Oldbury-on-Severn Fishing

Last updated: 1 week ago

Oldbury-on-Severn Fishing Map

Tidal estuary mark on the Severn sea wall by Oldbury-on-Severn and the former power station. Expect extreme tides, heavy currents, mudflats and mixed mud/stone ground with some rough patches. Best results are typically the last two hours of the flood and first hour of the ebb, especially at dusk or after dark. Grip leads and sturdy beach gear are essential. Classic baits are lugworm, ragworm and peeler crab; squid or fish strips help in winter. Access is via the flood bank with a moderate walk; take great care with soft mud, fast-flooding tides and slippery rocks.

Ratings

⭐ 6.3/10 Overall
Catch Potential 7/10
Species Variety 6/10
Scenery & Comfort 6/10
Safety 4/10
Accessibility 6/10

Fish You Can Catch at Oldbury-on-Severn

🐟 Bass 8/10
🎯 Tip: Flooding tide along channel edges and rock armour; peeler crab or 4–5in shads; best May–Oct at dusk into first of ebb; 5–6oz grip leads in the flow.
🐟 Flounder 7/10
🎯 Tip: Ragworm or maddies on 2–3 hook flappers; fish creek mouths and gutters last 2h of flood and first ebb; best Oct–Mar; short casts onto soft mud.
🐟 Mullet (Thick-lipped) 7/10
🎯 Tip: Bread flake under a float or freelined; work the walls and slack eddies on neaps; clearer water days Jun–Sep; stealth and light gear.
🐟 European Eel 6/10
🎯 Tip: Night fishing Jun–Sep; ragworm or fish strip on running rigs; target slack eddies and creeks on neaps; strike early to avoid deep hooking.
🐟 Mullet (Thin-lipped) 6/10
🎯 Tip: Small spoon/spinner with rag teaser, slow retrieve along tide lines on the flood; Jun–Sep in clearer water near pill mouths and walls.
🐟 Dover Sole 5/10
🎯 Tip: After dark on neaps; rag/lug cocktails on long snoods; short casts onto muddy margins and inside gullies; best Jul–Sep.
🐟 Thornback Ray 5/10
🎯 Tip: Crab, squid or sandeel on pulley rigs; cast to channel edge 60–90m; best Apr–Jun and Sept on neap tides; fish 2h either side of slack.
🐟 Starry Smoothhound 5/10
🎯 Tip: Peeler crab on pulley pennel; May–Aug; fish flooding tide over crab-rich mudbanks and channel edges; 4–6oz grip leads.
🐟 Whiting 4/10
🎯 Tip: Small strips of mackerel/squid on size 2 flappers; Nov–Jan night floods along channel edges; bites fade on big springs.
🐟 Cod 3/10
🎯 Tip: Crab or lug/crab cocktails; occasional in cold snaps Nov–Jan; fish night floods into the channel with heavy grip leads.
🐟 European Smelt 3/10
🎯 Tip: Tiny hooks or sabikis with worm/maggot; short winter run Jan–Mar at slack water around pill mouths and flow breaks; gentle retrieve.

Oldbury-on-Severn Fishing

Summary

Oldbury-on-Severn sits on the middle reaches of the Severn Estuary in Gloucestershire, backed by floodbanks and the decommissioned power station. It’s a classic big-tide estuary mark that rewards prepared anglers with codling in winter, bass and smoothhounds in summer, and thornback rays on the right tides. Expect coloured water, brutal currents, and hard-fighting fish close to the wall.

Location and Access

This mark is reached via Oldbury-on-Severn village, near Thornbury, with fishing along the estuary-facing floodbank around the old power station. Access is straightforward on the Severn Way path, but parking is limited and you must keep to public rights of way and respect security fencing around the power station compound.

Seasons

This is a seasonal estuary venue with strong migrations and brackish influence. Fish move on the tide; many are tight in at peak flow.

Methods

Standard estuary bottom tactics dominate due to the huge tide and coloured water. Think strong tackle, grippy leads and chunky fresh baits.

Tides and Conditions

Oldbury is all about timing the tide and picking sensible springs. The Severn’s tidal range is among the largest in the world, so plan around flow and safety.

Safety

This is a serious estuary with fast-flooding tides, soft mud and debris. Treat it with the same respect you would a surf beach with heavy undertow.

Facilities

Facilities are limited at the mark itself; plan to be self-sufficient. The nearest services are in Oldbury-on-Severn and Thornbury.

Tips

Local tides and ground changes with storms; keep mobile and read the water. Regulars time short, focused sessions around the best hour rather than sitting all day.

Regulations

This stretch lies within the Severn Estuary’s protected designations (SSSI/SPA/SAC) and near critical infrastructure. Know the rules before you go and always check for updated local signage.