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Tidal estuary mark on the Severn beside the Oldbury power station outfall. The scoured channel holds depth even on big ebbs, and the mixing flow creates current seams that draw baitfish and predators. Expect extreme tides, heavy silt, and fierce cross-currents; neaps are more manageable. Best two hours either side...
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...
A tidal Severn estuary bank by the Purton ship graveyard (Purton Hulks). Stone revetments front deep, fast water on springs with extensive mudflats at low tide. Best known for flounder and thin‑lipped mullet, with silver eels and school bass also taken; dab and the odd sole show in settled conditions....
Historic ships’ graveyard on the Severn estuary bank, opposite Sharpness. You fish from the sea wall/embankment above soft mud and the beached hulks. The Severn’s huge tidal range creates fierce currents with deep scours tight to the wall at high water; at low water it’s vast mudflats. Best fished 2–3...
Saul Warth is a tidal Severn estuary saltmarsh and sea wall stretch near Frampton-on-Severn/Fretherne. It overlooks broad mudflats, gutters and creek mouths that flood and empty rapidly with the Severn’s huge tidal range. Anglers typically fish from firm ground along the sea wall or hard patches at the edge of...
A tidal estuary mark along the Severn Estuary promenade and rock armour at Severn Beach. Huge tidal range, fierce currents, and soft mud flats dictate short fishing windows—best fished the flood and around high water. Mix of rough ground and silt; strong breakout leads are essential. Easy access and parking...
Gloucestershire doesn’t have open coast, but it does front the mighty Severn Estuary — a broad, fast-flowing tidal river-scape of sea walls, saltmarsh and deep channels. The world-class tidal range, famous Severn Bore, and chocolate-coloured water make it a challenging but rewarding venue for estuary specialists. Expect flounder, school bass and mullet around docks and harbours, with occasional codling in cold winters toward the lower estuary.
| Season | Likely Species | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr–Jun) | Bass (schoolies), Flounder, Mullet (thin-/thick-lipped) | Bass arrive with warmer temps; mullet show in harbours/docks on neaps and calm days. Crab baits excel for bass and flounder. |
| Summer (Jul–Sep) | Bass, Flounder, Mullet, Eel (release only) | Best consistent sport. Evenings into dark are prime. Eels are common by-catch — retention prohibited; handle carefully and release. |
| Autumn (Oct–Nov) | Flounder (peak), Bass (tail-end), Occasional Codling | Big flounder in coloured water; odd codling may appear lower down (Sharpness/Purton) in colder snaps. |
| Winter (Dec–Mar) | Flounder, Rare Codling | Reduced options; target flounder on smaller tides. Codling only in some years and mostly toward the lower estuary. |
Do I need a licence to fish here?
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| Area | Access & Character | Best Species | Best Methods | Prime Season | Key Safety Notes | Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lower Severn (Sharpness, Purton, Lydney) | Sea walls, working docks, mudflats; some restricted zones | Bass, Flounder, Mullet; odd Smoothhound/Codling | Short-range ledger with crab/worm; mullet float/bread in harbours | May–Oct (bass/mullet), Oct–Feb (flounder) | Strong run on springs; Bore risk; shipping wash; deep mud | Parking at Lydney Harbour; limited around Purton; no facilities on walls |
| Middle Severn (Frampton, Arlingham, Newnham) | Rural sea walls, saltmarsh; footpath access via stiles | Flounder, Bass (schoolies), Mullet (slacks) | Simple ledgering, weak-link leads; occasional mullet tactics | Jun–Oct (bass), Sep–Jan (flounder) | Cut-off hazard on flood; treacherous mud; livestock fields | Very limited parking; no toilets; use Severn Way rights of way |
| Upper Tidal (Minsterworth to Gloucester) | Narrower, powerful tide; Bore country | Flounder, occasional Bass | Short lob ledgering on neaps | Sep–Dec (flounder), Jun–Sep (bass) | Avoid Bore times; extreme surge; unstable banks | Minimal facilities; village parking only |