Bristol Channel Fish Species

The Bristol Channel has the second highest rise and fall of tides anywhere in the world, the waters go from clear to silty brown, resulting in a huge variety of fish species.

The Cod season tends to start at the end of August and runs right through to the middle of May, although the best catches come when it is much colder between October and January, not only becuase it is cold but the Cod feed vigorously in preparation for spawning, then again in March and April which is generally known as the spring run of Cod.

Bass appear in number inshore from May onwards

All the rays, including thornback, blonde, spoteed and small eyed are resident most of year except during the coldest months.

When May arrives attention turns to smoothound and some good fish well into double figures are caught, also good sized huss, tope to 50lbs are also in numbers.

The wrecks further west are productive from June onwards giving quality pollack up to 18lbs.

Bristol Channel fishing seasons, best months to catch each species of fish in the Bristol Channel.