Hempsted Fishing

Last updated: 1 week ago

Hempsted Fishing Map

Hempsted is a tidal River Severn bank mark on the west side of Gloucester. It’s classic upper-estuary fishing: deep, fast-flowing channels with steep, muddy foreshore, a huge tidal range and the occasional Severn Bore. Most anglers fish from the firm floodbank rather than the mud below. Best results are typically on neap tides and around the last of the flood and first of the ebb, using 5–6 oz grip leads to hold bottom. Natural baits like ragworm, lugworm and peeler crab score, with lures also producing bass in clearer water. Night sessions can be productive for eels, while daylight neaps suit thin-lipped mullet along tide seams and drain outflows. Access is on foot via the Severn Way paths around Hempsted; take great care with soft mud and rapidly flooding tides.

Ratings

⭐ 5.4/10 Overall
Catch Potential 6/10
Species Variety 5/10
Scenery & Comfort 6/10
Safety 3/10
Accessibility 6/10

Fish You Can Catch at Hempsted

🐟 Flounder 7/10
🎯 Tip: Mud/silt channels; small rag/maddies or lug on size 2–4. Short casts to channel edges on the flood, late autumn–spring. 4–5oz gripper to hold in strong flow.
🐟 Bass 6/10
🎯 Tip: Peeler crab or lug on the flooding tide around creek mouths/eddies; summer–early autumn. Short–medium casts, 5–6oz gripper. Lures only at neaps or slack due to current.
🐟 European Eel 6/10
🎯 Tip: After dusk on the flood into early ebb; worm or fish strip hard on the bottom close in. Expect weed/debris; use strong hooklengths. Return eels.
🐟 Mullet (Thin-lipped) 6/10
🎯 Tip: Small Mepps-style spinner tipped with rag/Isome along margins on neaps in clear water; summer. Also bread under a float near calm spots. Stealthy approach.
🐟 Common Goby 5/10
🎯 Tip: Micro-fish the muddy edge at slack or small neaps with size 16–20 hooks and tiny worm baits; minimal lead. Good close-in sport.
🐟 European Smelt 4/10
🎯 Tip: Occasional winter runs; size 10–14 hooks with small worm/shrimp slivers at night on slack/flood, ideally near lights/structure. Slow retrieves.
🐟 Sand Goby 4/10
🎯 Tip: Tiny worm baits on micro rigs fished tight to the edge at slack or gentle flood; summer. Keep leads light and static.
🐟 Mullet (Thick-lipped) 4/10
🎯 Tip: Bread flake on light float gear around calm margins on neaps; summer. Prebait with bread mash and use long fluorocarbon leaders.

Hempsted Fishing

Summary

Hempsted sits on the left bank of the tidal River Severn just south of Gloucester, where the estuary’s legendary tides and the Severn Bore make for unique, challenging fishing. It’s a classic upper-estuary mark for flounder and school bass, with fast flows, deep colour, and dramatic tide swings. Fish it for raw estuary atmosphere and the real prospect of quality winter flounder and lively summer bass close to the city.

Location and Access

This mark covers the riverbank and floodbank stretches opposite Gloucester and the Quays, around the village of Hempsted. Access is generally via the Severn Way public footpath and floodbank, with a short to moderate walk depending on where you park.

Seasons

This is an upper-estuary, highly coloured venue with a seasonal mix. Flounder are the headline draw, bass show on the warmer months’ floods, and eels are widespread in summer (release required).

Methods

Think strong estuary tactics: hold bottom in fierce tidal flow and present smelly baits close to the deck. Natural baits outscore lures in this permanently coloured water.

Tides and Conditions

The Severn here is all about tide size, timing, and the bore. Small to mid-range tides give control; big springs are dramatic but can be unfishable during peak flow.

Safety

This is a powerful estuary with extreme tides, soft mud, and a famous tidal bore. Most accidents stem from leaving the floodbank or underestimating the speed of the flood.

Facilities

You’re close to Gloucester, so amenities are within a short drive or walk, but right on the bank it’s basic. Plan to be self-sufficient on the floodbank.

Tips

Hempsted rewards tidy end-tackle and timing. Treat it like a big-river flounder venue and be ready to adapt around the bore.

Regulations

Rules here combine general sea angling law with estuarine and migratory species protections. Always obey on-site signage and any directions from land managers.