Uphill Slipway Fishing

Last updated: 1 week ago

Uphill Slipway Fishing Map

Uphill Slipway sits at the mouth of the River Axe by Uphill, near Weston‑super‑Mare, opening into the inner Bristol Channel. It’s a very tidal, muddy estuary mark with fast currents and a defined boat channel running past the slip. Expect shallow water at low, with the channel deepening on the flood. Best results are usually the last two hours of the flood and the first hour of the ebb on spring tides. Access and parking are straightforward by the slip, but take great care with soft mud, slippery weeded concrete, and rapidly flooding gullies—do not wade onto the mudflats. Night sessions can be productive in season. Typical tactics are grip leads, short to medium casts to find the channel edges, small worm baits for flats and winter species, and crab or sandeel/squid for summer hounds and rays.

Ratings

⭐ 6/10 Overall
Catch Potential 6/10
Species Variety 6/10
Scenery & Comfort 6/10
Safety 4/10
Accessibility 8/10

Fish You Can Catch at Uphill Slipway

🐟 Bass 8/10
🎯 Tip: Best on the flood along the Axe channel edges. Peeler crab or sandeel on pulleys; or shallow lures at dawn/dusk in summer. Cast uptide and hold bottom; neaps fish safer than big springs.
🐟 Flounder 7/10
🎯 Tip: Rag/lug or maddies on light rigs at the turns of tide. Short casts to muddy margins and creek mouths. Late autumn–spring best; keep baits static and scented.
🐟 Lesser Spotted Dogfish 7/10
🎯 Tip: After dark on the flood over sand/mud. Small fish baits or squid on 2-hook flappers or pulleys. Use gripper leads to hold in the strong tide.
🐟 Whiting 6/10
🎯 Tip: Winter evenings on the flood. Small strips of mackerel or squid on 2–3 hook flappers. Short–medium casts into the channel; expect weed on big springs.
🐟 Thornback Ray 6/10
🎯 Tip: Aim for the deeper channel on mid–flood into dusk. Sandeel or bluey/squid wraps on pulley pennel. Cast uptide and let it settle. Spring to early summer is productive.
🐟 Mullet (Thick-lipped) 6/10
🎯 Tip: Groundbait with mashed bread and present small bread or rag under a float tight to walls/slip on neap tides. Early mornings in summer give best chances.
🐟 Mullet (Thin-lipped) 6/10
🎯 Tip: Work small spinners tipped with rag in clear slacks on neaps. Also try small rag under a float by walls/outfalls. Best in summer–early autumn, daylight and calm water.
🐟 Dover Sole 5/10
🎯 Tip: Night sessions on neaps, close in over firm mud/sand. Small rag or lug on long snoods; keep baits still. Best late spring to autumn.
🐟 Starry Smoothhound 5/10
🎯 Tip: Warm evenings May–Sept on the flood. Fresh peeler or soft crab on a pulley. Target sandbars and channel seams; neap tides are easier to hold bottom.
🐟 European Eel 4/10
🎯 Tip: Summer nights around estuary margins and creeks. Worm or small fish baits on simple running rigs. Handle gently and release (protected species).

Uphill Slipway Fishing

Summary

Uphill Slipway lies at the mouth of the River Axe on the south side of Weston Bay, Somerset, where the estuary meets the mighty Bristol Channel. It’s an easy-access mark that can fish well for flounder, school bass and mullet when you time the tides, with occasional winter callers from the open bay.

The water is almost always coloured, the tide rips through, and fish patrol the channel edges—perfect for short, mobile sessions.

Location and Access

This mark sits by the boatyard and slip at Uphill, just south of Weston-super-Mare, a few minutes from the A370. Access is straightforward with parking close by.

Seasons

The estuary produces classic Bristol Channel estuary species, with peak activity from spring through late autumn. Winter can still throw up fish when the weather aligns.

Methods

This is primarily a bottom-fishing venue, but lure and float tactics have their moments along the channel edges and around the moorings. Keep rigs simple and aerodynamic to cope with tide.

Tides and Conditions

The Bristol Channel’s huge range means water movement is everything here. Fish use the gutter and channel edges as a highway—time your casts to intercept them.

Safety

This is an estuary with fast tides, soft mud and boat traffic—treat it with respect. Good footwear and a cautious approach are essential.

Facilities

Facilities are better than many estuary marks, thanks to the nearby boatyard and beach car parks. Expect seasonal variations.

Tips

Think like a flounder or a prowling bass—fish the edges and keep your bait on the move. Small tweaks make a big difference in the coloured flow.

Regulations

Angling is generally permitted here, but this is a working slipway within protected estuary designations—follow signs and local instructions. Always check the latest notices at the car park/boatyard before starting.