Broadoak

Broadoak is a classic upper Severn Estuary shore mark on the A48 between Gloucester and Lydney, offering big-tide estuary sport with flounder, bass and occasional winter codling. It’s a simple, grassy floodbank venue with fast-moving water and dramatic tidal ranges, best suited to anglers who respect the river’s power. The mark rewards good timing around the tides and thoughtful rigging to cope with heavy flow and soft mud.

Broadoak sits on the east bank of the tidal Severn, immediately off the A48, with easy access to the floodbank and long views across the estuary. Parking is typically in roadside lay-bys by the river at Broadoak; from there you can step onto the bank and walk north or south along the Severn Way.

• Approach: A48 (Gloucester–Lydney). Look for riverside lay-bys and the signed viewpoint at Broadoak; do not block gates or farm entrances.
• Parking: Small lay-bys beside the river; capacity is limited on busy tides. Arrive early for springs. No formal car park barriers.
• Walk-in: 1–10 minutes along the floodbank depending on your chosen peg. Terrain is grassy, uneven and can be slippery when wet.
• Ground: Floodbank top with rock armour and soft mud below. Always fish from the bank or hard ground; never venture onto the foreshore.
• Public right of way: The Severn Way runs along the bank. Respect any private land signs, livestock and temporary fencing.

Species reflect a powerful, brackish estuary with seasonal movement and very coloured water. Expect flounder and bass most of the year, with the chance of codling during colder winters.

• Spring:
  • Flounder (best on worms)
  • School bass (increasing through late spring)
  • Thin‑lipped mullet in settled weather (spinners with rag tip)
• Summer:
  • Bass (schoolies with the chance of better fish on crabs or big worm baits)
  • Flounder
  • Thin‑lipped mullet in calmer neap tides
  • Occasional smoothhound on peeler crab in warmer spells (less common this far up)
• Autumn:
  • Bass (often best Sept–Oct on crabs and lug cocktails)
  • Flounder
  • The odd early codling if cold snaps arrive
• Winter:
  • Flounder (neaps can fish very well)
  • Codling in some years during colder periods
  • Whiting are scarce this far upriver; expect mostly estuary species
• Bycatch/notes:
  • European eel and lamprey may show—handle gently and release immediately (mandatory for eels).

The Severn’s flow dictates your approach: streamlined rigs, gripper leads and baits that hold station. Casting distance is rarely critical; presentation and timing are everything.

• Tackle:
  • 12–15 ft beach rod with a sturdy tripod to keep line high over the bank.
  • 5500–7000 size reels; 18–20 lb mono with 60 lb shockleader, or 30–40 lb braid with mono leader.
  • 5–7 oz wired gripper leads; carry a range for neaps to big springs.
• Rigs:
  • 2‑hook flapper with size 1–2 hooks for flounder and school bass.
  • Pulley/pulley‑dropper with 2/0–4/0 pennel for bass/codling and bulky baits.
  • Use a weak‑link (“rotten bottom”) to the lead; the estuary carries debris and snags.
• Baits:
  • Lugworm (blow/black) and ragworm are the staples; tip with squid on bigger hooks for bass/codling.
  • Peeler crab is prime late spring to early autumn for bass and the chance of a hound.
  • For thin‑lipped mullet, try a small Mepps‑style spinner with a short mono trace baited with a sliver of rag.
• Tactics:
  • Fish 2 hours up to high water and the first hour down; hold bottom and keep baits fresh.
  • Keep snoods short in heavy flow; add a small muppet or beads for flounder attraction.
  • Strike positively—tide drag masks delicate bites.

This is a big-tide venue with one of the world’s highest tidal ranges. Plan around tide size and the Severn Bore forecast to stay safe and to fish effectively.

• Best states:
  • Generally 2 hours up to high water and first hour of the ebb. Neaps are kinder and often best for flounder and mullet.
  • Springs can be hectic: great bass movement but difficult presentation; choose slacker eddies.
• Conditions:
  • The water is almost always coloured; clarity is not required. After heavy rain, strong freshwater can push fish down and dampen sport.
  • Light to moderate onshore winds help bassing; strong winds plus springs can be unfishable from the bank.
• Severn Bore:
  • Large bores occur on certain big springs—know the timetable. Do not fish low on the bank when a bore is due; stand well back on the crest.

Treat Broadoak with the caution you would a powerful river mouth. The combination of fast flow, soft mud and dramatic tidal rise makes the foreshore hazardous.

• Never step onto the mud or rock apron; fish from the floodbank or firm ground only.
• The tide races and rises rapidly—be aware of your exit and the bore times.
• Wear a belt and a properly fitted PFD/lifejacket, especially when fishing alone or in the dark.
• Use a headtorch, non‑slip boots and a long drop net only if the edge is firm; otherwise handline fish carefully at the bank top.
• Keep clear of livestock; respect electric fences and close gates.
• Mobility: Short, uneven grass paths; no formal wheelchair access and no railings.

This is a simple roadside estuary bank with minimal amenities. Treat it as a self‑sufficient session.

• No toilets or water on the bank; nearest public facilities, shops and cafés are in Newnham‑on‑Severn and Westbury‑on‑Severn.
• Tackle/bait: Head to Gloucester, Lydney or Cinderford for tackle shops and fresh/frozen bait; phone ahead in winter for lug/rag availability.
• Mobile signal: Generally workable on the bank but can be patchy; download bore times and tide tables in advance.
• Food/parking: Roadside lay‑bys only; bring warm drinks and lighting if fishing evening tides.

Broadoak has its quirks; local timing and tidy rigs make the difference.

• Arrive early on springs to secure a peg with a little slack water—minor bends or behind groynes can make a huge difference.
• Fresh local lug is king; if unavailable, use quality frozen black lug with a squid sliver for shape.
• A weak‑link to the lead saves end tackle when the tide drags debris; carry spare grippers and clips.
• For flounder, add coloured beads and a small floating bead to lift the bait slightly off the mud.
• Bass often show right under the bank on the flood—don’t overlook a short lob and quick re‑casts.
• Check Severn Bore forecasts; if a significant bore is due on your tide, reposition high and well back and pause fishing as it passes.

Broadoak lies on the English side of the Severn Estuary within the Devon & Severn IFCA district. Recreational shore angling is permitted, but several important rules apply.

• Bass: Recreational bass limits and seasons change—at the time of writing, a minimum size of 42 cm applies and retention is limited by monthly/seasonal rules. Check current MMO/IFCA guidance before your trip.
• Eels and shad: European eel must not be retained; twaite/allis shad are protected—return immediately if encountered.
• Salmon/sea trout: You may not target migratory salmonids without the appropriate EA migratory fish licence and within open seasons; any accidentally caught fish must be released.
• Size/bag limits: Observe national and IFCA byelaws for minimum sizes and any estuary-specific restrictions.
• Bait collection: Parts of the Severn Estuary are designated SSSI/SAC/SPA. Follow any local signage; avoid damaging saltmarsh and do not dig where prohibited.
• Access: Maintain the floodbank, stiles and gates; do not obstruct farm access or park on verges signed as no parking.
• Always verify up-to-date regulations with the MMO, EA and Devon & Severn IFCA before fishing.