Summary
Framilode sits on the upper tidal River Severn in Gloucestershire, a quiet stretch of estuary famed for its huge tidal range and the occasional Severn Bore. It’s a traditional autumn–winter flounder venue with summer bass and mullet possibilities, best suited to anglers who enjoy reading tides and working muddy, fast-flowing estuary edges.
Location and Access
This mark lies between Frampton-on-Severn and Saul/Framilode, on the north bank of the upper Severn where the old Stroudwater Canal once met the river. Access is typically via village lanes and the Severn Way footpath; expect a short walk to the floodbank with soft ground in places.
- Approach via local lanes from the A38; follow signs for Framilode/Frampton-on-Severn and then the river.
- Parking is limited to roadside pull-ins or village streets; be considerate, avoid gateways, and look for any local restrictions or pub car parks for patrons only.
- The Severn Way public footpath runs along the floodbank; stick to waymarked paths and stiles to avoid crossing private farmland.
- Terrain is grassy floodbank with muddy foreshore below; expect uneven, slippery ground and steep banks in parts.
Seasons
The upper estuary here is brackish and very tidal, favouring tolerant species. Expect seasonal variety with protected migratory fish present in spring.
- Common/regular:
- Flounder: late September to February peak; odd fish year-round in mild spells.
- Bass (schoolies, occasional better fish): May to October, especially on warmer, coloured springs.
- Thick- or thin-lipped mullet: June to September around slack water and canal/creek mouths.
- Occasional/possible:
- Codling (variable year-to-year): late October to January in coloured water after blows.
- Whiting (rare this far up, but odd fish in strong winters): Nov–Jan.
- Present but protected (do not target; release immediately if accidentally caught):
- European eel (year-round; more active in summer evenings).
- Twaite/Allis shad (spring runs, typically May–June).
- Salmon and sea trout (migratory season varies; strictly protected).
Methods
Strong tides and soft substrate call for simple, robust end-tackle. Fish the flood and over high with wired leads and scent-heavy baits.
- General approach:
- Bottom fishing dominates; short to medium casts find the channels running close to the bank on the flood.
- Use 4–6 oz wired grip leads (sometimes 7 oz on big springs) to hold bottom in the main run.
- Rigs and hooks:
- 2-hook flapper with size 1–2 Aberdeens for flounder and schoolie bass.
- Up-and-over or pulley dropper with 1/0–2/0 for bass/codling when crabs or larger fish are about.
- Long snoods (60–100 cm) with a few beads/spoons can lift flounder takes in coloured water.
- Baits:
- Lugworm and ragworm are staples; fresh or well-oiled frozen blacks excel for flounder/codling.
- Peeler crab (in season), soft crab and prawn/shrimp score for bass on warmer tides.
- Mackerel/sandeel strips can tempt bass/codling but are secondary to worm/crab here.
- Mullet tactics:
- Bread or small ragworm under a clear waggler/avon float on size 8–12 hooks at slack water around creeks/eddies.
- Tackle notes:
- 12–13 ft beach/estuary rods, 20–25 lb mainline with 50–60 lb shock leader; braid is fine but expect silt and debris, so use a tough leader.
Tides and Conditions
The Severn’s tide here is fierce, with a very large range and a pronounced bore on big springs. Plan around the flood and the top of the tide for both safety and bites.
- Best states:
- 2 hours up to high water and the first hour of the ebb; flounder often hug the advancing flood line.
- Springs for flounder/codling; neaps and slack periods can suit mullet.
- Conditions:
- Coloured water is normal; a freshening river after rain can push bass down but rarely stops flounder.
- A brisk southwesterly that colours the channel can spark autumn–winter bites; prolonged heavy freshwater can slow sport.
- Bore days:
- Avoid standing low on the foreshore when a bore is due; fish well before or long after it passes.
- Always consult local tide tables for Sharpness/Gloucester area and note bore forecasts.
Safety
This is a committing estuary venue with soft mud, fast currents, and rapidly rising water. Treat it with the same respect you would give a surf beach with a spring flood.
- Major hazards:
- Deep, sticky mud and steep banks; never step onto exposed mud flats and keep a safe line above the mud edge.
- Fast flooding tides and the Severn Bore on big springs; water can rise in minutes.
- Floating debris and heavy weed run on springs—keep an eye on line angles and cut free if necessary.
- Personal safety:
- Wear a buoyancy aid or inflatable lifejacket, especially when fishing low banks.
- Use studded boots, a headlamp for dusk/night, and a long-handled landing net due to high banks.
- Avoid isolated sessions alone; tell someone your plan and exit route.
- Access notes:
- Stick to the Severn Way/public rights of way; respect any private “No Access/No Fishing” signs around moorings or farmed banks.
- Mobility: uneven grass banks and stiles make this unsuitable for most wheelchairs or those with limited mobility.
Facilities
Facilities are modest and village-based. Come self-sufficient and treat any pub or café parking as for patrons only.
- Nearby:
- Village pubs in Framilode/Frampton-on-Severn often offer food and toilets to customers; check opening hours.
- Saul Junction (a short drive/walk away) typically has seasonal café and public conveniences.
- Tackle and bait:
- Nearest tackle shops are in the wider Gloucester/Stroud area; phone ahead for lug/rag availability.
- Communications:
- Mobile signal is generally fair on the floodbank but can be patchy low down.
Tips
Framilode rewards tidy, unhurried fishing and careful tide timing. Think flounder first, then let bonus bass or codling surprise you.
- Short casts often beat hero casts—flounder track the gutter on the flooding edge.
- Fresh lug catches the stamp fish; tip with a sliver of mackerel to toughen baits in crabby spells.
- Clip-down rigs cast better into the wind; unclip to present a long, flowing snood once fishing.
- On bore days, wind in and move to higher ground at least 30 minutes before the predicted time.
- A few bright beads or a small silver spoon above the hook can lift takes in the chocolate Severn water.
- Keep gear minimal and portable; the best line on the bank may change as the flood races in.
- Watch for mullet dimpling in calm back-eddies on neaps—bring a light float rod just in case.
Regulations
This stretch is tidal estuary, with overlapping protections for migratory species and specific national sea fish rules. Always check the latest official sources before you go.
- Licensing:
- You do not need an EA rod licence to fish for sea species in tidal waters, but you do need one if targeting freshwater fish (e.g., mullet can be a grey area); enforcement focuses on target species and methods—carry a valid licence if unsure.
- Protected species (must be released immediately; do not target):
- Salmon, sea trout, shad (Allis/Twaite) and European eel. Additional salmonid byelaws and close seasons apply on the Severn.
- Bass rules:
- Recreational bass catch limits, minimum size and open seasons change periodically; check current UK guidance (MMO/DEFRA) for ICES area covering the Severn before retaining any bass.
- Size/bag limits:
- National MLS and local byelaws may apply to species like codling; verify before keeping fish.
- Local access:
- Respect private land, moorings and any posted “No Fishing” signs along the bank or near canal structures.
- Lead and litter:
- Retrieve all line/terminal tackle where safe; take litter home. Some areas request the use of non-toxic leads—check local notices.