Summary
Fretherne sits on the upper Severn Estuary in Gloucestershire, a quietly productive stretch of tidal river framed by grazing meadows and the famous Severn Bore. It’s a classic West Country estuary mark for bass, mullet and (historically) flounder, rewarding careful tide timing and neat bait presentation. The setting is rural, access is on foot, and planning around tide size and the bore is essential for success.
Location and Access
This mark refers to the east bank of the tidal River Severn around Fretherne/Framilode, a short walk from the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal and Saul Junction. Access is via country lanes; the final approach is along the Severn Way floodbank footpath over grass.
- From the M5 J13, take the A38 and follow signs to Frampton-on-Severn, then Saul/Fretherne; continue to Saul Junction/Framilode for the river.
- Reliable parking at Saul Junction Marina (pay-and-display; postcode approx. GL2 7LA). Limited, considerate roadside parking can sometimes be found near Fretherne/Framilode churches and lanes—do not block gateways.
- Walk 10–25 minutes along the Severn Way to chosen pegs on the floodbank; fields may contain livestock and seasonal electric fencing.
- Ground is a mix of firm grassy bank, uneven flood defences and very soft intertidal mud below—fish from the bank/sea wall, not the foreshore.
Seasons
This is an estuarine venue with highly variable clarity and salinity; species follow the seasons and the strength of the tides.
- Spring (Mar–May): school bass, thin‑lipped mullet arriving with warmer water; odd flounder lingering early spring; protected shad run through (must be returned).
- Summer (Jun–Aug): school bass with the chance of better fish on crab; thin‑lipped mullet around freshwater outfalls; silver eels present (must be released).
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): peak time for bass, especially September–October; the occasional decent flounder where they persist locally.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): a scratchy prospect—odd flounder on small tides; school bass possible on mild spells; expect long quiet spells between bites.
- Occasional/bonus: estuary grey mullet mixes, smelt in late winter (by‑catch on small hooks), and migratory salmonids passing through (do not target).
Methods
Presentation and tide control matter more than distance here. Most fishing is bottom work from the floodbank, with light lure tactics for mullet/bass in settled water.
- Bottom fishing: 4–6 oz grip leads to hold in strong flow; 2‑hook flappers (size 2–1 hooks) for flounder and by‑catch; clipped‑down 1‑up/1‑down or pulley drops (1/0–3/0) for bass.
- Baits: estuary lug and rag are dependable; peeler crab is top for bass in late spring–autumn; maddies/harbour rag for flounder; prawn or small squid strips can score when crabs are rampant.
- Mullet: thin‑lip spinners (Mepps #2–3) tipped very lightly with rag; or delicate float tactics with bread/maggot where clarity allows, especially near freshwater outfalls.
- Lures for bass: shallow divers or soft plastics only on neap tides and at high water along the edges—water is usually too coloured on springs.
- Tackle notes: long estuary rods (13–15 ft) help keep line high over the bank; strong tripod; long snoods (60–100 cm) for bass, shorter for flounder; use bait elastic to protect soft baits from crabs.
Tides and Conditions
The Severn has an enormous range and a powerful bore on big springs; timing is everything. Plan shorter, focused sessions around manageable tides.
- Best tide sizes: small to mid‑neaps and modest mids—springs are often too fierce and debris‑laden.
- Tide states: 2 hours up to high and the first hour down are most user‑friendly from the floodbank; bass often switch on as flow eases.
- Bore days: step well back and keep gear secured; fishing usually resumes 30–60 minutes after the bore passes as fish re‑settle.
- Water colour: after heavy rain the river can be chocolate brown and fresh—expect slower sport; clearer neaps favour mullet and lures.
- Time of day: dusk into dark is prime for bass in summer and early autumn; bright still mornings can reveal mullet bow‑waving near outfalls.
Safety
Treat this venue with real respect—the combination of soft mud, fast tides and the bore can be unforgiving. Access is on grassy banks and field paths rather than hard structures.
- Never go onto the intertidal mud or below the sea wall; it is soft, silty and can swallow a person or tripod in seconds.
- Always expect the Severn Bore on larger springs; check published bore timetables and stay well back as it approaches.
- Wear a PFD if fishing close to the edge; waders can become a liability on slippery, angled banks.
- Fields may contain cattle and electric fences; keep to the Severn Way and respect gates/signage.
- Hock Cliff area nearby is unstable—avoid standing beneath cliffs; rockfalls are common.
- Headtorch, spare light, and warm layers advised; mobile signal can be patchy right on the river.
- Not well suited to wheelchair users—uneven grassy banks and stiles are typical.
Facilities
Facilities are concentrated around Saul Junction and nearby villages; the riverbank itself is undeveloped.
- Saul Junction Marina: parking, toilets and café during daytime (check opening hours; approx. GL2 7LA).
- Pubs/cafés: options in Frampton‑on‑Severn and Framilode for food and drink.
- Tackle/bait: nearest general tackle shops are in Gloucester/Quedgeley; pre‑order sea baits (lug/rag/crab) especially outside summer weekends.
- No toilets or shelter on the floodbank; bring everything you need and take litter home.
- Phone reception: generally fair near the canal and villages; can drop along the river.
Tips
Think like a river angler: read seams, edges and slacks, not just range. The inside edges and gutters often out‑fish the main flow.
- On neaps, cast just onto the crease rather than the middle—fish patrol the edge where food funnels.
- Bass here love fresh peeler; if crabs are stripping baits, up the elastic and shorten snoods.
- Add a couple of red/yellow beads or a small blade to flounder rigs for extra attraction in coloured water.
- Keep rods high on a tall tripod and fish tight lines to stay in touch through weed pulses.
- Recast frequently (20–30 minutes) to keep scent fresh; stale baits vanish to crabs.
- Note bore times—a common local pattern is a good flurry of bites shortly after the bore once the river settles.
- Travel light and be mobile; moving 50–100 yards to find a better seam can transform a session.
Regulations
This is a tidal estuary with overlapping protections. Do not assume open access below the bank—respect signs, wildlife designations and private land. Always check the latest official sources before you go.
- Access: Keep to public rights of way (Severn Way) and obvious riverbank paths; do not cross planted fields or climb fences. Some frontages are privately owned.
- SSSI: Parts of the bank/foreshore (e.g., Hock Cliff) lie within SSSI designations—avoid digging bait in vegetated saltmarsh, do not hammer pegs into cliffs, and minimise disturbance to wildlife.
- Rod licence: In England you need an Environment Agency rod licence to fish for salmon, trout, freshwater fish, smelt or eel (this can apply in tidal waters). If there’s any chance of catching or targeting these species here, carry a valid licence.
- Species protections: European eel must be released; shad, lamprey and migratory salmonids are protected—return immediately if hooked while targeting sea fish.
- Bass rules: Check current UK/English bass regulations (size/bag/season) before retaining fish. As of 2024, a 42 cm minimum and seasonal bag limits applied—rules can change annually.
- Nets and fixed gear: Devon & Severn IFCA byelaws restrict netting and certain methods in the estuary; these do not usually affect rod‑and‑line anglers but do check if you plan any fixed gear.
- General: No fires or camping on the floodbank; take all litter home; observe any local "No Fishing" or livestock notices when present.
