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Gloucestershire

Old Passage

6.9 · Estuary · Gloucestershire

A classic Severn Estuary mark by the old Aust ferry crossing beneath the First Severn Bridge. Extremely fast tides, huge range, and a mix of rock, rough ground and soft mud. Best fished on the flood two to three hours up to high water on big springs; neaps can be slow. Expect strong currents, heavy weed at times, and snags. Use stout tackle and gripper leads. Excellent winter codling/whiting sport and spring–summer rays and smoothhounds, with bass year-round peaks in warmer months. Access is short but the foreshore is slippery; keep well clear of mud and be aware of the Severn Bore and rapid tidal rise.

Should you fish Old Passage?

57 Fair

Today · Best available

Best available: 21:00-00:00 around the rising tide

Most likely species: Bass and European Eel

Fair conditions. Best available around 21:00-00:00 around the rising tide, but no window reaches the strong threshold today. Good chance of Bass and European Eel.

W 4 mph Rain 0% High tide 00:42

Fishable, but pick your timing carefully.

Plan this mark

7-day fishing forecast for Old Passage — 7-day forecast

Scores and best windows are weighted for .

Met Office Met Office · Open-Meteo

Where the data comes from. Weather and sea-state readings come from the Met Office and Open-Meteo forecast models, refreshed several times a day. High and low water are taken from tide-station predictions for this stretch of coast.

How the score works. Each window is scored 0–100 from the signals that most reliably move fish inshore: tide movement (a running tide carries food, so the last of the flood and first of the ebb are usually the prime spells), wind speed and direction (onshore wind stirs food into the surf — up to the point it makes fishing hard), sea state (a little wave and swell movement helps, heavy swell hurts), and weather — rain, temperature and light. Behind the headline number we score bite opportunity and comfort separately, and run a separate safety check on wind and swell. The size of the tide counts too: spring tides move more water than neaps, so the tidal range for this stretch of coast is weighed alongside the tide's direction, your target species and this mark — and unusually big springs strengthen the safety check, because the water rises faster and covers more ground.

Your target species counts. Pick a species below and the score also weights what we know about it — its season, preferred sea temperature, tide stage and sea state, and whether it feeds by day or night.

The rating is guidance, not a guarantee — conditions change fast on the coast, so always judge the sea in front of you before you fish.

Wednesday looks better than today. Unlock the week to see its score and exact window.

· windows & tide

Spring vs neap tides. Spring tides have a larger difference between high and low water, so more water moves on each tide — usually stronger flow that stirs up food and gets fish feeding. Neap tides have a smaller range and generally gentler movement. The range here is compared with what is normal for this stretch of coast, and the cycle swings between springs and neaps roughly every week, following the moon.

Big spring tides: the water rises faster and covers more ground than usual — double-check access routes and cut-off points before you fish.

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Old Passage is a tide-timing mark above all else. The best sessions usually come on the flood into high water, when the Severn’s coloured push brings bass, rays, whiting, codling chances and summer hounds within practical casting range. It is productive but unforgiving: fierce tide, slippery boulder/clay ground, mud, weed and snags mean heavy simple tackle, gripper leads and a planned retreat are essential.

  • Time the exact flood window before you cast
  • Know when springs help — and when they beat you
  • Fish the seams, not just the distance
  • Match rigs to the Severn’s snags and tide run
  • Switch to flounder, mullet or eels when neaps slow the main targets
  • Use nearby backups only after checking access and conditions

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Beachley 1.8 mi Pilning 2.5 mi Olveston 2.7 mi Tutshill and Sedbury 3.1 mi Tockington 3.3 mi

Explore nearby towns: Beachley · Pilning · Olveston · Tutshill and Sedbury · Tockington

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Forecast tuning currently supports Bass and Mackerel — more species are on the way.

Overall rating

6.9 /10

Blend of catch potential, access, safety, and overall experience.

Category scores

Catch Potential 8/10
Species Variety 7/10
Scenery & Comfort 6/10
Safety 3/10
Accessibility 6/10

Bass 9/10
Tip: Spring tides; last of flood and first ebb. Fish peeler crab or lug/squid in gutter seams; 6–8oz grips to hold. Best May–Oct, after dark or in coloured water.
European Eel 7/10
Tip: Warm summer nights in slack pockets close in; worms or fish strip. Use strong mono and long-nose pliers; handle carefully and release (protected species).
Flounder 6/10
Tip: Neap tides around slack; rag/lug or small crab cast to channel edges and mud gullies. Late autumn–spring. Use light leads or weak wires so rigs don’t bury.
Mullet (Thick-lipped) 6/10
Tip: Calm neaps in clear back eddies by the old ferry slip; bread flake under a clear float. Late spring–autumn; keep quiet and scale down to light line.
Whiting 5/10
Tip: After-dark winter floods; lug or mackerel strip on 2-hook flappers. Clip-down to reach tide seams; expect small fish but busy spells on big tides.
Mullet (Thin-lipped) 5/10
Tip: Neap tides in clearer water; retrieve small Mepps-style spoon with Delta fly through gentle tide runs and drains. Best Jul–Sep in daylight.
Cod 4/10
Tip: Occasional winter codling on biggest night tides after storms; lug/squid cocktails into the main run. Heavy grip leads and rotten-bottom links over rough ground.
Starry Smoothhound 4/10
Tip: Uncommon but possible on big summer floods; fresh peeler crab fished along crease lines. Strong tackle needed to cope with fierce run.

Local knowledge

Old Passage fishing guide

Practical access, seasons, methods, tides, safety and facilities for this mark.

Old Passage sits on the English side of the Severn Estuary near Aust, just upstream of the M48 Severn Bridge in Gloucestershire. It’s a classic upper-Bristol-Channel mark famed for its huge tidal range, brutal tide run, and estuary species. When timed right, it’s a highly productive venue for rays, smoothhounds, bass and winter whiting with a real chance of a surprise codling in colder snaps.

This mark is reached via Aust, close to Severn View and the old ferry slip that once linked to Beachley. Access is straightforward to the hamlet, but the final approach to the foreshore is a short, uneven scramble over boulders and clay.

  • Drive to Aust via the M48 (Junction 1) and follow signs for Severn View/Old Passage; the hamlet is in the BS35 area (nearest services postcode: BS35 4BH).
  • Parking is very limited on the lane by the foreshore; park considerately without blocking residents’ access. Alternatively, use Severn View services and walk if unsure of local parking tolerance.
  • Expect a 5–10 minute walk and a short descent over rocky, muddy ground. Not suitable for wheelchairs or very limited mobility.
  • Terrain is a mix of boulder armour, clay shelves and patches of soft estuarine mud. Stick to obvious, firm ground and avoid any shiny, silted areas.

The upper estuary’s colour and current suit scent-led fishing. Species shift with season and freshwater influence.

  • Spring (Mar–May):
    • Thornback ray (building from late March)
    • School bass on smaller tides and at dusk
    • Early smoothhound from late May if it turns warm
    • Eels (must be released)
  • Summer (Jun–Aug):
    • Smoothhound (peak Jun–Jul on peeler crab)
    • Thornback ray
    • Bass (dawn/dusk and after blowy days)
    • Mullet nosing around margins on calm, bright tides
    • Strap conger after dark
  • Autumn (Sep–Nov):
    • Bass (often best Sep/Oct on springs)
    • Thornback ray
    • Whiting arrive with first chills; odd codling in cold snaps
    • Conger at night
  • Winter (Dec–Feb):
    • Whiting and pouting on night tides
    • Occasional codling after northerlies and temperature drops
    • Conger eels on big baits
  • Always release: all eels, shad, lamprey, salmon/sea trout (if encountered).

Heavy, simple gear wins here. The tide is vicious, the bottom is grabby, and baits must pump scent in a coloured flow.

  • Rods/reels/lines:
    • 12–15 ft beachcasters rated to 6–8 oz with wired grip leads; strong reels with robust drags.
    • 25–30 lb mono mainline with 60–80 lb shockleader; avoid braid in the snags unless very abrasion-resistant.
  • Rigs:
    • Pulley pennel (4/0–5/0) for rays/codling; add a weak-link (rotten-bottom) to the lead.
    • 2-hook flapper or short up-and-over (1/0–2/0) for whiting and mixed fishing.
    • Long up-and-over or pulley dropper for rays when the tide just eases.
  • Baits:
    • Peeler or hardback crab for smoothhound and bass (prime in late spring/summer).
    • Lugworm/black lug and squid cocktails for rays, codling, and whiting.
    • Bluey/squid wraps or mackerel/squid for thornbacks and conger.
    • Cart or razorfish can score in winter colour.
  • Presentation:
    • Big, bound baits with elastic; keep them aerodynamic and tough for long soaks.
    • Cast uptide with wires locked; put out plenty of slack to let the lead dig in.
    • Keep traces short in max run; lengthen slightly as the tide eases near top.

This is a tide-first venue with one of the world’s largest ranges. Plan your session around the flood and slack near high water.

  • Best states:
    • 2 hours before high to 1 hour after high is the sweet spot for most targets; earlier on neaps, later window on springs is shorter.
    • Springs (huge range) drive food and often rays/bass, but holding bottom is hard; neaps are kinder for presentation and hounds.
  • Conditions:
    • Consistently coloured water; scent beats flash. After heavy rain, freshwater can push fish down-estuary—try slightly later on the flood.
    • On warm settled spells (late May–July), evening floods are prime for smoothhound on crab.
    • Autumn on pushing springs after a blow is classic for bass.
  • Severn bore/surges:
    • Around the very largest springs, expect pronounced surges in the flood. Keep well back and set kit high on the bank.

Treat Old Passage with full respect: fierce current, soft mud patches, and fast-flooding water. Pick your footing and plan an exit before you cast.

  • Do not step onto shiny or silty mud; you can sink quickly. Stick to boulders and firm clay shelves only.
  • The flood can rise vertically against the rock line; set a retreat line and move back early. Never get cut off on ledges.
  • Wear a properly fitted PFD, use a headlamp at night, and fish with a partner.
  • Use a tripod with leg ties or weigh it down—gusts and undertow can pull gear over.
  • Waders are risky on this ground; if worn, use a belt and avoid wading. Studded boots improve grip on greasy rock/clay.
  • Accessibility: steep, uneven approach; not suitable for wheelchairs or those with significant mobility limitations.
  • Respect residents and any local signage; some slips and walls may be private—fish from open foreshore only.

There are no facilities on the foreshore itself. Plan to be self-sufficient and use the nearby services before you descend.

  • Nearest toilets, fuel and food: Severn View services (BS35 4BH) on the M48.
  • Tackle and bait: no shops on site; source bait in Bristol, Chepstow or along the A38 corridor before arrival.
  • Mobile signal: generally good near the bridge, but expect occasional dropouts in the cuttings.
  • Lighting: very dark after sunset; bring spare headtorch and glowsticks for tripod tips.

Little tweaks make a big difference on this estuary, where presentation and holding bottom are everything.

  • Use 170 g (6 oz) to 200 g (7 oz) fixed-wire leads; long tail wires grip better in the Severn’s clay and gravel.
  • Fit a weak-link to your lead—snags are common and this saves rigs and fish.
  • Keep hooklengths short (12–18 in) at peak run; lengthen to 3–4 ft only as tide slackens for rays.
  • Don’t overcast: fish often run close on the flood line; a controlled 40–60 yd lob is enough.
  • Big, fresh crab transforms summer sessions—peeler is king for hounds.
  • After long dry spells, try dusk into dark on a building neap for bass and hounds.
  • Debris can pour down after rain; if you see big rafts of weed/wood, reset further uptide with a steeper rod angle to keep line high.
  • Log your sessions by tide height, not just times—Severn fish move to height thresholds as much as clock time.

This shoreline is within the Severn Estuary’s protected designations (SSSI/SPA/SAC), but recreational angling from the open foreshore is generally permitted. Regulations change—check before you go.

  • Bass: bag limits and seasons are updated regularly. As of 2024, a 2-fish daily bag (≥42 cm) applied in-season with closed months for retention; rules may change annually. Always check the latest MMO and relevant IFCA notices before retaining bass.
  • Eels (European eel): no retention; release immediately.
  • Salmon/sea trout: protected migratory species—do not target; release if accidentally caught and report where required.
  • Shad and lamprey: protected—release immediately if encountered.
  • Minimum sizes: observe national MCRS and any local Devon & Severn IFCA bylaws that apply in the estuary.
  • Bait collection: parts of the foreshore fall within sensitive habitats—avoid saltmarsh, follow any local signage, and do not dig above the high-water line.
  • General: take litter home, avoid fires, keep noise down near residences, and do not obstruct access or emergency gates.