Shepperdine Fishing

Summary

Shepperdine sits on the English side of the upper Severn Estuary, just north of Oldbury-on-Severn in Gloucestershire. It’s a classic muddy estuary mark famed for powerful tides, winter codling prospects, spring rays, and estuary bass, with proper big-river atmosphere. Expect demanding conditions, rewarding fishing, and a serious emphasis on safety.

Location and Access

This is a rural estuary venue reached via narrow country lanes from Oldbury-on-Severn, with the final approach along Shepperdine Road to the sea wall/foreshore. Access is straightforward if you stay on the embankment and established paths, but the ground beyond is deep, dangerous mud.

• Sat‑nav: aim for Oldbury-on-Severn village; then follow local signs for Shepperdine/foreshore. Parking is very limited; do not block gateways or tracks, and respect any local signage.
• Typical parking is roadside near the foreshore or church; be considerate to residents and farm traffic.
• The walk is short (5–10 minutes) on a grassy sea wall/track; gradients are gentle but the bank can be slippery when wet.
• Terrain: grassy embankment, stony revetment, and extensive soft mud beyond. Do not leave firm ground.
• Parts of the nearby former power station perimeter and any fenced areas are private—observe all signs and keep to public rights of way.

Seasons

This is a seasonally varied estuary mark where turbidity and freshwater influence shape the fishing. Expect codling and flounder in the colder months, with bass, eels, and rays featuring as the water warms.

• Winter (Nov–Feb):
  • Codling (prime target on big spring tides, especially after blows)
  • Whiting (in clearer, colder snaps)
  • Flounder
• Spring (Mar–May):
  • Thornback ray (in settled spells)
  • School bass (peeler crab runs)
  • Flounder
• Summer (Jun–Aug):
  • Bass (dusk into dark on springs)
  • Thornback ray
  • European eel (catch-and-release only by law)
  • Occasional smoothhound in warmer, saltier periods
• Autumn (Sep–Oct):
  • Bass (often at their best on coloured spring tides)
  • Ray
  • Early codling on the first big blows
• Occasional/bonus:
  • Conger eel from deep gullies on dark tides
  • Silver eels, small soles in very calm, warm nights

Methods

Heavy estuary tactics rule here due to fierce flow and snaggy, muddy ground. Present strong-scent baits, keep rigs simple and robust, and use wired leads to hold bottom.

• Tactics and rigs:
  • Bottom fishing only; lure work is limited by turbidity.
  • 6–8 oz breakout/grip leads are standard on springs; 5–6 oz on smaller tides.
  • Pulley pennel (4/0–5/0) for codling and rays; up-and-over for long baits in fast flow.
  • Two‑hook flapper (size 1–2/0) for flounder/whiting; use shorter snoods on big tides to reduce twist.
  • Rotten‑bottom (weak link) for snaggy patches or debris-strewn banks.
• Baits:
  • Peeler crab is top for bass and codling in season.
  • Lugworm (black/blow) and ragworm for codling/flounder; tip with squid for durability.
  • Squid, mackerel, or bluey strips for rays; crab/squid cocktails score well.
  • Use bait elastic generously—small baits get stripped fast in the flow.
• Gear:
  • 13–14 ft beachcaster with a strong multiplier or robust fixed spool.
  • 25–30 lb mono or 50–60 lb braid mainline with 60–80 lb shock leader.
  • Long double rod rest or tripod; keep rod tips high to clear the flow.
• Timing:
  • Fish the last 3 hours of the flood and the first hour of the ebb for most species.
  • Dusk into dark often out-fishes daylight for bass and rays.

Tides and Conditions

The Severn’s huge tidal range defines Shepperdine. Plan around big spring tides for best results but balance this against safety and holding bottom.

• Tide size and state:
  • Springs fish best for codling, bass, and rays; neaps are steadier and safer but often quieter.
  • Productive window: roughly HW‑3 to HW+1 from the embankment; low water exposes dangerous mud and is generally unfishable.
• Flow and presentation:
  • Cast slightly uptide with breakout leads; allow a controlled belly to set the grip.
  • Rebait often—crabs and flow reduce bait life quickly.
• Conditions:
  • After onshore blows or freshwater spates, codling prospects improve.
  • Settled, mild spells favour thornback rays; coloured water benefits bass.
  • Dusk/dark on spring tides is a prime combination.
• Tidal bore note:
  • The Severn Bore can run on big tides upstream; even here surges and standing waves can occur—stay well back and avoid muddy foreshore.

Safety

This is a high‑risk estuary venue—treat it with respect. The main hazards are soft mud, rapid flooding tides, strong currents, and debris.

• Never step onto exposed mudflats; you can sink dangerously fast. Fish only from firm, high ground (embankment/revetment).
• The flood arrives quickly. Set up well back, note an escape route, and relocate gear progressively as the water rises.
• Wear a self‑inflating lifejacket, headlamp at night, and non‑slip boots; consider a wading staff for stability (not for mud probing).
• Use a buddy system where possible; phone signal can be patchy.
• Keep children and dogs away from the water’s edge. Beware electric fences in field margins.
• Beware floating debris and weed rafts on spring tides; keep fingers clear when tightening gripper leads.
• Respect private land and any fencing around the former power station—no access beyond signed boundaries.

Facilities

Expect minimal facilities at the mark itself. Plan to be self‑sufficient and tidy.

• No public toilets on the foreshore; nearest conveniences are in Oldbury-on-Severn (pub for patrons) or Thornbury.
• No on‑site lighting or shelter; bring headlamps and wind protection.
• Limited mobile signal in places; download tide tables beforehand.
• Food, fuel, and general supplies available in Thornbury; several tackle shops in the wider Thornbury/Bristol area.

Tips

Regulars treat Shepperdine like a surf beach that happens to be a river. Small tweaks to presentation and positioning make a big difference.

• Arrive early on the ebb to pick a firm, high position; mark your safe retreat points before dark.
• Use short, compact baits in heavy run; larger wrap‑ups once the tide eases.
• Keep hook points proud—don’t smother them with elastic.
• A weak‑link (rotten bottom) saves gear when the lead wedges in stones or debris.
• If crabs are relentless, switch to tougher squid/bluey cocktails or hardback crab (where legal) and rebait fast.
• After rain, try worm baits for codling/flounder; on settled warm nights, crab/squid for rays.
• Avoid fishing during predicted larger bores/surge times; the water can leap up the bank faster than expected.
• Log your sessions by tide height, not just times—fish here often switch on at particular heights.

Regulations

Shepperdine lies within the tidal waters of the Severn Estuary, which carry a mix of national protections and local sensitivities. Always check the latest official sources before your trip.

• Sea angling: No general ban on shore fishing here, but obey any local signage and keep to public rights of way; nearby fenced/industrial areas are off‑limits.
• Conservation designations: The Severn Estuary is a protected SSSI/SPA/Ramsar site. Avoid disturbing roosting and feeding birds, especially on high tides; keep to paths and the embankment.
• Bass rules: Recreational bass retention and seasons change periodically. Check current guidance from the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) before retaining any bass.
• European eel: It is illegal to retain European eels in England and Wales—handle carefully and release immediately.
• Salmonids/shad/lamprey: Protected/migratory species occur in the estuary; release any incidentally hooked fish unharmed.
• Bait collection: Follow local byelaws and access rules; do not dig in saltmarsh or disturb embankments. Private foreshore areas may prohibit bait gathering.
• Litter and biosecurity: Take all litter and line home; clean and dry gear to prevent the spread of invasive species.
• If in doubt, consult: the MMO, Environment Agency (tidal fisheries), and local council/landowner notices for up‑to‑date restrictions.