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Gloucestershire

Westbury-on-Severn

5.2 · Estuary · Gloucestershire

Upper Severn estuary foreshore near Westbury-on-Severn: broad mudflats with a few firm banks and revetments. Huge tidal range and powerful flow (including the Severn Bore) dominate the mark. Best fished from firm, high ground on neap tides, an hour either side of slack or the first of the flood/last of the ebb. Classic baits are lugworm, ragworm and peeler crab; night sessions are productive. Avoid the soft mud and never venture onto the foreshore as the tide races in very quickly.

Should you fish Westbury-on-Severn?

55 Fair

Today · Forecast window

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Most likely species: Bass and Flounder

Fair conditions. Forecast window unavailable. Good chance of Bass and Flounder.

NW 3 mph Rain 0% High tide 02:02

Fishable, but pick your timing carefully.

Plan this mark

7-day fishing forecast for Westbury-on-Severn — 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.

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· 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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Westbury-on-Severn is a powerful upper Severn estuary mark where tide management matters more than distance casting. Fish from the floodbank, sea wall or firm revetment only, concentrating on channel edges, gutters, mud margins and eddies during manageable flow. Neaps, slack water, the last of the flood, first of the ebb, and the first push of flood are the key windows; avoid soft mud, significant bore events, big debris-filled springs and heavy freshwater conditions.

  • Know when Westbury’s flow is fishable — and when it is just too much.
  • Pick the right window around slack, flood and ebb for this powerful Severn mark.
  • Target bass edges, flounder gutters and eel margins without wasting casts.
  • Use the right rigs and lead style for heavy tide and debris.
  • Know when to switch to nearby Severn marks after checking access and conditions.

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Pope's Hill 1.7 mi Newnham (Forest of Dean) 1.7 mi Northwood Green 1.9 mi Rodley 2.3 mi Littledean 2.7 mi

Explore nearby towns: Pope's Hill · Newnham (Forest of Dean) · Northwood Green · Rodley · Littledean

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

Overall rating

5.2 /10

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

Category scores

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

Bass 8/10
Tip: Crab or lug baits on strong grip leads; fish the flood into dusk near channel edges and eddies. Summer–autumn.
Flounder 7/10
Tip: Short casts into gutters; rag/lug or soft crab. Best on neaps and last of flood/first ebb, autumn–spring.
European Eel 7/10
Tip: Warm nights on worm or fish strip, tight to mud margins or creek mouths; slack water and first push of flood. C&R.
Common Goby 6/10
Tip: Ultra-light gear, size 16–20 hooks and tiny worm baits in shallow runnels at low to mid-tide; abundant but tiny.
Mullet (Thin-lipped) 6/10
Tip: Baited spinners or small Mepps with rag/maddies; work the flood along the margins in settled summer conditions.
Mullet (Thick-lipped) 5/10
Tip: Float small rag or bread in back-eddies on neaps; target milling fish on calm summer evenings.
Whiting 4/10
Tip: Occasional in cold snaps on winter nights; lug/squid cocktails at the channel edge on the first of the ebb.
European Smelt 3/10
Tip: Midwinter runs possible; tiny sabikis or size 12 hooks tipped with fish near slack high, around inflows or any lights.
Sea Trout 3/10
Tip: Occasional; small spinners or shallow plugs on the flood at dusk when clarity improves. Handle carefully and release.

Local knowledge

Westbury-on-Severn fishing guide

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

Westbury-on-Severn sits on the upper tidal reaches of the River Severn, where the estuary narrows and the tide still packs serious power. It’s a classic Severn-bank mark for flounder and bass, with a real chance of a winter codling in the right conditions. Expect big tides, fast flows, soft mud, and the famous Severn Bore—this is proper estuary fishing with plenty of character.

Access here generally means fishing from the floodbank/sea wall and firmed revetment rather than the mud flats—never leave the hard ground. You’re aiming for sections of bank between Broadoak and Westbury village on the A48, within the GL14 postcode area.

  • Approach via the A48; look for signed public footpaths or Severn Way access points that lead to the floodbank across pasture. Avoid crossing private land without a public right of way.
  • Parking is usually in small lay-bys or discreet roadside pull-ins along the A48 near Broadoak/Westbury (GL14). Do not block farm gates; check for local signage and restrictions.
  • The walk is typically 5–15 minutes on level but often uneven, grassy floodbanks; expect livestock, mud, and seasonal bogginess.
  • Terrain is rip-rap stone, grassed bank, and occasional firmed earth. There is no safe standing on the foreshore itself—keep to the bank/rock armour.

The upper Severn estuary here offers estuarine regulars with seasonal peaks. Expect fewer species than the lower channel, but good sport when conditions align.

  • Spring (Mar–May):

    • Flounder (building numbers; best on worm/crab baits)
    • School bass (first fish on peeler crab as temps rise)
    • Thick-lipped grey mullet (occasional in calmer, clearer spells)

  • Summer (Jun–Aug):

    • Bass (schoolies with the odd better fish on crab/strip baits)
    • Flounder (consistent)
    • European eel (common; catch-and-release only)
    • Mullet (occasional; wary fish)

  • Autumn (Sep–Nov):

    • Bass (peak time; chance of a better fish on big crab/squid)
    • Flounder (good numbers)
    • Whiting (occasional in late autumn on bigger tides)

  • Winter (Dec–Feb):

    • Codling (occasional, more likely after cold snaps and rougher weather down-channel)
    • Whiting (sporadic)

  • Protected/migratory species present: shad, salmon, sea trout, lamprey, smelt—do not target; release immediately if hooked.

Estuary ledger fishing dominates, with simple, strong end tackle that copes with heavy tide and debris. Lures are niche due to turbidity and flow but can score at slack water.

  • Rigs:
    • Simple running ledger with 4–6 oz fixed-wire or breakout gripper leads to hold bottom.
    • One-up/one-down flapper for flounder and whiting on neaps.
    • Up-and-over or pulley for bass/codling with larger baits and a longer snood.
    • Include a weak-link/rotten-bottom to the sinker to save gear in snags.
  • Hooks and traces:
    • Size 1–2 for flounder/whiting; 1/0–3/0 for bass/codling.
    • 20–30 lb snoods (shorter in heavy flow; 2–3 ft for bass on neaps).
  • Baits:
    • Peeler crab is king in spring/summer for bass and flounder.
    • Blow lug/black lug, ragworm, and cocktail baits (lug + crab, mussel + squid) work year-round.
    • Squid or mackerel strip ups the codling/whiting odds in winter.
  • Times/approach:
    • Fish the flood and first of the ebb: roughly 2 hours either side of high water, adjusting for bore times.
    • Keep rods high on a sturdy tripod to clear the flood and weed; frequently check for crabs stripping baits.
    • Lure option: heavy paddle-tails or metal at slack water around HW for bass, if clarity allows.

The Severn’s colossal tidal range and bore dictate everything. Plan sessions around bore predictions and target manageable flows.

  • Tide state:
    • Best around mid to high water; low-water ground is unfishable mud and channels.
    • Neap tides are kinder (less flow, easier lead control) and often better for bite detection.
    • Big springs stir fish movement but demand heavier leads and quick re-baiting.
  • Severn Bore:
    • Do not fish when a significant bore is due; the surge, undertow, and debris are hazardous.
    • Fishing can switch on 30–90 minutes after a bore as the flood steadies—time it carefully from the bank.
  • Conditions:
    • Slight SW–W winds with settled pressure suit the upper estuary.
    • After heavy rain, fresh water can push fish down-channel; give it a tide or two to recover.
  • Time of day/seasonality:
    • Dawn/dusk for bass; night sessions help for codling/whiting when present.
    • Peak bass: late summer to mid-autumn; best flounder: spring through autumn.

Treat Westbury-on-Severn as a dynamic estuary environment with real, non-negotiable hazards. Preparation and conservative decision-making are essential.

  • Soft mud: never step off the floodbank/rock armour onto the foreshore—lethal soft mud and deep gutters.
  • Bore hazard: surges arrive fast; water rises rapidly with powerful undertow. Leave extra margin well before any forecast bore.
  • Fast tide and debris: expect weed, logs, and flotsam on big tides; keep lines high and stay alert.
  • Slips and trips: rock armour is uneven and slimy; wear cleated boots and use a stable, tall tripod.
  • Edges and drop-offs: set up well back; the bank can undercut after floods.
  • Lighting and PPE: headtorch at dusk/night; strongly consider a personal flotation device.
  • Livestock and crops: follow marked paths, close gates, and respect farm operations.
  • Accessibility: not wheelchair-friendly; uneven ground and stiles are common.

Facilities are sparse at the water’s edge; plan to be self-sufficient. Nearby villages offer essentials along the A48 corridor.

  • No toilets, shelter, or bins on the bank—pack in/out everything.
  • Parking is limited to lay-bys and pull-ins; observe any local restrictions and bore-day crowding.
  • Food and pubs available in Broadoak/Westbury and nearby Newnham-on-Severn.
  • Tackle and bait from shops in Gloucester, Lydney, or Forest of Dean towns—ring ahead for peeler crab/black lug.
  • Mobile signal is generally present along the A48 but can be patchy on low ground by the bank.

Think ‘big tide management’ and bait freshness. Small adjustments make a big difference on this river.

  • Use fresh peeler crab in spring/summer; in autumn, try lug + crab or mussel + squid cocktails for bass.
  • Long, streamlined baits cast and fish better in strong flow; bind with elastic to resist crab attack.
  • Fixed-wire grippers hold better than breakout leads on this bank; add a weak link to save leads in snags.
  • Keep trace lengths modest in heavy flow (18–24 inches); lengthen on neaps when bites are finicky.
  • After a bore, give it time: start fishing once the boil settles and the flood ‘paces’ rather than rips.
  • Scale your hooks to the bait, not the dream fish—size 1/0 patterns land plenty of quality bass here.
  • Mark your tripod feet on the grass and step back a rod length before high water to avoid getting cut off.
  • Expect ‘bait rattle’ from small eels and crabs—regularly refresh baits rather than waiting out stripped hooks.

This is tidal water with overlapping sea and EA byelaws—know the basics before you cast. Always check the latest rules from the MMO and Environment Agency.

  • No rod licence is required to fish for sea species (e.g., bass, flounder, codling). An EA rod licence is required if targeting salmon, trout, or coarse fish; close seasons apply to coarse species on rivers.
  • Bass (England, 2024/25 typical rules): minimum size 42 cm; recreational daily bag limit often 2 fish per angler per day during the open season (commonly 1 Mar–30 Nov) with catch-and-release only in the closed months. Check current MMO notices before your trip.
  • European eel: retention prohibited in England—catch and release only.
  • Shad (twaite/allis), salmon, sea trout, lamprey, and smelt: protected/migratory—do not target; release immediately if accidentally hooked.
  • Local access: many riverbank sections cross private farmland and SSSI-designated land. Use public rights of way only, heed any ‘no access’ signs, and avoid disturbing livestock and nesting birds.
  • Litter and biosecurity: remove all line and bait waste; rinse and dry gear to prevent invasive species spread.
  • Safety notices: bore timetables are published locally—do not ignore bore-day closures or warden advice.