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Somerset

Stolford

6.2 · Beach · Somerset

A broad, shallow shingle-and-mud beach on the east side of Hinkley Point in Bridgwater Bay. It fishes best on the flood and around high water, especially on big spring tides when deeper gutters form within casting range. Expect powerful tides, a huge tidal range, and drifting weed. Use strong grip leads (5–7 oz) and set up well back from the flood line. Casting 50–100 yards will find the gutters; bites often come as the tide pushes hard. Peeler or hard crab excels for rays and smoothhounds; lug/rag for flatties and whiting; squid or fish strip cocktails at night in winter. Access is via the narrow lane into Stolford with limited parking by the sea wall and short walks along boulder defenses. Wading is risky due to soft mud and fast-moving water—fish from firm ground and avoid being cut off.

Should you fish Stolford?

49 Low

Today · Best available

Best available: 06:00-09:00 around the rising tide

Most likely species: Thornback Ray and Starry Smoothhound

Poor conditions. Best available around 06:00-09:00 around the rising tide, but no window reaches the strong threshold today. Good chance of Thornback Ray and Starry Smoothhound.

NW 6 mph Rain 16% High tide 12:13

Consider a backup mark if conditions do not improve.

Plan this mark

7-day fishing forecast for Stolford — 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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Stolford is a fast-tide upper Bristol Channel beach/wall mark where the flood does most of the work. Fish from safe, firm ground along the sea wall or boulder-fronted shoreline, casting to gutters over shingle, mud and cleaner sand patches. The prime plan is simple: arrive early, set up well back from the flood line, use strong grip leads, and fish the mid-to-late flood into high water for rays, smoothhounds, bass and winter whiting.

  • Know when the flood is worth waiting for at Stolford.
  • Fish the near-wall gutter for bass, not just the far line.
  • Pick the right lead weight before the tide starts pulling.
  • Target rays, hounds and whiting with mark-specific bait choices.
  • Avoid the Stolford mistakes that cost tackle and safety.

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Bleadon 9.3 mi Weston-super-Mare 10.9 mi Hutton (North Somerset) 11.0 mi Locking 11.8 mi Bathpool 12.6 mi

Explore nearby towns: Bleadon · Weston-super-Mare · Hutton (North Somerset) · Locking · Bathpool

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

Overall rating

6.2 /10

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

Category scores

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

Thornback Ray 9/10
Tip: Crab/sandeel or mackerel on pulley rigs cast to sand gullies on the flood; best spring into early summer, last 2hrs flood and first of ebb; night or coloured water.
Starry Smoothhound 8/10
Tip: Peeler crab on size 2/0-4/0 pennel; fish the flood into dusk from May–Sep; cast 50–100 m onto clean mud/sand; grip lead for strong tide.
Bass 7/10
Tip: Big lug/squid or peeler in the surf on a flooding tide; best at dusk/dawn May–Oct; short casts into gutter; after blow or coloured water.
Whiting 7/10
Tip: Small strips of mackerel/squid on size 1 hooks; Nov–Feb; cast mid-range on the flood; night best; expect rattly bites in tide run.
Small-eyed Ray 7/10
Tip: Sandeel or launce on pulley rigs; Jun–Sep on evening floods; aim for sandy patches at range; neaps often fish steadier.
Lesser Spotted Dogfish 7/10
Tip: Any fish/worm baits on simple ledger; takes all year, prolific after dark on flooding tides; keep baits tight to seabed.
Dab 6/10
Tip: Lugworm tipped with fish on size 2 hooks; winter neaps; long trace to present on clean sand; gentle lob to 40–70 m.
Dover Sole 6/10
Tip: Rag/lug with small hooks size 2–4 on long snoods; Jun–Sep, calm nights; short cast 10–40 m over mud/sand; minimal lead to hold.
Flounder 5/10
Tip: Lug or rag with beads/bling; autumn–spring; short casts into gutters on the flood; let baits sit in slack pockets.
Blonde Ray 4/10
Tip: Whole sandeel or mackerel fillet, long cast to deeper runnels; occasional spring/summer capture on neaps; strong pulley rigs.
Spotted Ray 3/10
Tip: Small sandeel/squid strips on pulley; occasional summer fish over clean sand at range; best on evening neap floods.
European Eel 3/10
Tip: Worm or fish strip at dusk/night in coloured water; summer floods into estuary; short casts to margins.

Local knowledge

Stolford fishing guide

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

Stolford sits on the muddy-shingle edge of Bridgwater Bay, between Hinkley Point and the Parrett estuary mouth in Somerset. It’s a classic upper Bristol Channel mark: huge tides, fast flow, and reliably coloured water that draws in rays, smoothhounds, bass, and winter whiting. If you like powerful tidal venues with real specimen potential, this sea wall and boulder-fronted shoreline is well worth a visit.

Access is straightforward via narrow country lanes from the A39, with a short stroll to the sea wall once you reach the village. The foreshore is a mix of boulder armour and shingle with treacherous mud beyond—plan to fish from the wall or safe, firm ground only.

  • Approach from the A39 (Bridgwater–Williton), turning for Stogursey/Stolford and following the lane into the village.
  • Limited roadside parking near the sea wall; park considerately, leave gateways clear, and respect residents and flood gates.
  • The walk-in is short and flat, but the fishing stance is on uneven boulders/shingle—trolleys and prams are awkward.
  • Some coastal path diversions/signage can appear due to Hinkley Point works; obey any temporary access instructions.
  • No lighting on the wall; bring a good headtorch for night sessions and allow extra time for safe set-up/pack-down.

Species turnover is strongly seasonal, driven by the huge tides and permanently coloured water. Expect year-round dogfish with spring rays, summer hounds, and winter whiting/codling.

  • Spring (Mar–May): Thornback ray (common), bass (building), dogfish (plentiful), occasional small-eyed ray, early smoothhound in late May.
  • Summer (Jun–Aug): Smoothhound (peak Jun–Jul), bass (dusk/dawn best), conger (after dark), thornback ray, dogfish.
  • Autumn (Sep–Oct): Thornback ray (reliable), bass (good until first cold snaps), conger, dogfish, early whiting.
  • Winter (Nov–Feb): Whiting (at night), dogfish (ever-present), codling (occasional after big blows), conger (milder nights), silver eel (by-catch).
  • Occasional/rare: Small-eyed ray, pout, schoolie bass year-round, odd dab in calmer spells.

Fish it like a classic fast-tide Channel wall: gripper leads, streamlined rigs, and fresh, smelly baits. Night tides are often best, especially on a flooding sea.

  • Rigs: Pulley pennel (4/0–5/0) for rays/bass; up-and-over for distance on cleaner patches; 2–3 hook flappers (Size 1–2) for whiting.
  • Leads: 5–6 oz wired grippers on neaps; 6–7 oz on springs. A lead-lift helps clear boulders on the retrieve.
  • Mainline/trace: 0.35–0.40 mm mono or 30–40 lb braid; 60–80 lb shockleader; 60–80 lb traces for conger/rays.
  • Baits: Peeler crab (top for smoothhound and bass), squid or squid/bluey wraps (rays), sandeel (rays/bass), fresh black lug/rag (codling/whiting/bass), mackerel strips (whiting/dogs).
  • Range: Many fish come 30–90 yards on the flood; don’t overlook the near-gutter at the base of the wall for bass on coloured pushes.
  • Timing: Dusk into darkness consistently out-fishes daylight for rays, hounds, and whiting. Keep bait changes frequent in the strong run.

The Bristol Channel’s tide rules everything here—plan around it. Mid-to-late flood into the top of the tide is the prime window, with neaps notably easier to manage than big springs.

  • Best states: 2–3 hours up to high water and the first hour down are standout for rays and bass.
  • Springs vs neaps: Neaps are often more comfortable (less pull/weed); springs can still fish superbly but demand heavier gear and tidy presentation.
  • Wind: Light SW–W winds are fine; strong onshore blows can stack weed on the wall. Easterlies can slow sport but may help whiting.
  • Water: Permanently coloured—scented baits and bait elastic are key. After a blow, rays and bass often switch on once the sea settles.
  • Seasonality: Rays from early spring; hounds peaking early summer; winter whiting on dark, settled nights; codling only in the right cold snaps after weather systems.

Treat Stolford with respect: the combination of boulder armour, soft mud, and a very fast flood can be unforgiving. Fish from safe, firm positions and keep a close eye on the tide.

  • Do not go onto the mudflats—serious risk of becoming stuck and rapid flooding.
  • Boulders are slimy and uneven; wear boots with good grip or studs and move carefully, especially when wet.
  • Keep well back from the edge in swell and at night; a waist-belted auto lifejacket is strongly advised.
  • Use a tripod set high to keep line angles clear of boulders; step back with the tide to maintain safe footing.
  • Carry a headtorch and spare light; tell someone your plan and expected return time.
  • Respect any Hinkley Point security/perimeter signage; never attempt to access fenced or closed sections of shoreline.
  • Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchairs or limited mobility due to uneven revetment and lack of handrails.

This is a quiet village shoreline with minimal on-site facilities. Plan to be self-sufficient for longer sessions.

  • No public toilets or running water at the sea wall.
  • Nearest amenities: Small shops and pubs in Stogursey/Williton; public toilets in larger nearby towns (e.g., Watchet, Williton, or Kilve beach car park when open).
  • Tackle/bait: Options in Bridgwater, Watchet, and Minehead; ring ahead for peeler crab and fresh/live bait availability.
  • Mobile signal: Generally workable but can be patchy—download tide info in advance.

Little tweaks make a big difference in the flow and coloured water here. Keep baits tight, rigs tidy, and angles high.

  • Use bait elastic to streamline bulky wraps (squid/bluey) so they cast cleanly and hold scent longer in the tide.
  • Trim gripper wires to suit the ground: strong engagement on springs, slightly softer on neaps to aid retrieve.
  • A lead-lift or high rod position reduces snagging on the boulders when winding in against the tide.
  • Fresh peeler at dusk can transform a session for smoothhounds—fish two rods: one crab close, one fish/squid further.
  • For bass, work one bait tight to the base of the wall on the first push of the flood; they patrol the scoured gutter.
  • Ray fishing improves with a steady scent trail—refresh wraps regularly and avoid overcasting the fish.
  • Whiting are thickest on dark, calm winter nights—small worm/fish cocktails on size 1 hooks keep the bites coming.
  • Don’t block flood gates or farm/field accesses when parking; locals are accommodating if anglers are considerate.

General recreational sea angling is permitted at Stolford, but the foreshore forms part of protected intertidal habitats around Bridgwater Bay, and there are security zones related to Hinkley Point nearby. Know the rules before you go.

  • Bass: Recreational bass has a legal minimum size (42 cm) and a seasonal bag limit; outside the open season it’s catch-and-release only. Check current MMO/IFCA notices before your trip.
  • Protected areas: Parts of the surrounding intertidal are within SSSI/NNR designations—follow all signage, keep to paths, and avoid disturbing roosting/feeding birds. Local restrictions on vehicle access and bait digging may apply.
  • Hinkley Point: Respect any marked exclusion/security areas or temporary construction-related closures; do not cross fences or fish within restricted zones.
  • Size/bag limits: Observe national MLS and any local byelaws from the Devon & Severn IFCA (this district covers the Somerset coast).
  • Conservation: Handle rays, smoothhounds, and conger with care; use barbless or crushed-barb hooks if preferred, unhook over a wet mat, and release promptly.
  • Litter and lead: Take all litter and line home; avoid leaving leads or wire traces in the boulders.