daily bag with a winter catch-and-release period, but you must confirm the current DEFRA/MMO notice before retaining any bass.
• Eels and shad: European eel must be released if accidentally caught. Allis and twaite shad are protected—return immediately if encountered.
• Migratory salmonids: Targeting salmon/sea trout requires an Environment Agency rod licence and is subject to strict byelaws; avoid using methods or baits that would constitute intentional targeting in tidal waters.
• Minimum sizes and bylaws: Local IFCAs/EA bylaws may set minimum sizes and gear restrictions—check the latest for the Severn Estuary/Devon & Severn IFCA area before retaining fish.
• General: No set-lines, no unattended rods, and no fires on the bank. Take all litter and waste line home and respect other water users (shipping to Sharpness, small craft, and rescue services).