Hock Cliff Fishing

Last updated: 1 week ago

Hock Cliff Fishing Map

Hock Cliff lies on the upper Severn Estuary near Fretherne/Frampton-on-Severn. It is a muddy, clay-backed shoreline with powerful tidal flow and a huge tidal range. Expect fast-flooding water, shifting channels, and soft mud below the cliff line. Fishing is best on the flood and around high water on small to mid-range (neap to medium) tides; big springs can be unfishable with strong pull and debris. Typical tactics are short-to-medium casts into gutters and channel edges with worm and crab baits for flatfish and bass, or light, stealthy approaches for mullet in calmer, clearer spells. The area is exposed and footing can be treacherous; avoid the foreshore mud, give the cliff face a wide berth, and be aware of the Severn Bore times.

Ratings

⭐ 5.2/10 Overall
Catch Potential 6/10
Species Variety 5/10
Scenery & Comfort 6/10
Safety 3/10
Accessibility 4/10

Fish You Can Catch at Hock Cliff

🐟 Flounder 8/10
🎯 Tip: Winter–spring staple. Fish close-in along muddy gullies on flooding tide; size 1 hooks with ragworm or crab. Best on neap tides; move with the tide. Avoid the Bore surges.
🐟 Bass 7/10
🎯 Tip: Crab or lug baits in the margins on the flood and first ebb; schoolies run tight to the clay ledges. Big springs carry debris—neaps give better control. Summer–autumn best.
🐟 European Eel 7/10
🎯 Tip: Warm evenings May–Sep. Ledger bunches of worm or fish strip in slower edges; hold the rod and use circle hooks for easy release. Best last of flood into slack.
🐟 Mullet (Thin-lipped) 6/10
🎯 Tip: Summer in coloured brackish water. Small Mepps/blade spinner tipped with ragworm, worked across drains/creeks at slack or early flood. Stealth and light fluorocarbon help.
🐟 Common Goby 4/10
🎯 Tip: Micro-fishing at lowest tide in shallow pools/edges; size 18–20 hooks with tiny rag or shrimp slivers. Work sheltered puddles between clay ribs. Best on calm neaps.
🐟 Mullet (Thick-lipped) 4/10
🎯 Tip: Occasional around freshwater outfalls in settled spells. Bread flake under a waggler or tiny rag; target slack water in side eddies on neaps.
🐟 Sand Goby 3/10
🎯 Tip: Occasional on sandy patches among the mud at low water. Tiny hooks with worm crumbs; short dropshot under the rod tip. Neap lows and calm days help spotting them.
🐟 Sea Trout 3/10
🎯 Tip: Rare but possible on clear neap tides at dusk. Small spoons/spinners or sandeel-pattern lures in current seams on the flood. Check seasons; handle and release quickly.

Hock Cliff Fishing

Summary

Hock Cliff sits on the east bank of the tidal River Severn in Gloucestershire, between Frampton-on-Severn and Arlingham. It’s a dramatic, fossil-rich SSSI backdrop with a colossal tidal range and the famous Severn Bore, making it a challenging but rewarding estuary mark for the prepared angler.

Location and Access

Reaching Hock Cliff involves country lanes and a walk on field paths along the riverbank. Access is straightforward in dry weather but can be muddy, with stiles and uneven ground.

Seasons

This is a classic muddy estuary venue with seasonal sea fish moving far upriver on big tides. Expect modest sizes with occasional surprises.

Methods

Fast tides and colour dictate strong, simple tackle and fresh baits. Think estuary bait work rather than finesse.

Tides and Conditions

The Severn’s range and flow dominate success. Plan around the bore and the fierce flood/ebb streams.

Safety

Hock Cliff is spectacular but hazardous. The river rises frighteningly fast and the foreshore mud can be life‑threatening.

Facilities

There are no facilities at the mark itself; plan to be self‑sufficient for the session.

Tips

Treat Hock Cliff as an estuary endurance venue—timing, bait quality, and tide reading beat brute casting power.

Regulations

This stretch is within the tidal River Severn and part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Know the estuary, fishery, and conservation rules before you go.