Summary
Littleton‑upon‑Severn sits on the English side of the inner Severn Estuary, north of Bristol, with access to classic mud–sand channels and a robust sea wall. It’s a traditional Bristol Channel mark where powerful tides draw bass, codling, smoothhounds and rays within easy casting range. Expect coloured water, quick-filling gutters, and short feeding windows that reward good timing.
Location and Access
Set back from the Oldbury/Thornbury area, Littleton is reached on quiet lanes that end at the flood banks and Severn Way footpaths. You generally fish from the top of the sea wall or rock armour rather than the dangerous mudflats.
- Approach via the A38 and Thornbury, then follow signs for Oldbury‑on‑Severn/Littleton‑upon‑Severn; drive with care on single‑track lanes.
- Park considerately in the village around BS35 1NR and walk 5–20 minutes along the flood bank to chosen pegs; do not block farm gates or access to the sea wall.
- The terrain is a high grassed bank with sections of rock armour and saltmarsh; footwear with good grip is essential. Avoid stepping off the firm bank onto the foreshore mud.
- Popular starting points are near Littleton Pill and along the flood bank towards the power station boundary (respect all fencing and security signage).
Seasons
This is a mixed estuary mark with strong seasonality. Expect short but intense bites around the tide’s turning points.
- Spring (Mar–May): School bass, flounder, thornback ray, early smoothhound; mullet nosing into the pill on calm, warm days.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Bass (including better fish at dusk), smoothhound (peaks late May–July), occasional thornback ray, silver eels (must be released), strap conger at night, mullet in quiet water.
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): Bass through to the first frosts, codling runs on the bigger tides, whiting from late autumn, flounder.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Codling and whiting in the coloured water on night tides, flounder; odd pouting/poor cod.
- Occasional/bonus: Schoolie shoals on neaps, a surprise ray in summer on fish baits, thick‑lipped mullet in the pill (catch and release sport).
Methods
Fish tight and efficient rigs that hold in fierce tide. Short to medium range often outfishes blasting the horizon.
- Rigs: 2‑hook flapper (size 1–1/0) for whiting/flatfish; pulley pennel (3/0–5/0) for codling/bass/rays; clip‑downs to keep baits aerodynamic. Use rotten‑bottom/weak‑link clips where snags and debris are likely.
- Leads: 6–8 oz breakout grips are standard; angle your cast slightly uptide so the lead beds in as the tide pulls.
- Baits: Peeler crab (number one for bass and smoothhound), ragworm and lugworm cocktails, squid strips/wraps, bluey or mackerel for rays, sandeel if targeting rays in late spring. Bind baits tight with elastic.
- Range: 20–60 yards is often enough as fish travel the channel edges and flood‑filled gutters right below the bank.
- Mullet in the pill: Delicate float tactics with bread or tiny ragworm slivers; stealth matters on calm, bright tides.
- Tackle: Sturdy beach rod (4–6 oz+ rating), 6500‑size multiplier or robust fixed spool with 20–25 lb mono or 30–40 lb braid and 60 lb leaders. Tripod compulsory to keep line high above the weed and tide.
Tides and Conditions
The Severn’s range is huge. Success hinges on picking workable tides and hitting the right 60–90 minute window.
- Tide size: Medium springs are a sweet spot—enough flow to switch fish on, but still fishable. Big springs can be hectic with weed/debris; neaps are steadier and great for bites on worm/crab.
- States: Last two hours of the flood and the first hour of the ebb are prime. The top of the tide (slackish) can be golden for rays, codling and bass.
- Time of day: Dusk into dark dramatically improves codling/whiting in late autumn–winter and bass in summer.
- Weather/colour: Naturally coloured water suits the mark. After heavy rain, fresh water and debris can slow sport; a settled 24–48 hours improves fishing.
- Wind: Light to moderate SW–W winds are fine; strong onshores make it hazardous and weed‑ridden. Calm, warm evenings are best for smoothhound and mullet.
- Note: On very large springs a low bore‑like surge can rattle the bank—secure tripods and keep kit well above the water line.
Safety
This is a powerful estuary with lethal mud and fast‑rising water. Plan, keep high, and never step onto the foreshore.
- Never go onto the mudflats; even shallow-looking areas can swallow boots to the knee in seconds.
- Fish from the flood bank/rock armour only; keep a generous margin above the tideline, especially on big springs and in onshore winds.
- Currents are severe—wear a waist‑belted PFD/lifejacket when close to edges and fish with a partner after dark.
- Slippery rocks and wet grass: Use grippy boots and a stable tripod; headtorch with spare batteries for night sessions.
- Debris and snags: Expect floating branches, weed and the odd log—keep lines high and be ready to break off safely.
- Access is via public footpaths (Severn Way) and farm tracks; respect livestock, close gates, and heed any signage around the power station perimeter. If a section is signed “no access/no fishing,” move along the bank.
Facilities
Rural and quiet—plan to be self‑sufficient, with a welcome pub option back in the village.
- Parking: Limited on‑street/village parking around BS35 1NR; no formal car park at the sea wall.
- Toilets/food: The White Hart in Littleton‑upon‑Severn serves food and has facilities for patrons; otherwise none on the bank.
- Tackle/bait: Best sourced in Thornbury and North Bristol; ring ahead for fresh crab/worm. Well‑known Bristol shops (e.g., Veals, Bristol Angling Centre) are a drive away.
- Phone signal: Generally fair on the higher banks but can dip in low spots—don’t rely on data.
- Lighting/shelter: No lighting or cover; bring headtorches, a windproof layer, and hot drinks in winter.
Tips
Treat it like the Bristol Channel it is—big tide tactics, compact baits, and tidy presentation win the day.
- Keep baits small but fresh and elastic‑bound; over‑large offerings spin in the tide and won’t hold.
- Cast slightly uptide so your lead digs in; if it still trundles, go up a lead size or shorten snoods.
- Fish the first gutter that floods below the wall—bass and codling often arrive tight in. Don’t wade for extra yards.
- Use a weak‑link on the lead when fishing over rock armour or drifted debris; it saves losing the whole rig.
- Summer smoothhound love peeler and hardback crab—try a simple running ledger with a strong 3/0 circle hook.
- Keep your kit clipped together and well above the water. The flood can steal a bucket faster than you can blink.
- Pack a litter bag and head home with more than you brought; locals appreciate tidy anglers.
Regulations
You’re on the English side of the Severn Estuary. Sea fishing from the shore is generally allowed, but a few rules matter. Always check current official sources before you go.
- No rod licence is required for sea fish from the shore; a freshwater licence is required if intentionally targeting salmon, sea trout, or other migratory species.
- European eel (and elver) are strictly protected in England—release immediately if caught.
- Shad (twaite/allis), lamprey, salmon, and sea trout are protected—return unharmed if encountered.
- Bass (typical recent rules): Minimum size 42 cm; recreational daily bag limits and open/closed months apply. In recent years this has been 2 fish per angler per day within a defined open season, with catch‑and‑release outside it—check the latest MMO/DEFRA notice before fishing.
- Local designations: The foreshore forms part of nationally protected habitats (SSSI/SAC/SPA). Keep to public paths, avoid damaging saltmarsh, and follow any seasonal access signage.
- Power station boundary: No access within fenced or signed exclusion areas around Oldbury; do not climb fences or structures.
- For any additional local byelaws, consult the Marine Management Organisation and the relevant IFCA/Energy site notices before your trip.