The River Axe - Paddocks to Caravan Park
The River Axe is one of the most scenic and rewarding stretches of water in the Weston-super-Mare and Bleadon area, offering anglers the chance to enjoy peaceful surroundings with excellent fishing opportunities. Our association controls the fishing along the Straight, Paddocks, and Old Axe sections, with access from the designated parking area near Bleadon Mill (Sat Nav: BS24 0BQ). Access to the water is via the gate located opposite the parking area. From here, members and day ticket anglers can reach both the Straight stretch of the river and the Old Axe meander. Fishing on the Straight runs as far as…
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- The River Axe - Paddocks to Caravan Park
The River Axe is one of the most scenic and rewarding stretches of water in the Weston-super-Mare and Bleadon area, offering anglers the chance to enjoy peaceful surroundings with excellent fishing opportunities. Our association controls the fishing along the Straight, Paddocks, and Old Axe sections, with access from the designated parking area near Bleadon Mill (Sat Nav: BS24 0BQ).
Access to the water is via the gate located opposite the parking area. From here, members and day ticket anglers can reach both the Straight stretch of the river and the Old Axe meander. Fishing on the Straight runs as far as Cowbridge, while the Old Axe can be accessed through Fields 3, 4, and 5. Please respect landowners, use only the gates provided, and do not climb over fences.
Species You Can Expect to Catch
The River Axe is a mixed fishery that provides sport for anglers of all abilities. Species commonly caught include:
- Roach – These are one of the most prolific species on the Axe. They can be caught using light float or feeder tactics, with maggots, pinkies, and casters proving reliable.
- Perch – Often found close to features and along the margins. Worms and small live baits work well, but a simple maggot on the hook can tempt plenty of stripeys throughout the year.
- Bream & Skimmers – Particularly present in the deeper, slower areas. A groundbait feeder with worms, maggots, or sweetcorn is a tried-and-tested approach.
- Chub – Strong and hard-fighting, chub patrol many stretches of the Axe. Float-fished bread, luncheon meat, or pellets are popular baits, and they also readily take worms and maggots.
- Dace – A fast-biting species that can be great sport on light tackle, particularly in the faster-moving parts of the river.
- Eels – Present throughout the system and often encountered on worm, maggot, or deadbait rigs in summer evenings.
- Pike – The Old Axe, with its slower bends and deeper pools, holds a good head of pike. Spinning, lure fishing, and deadbaiting are all effective methods in the cooler months.
Best Tactics for the Axe
The Axe is a natural river, and conditions can change with the weather and season. Some general tips include:
- Float Fishing – Pole or waggler tactics with maggots, casters, or bread are very effective for roach, dace, and perch.
- Feeder Fishing – Particularly productive for bream, skimmers, and larger roach. Groundbait feeders packed with maggots or chopped worm can quickly draw fish into your swim.
- Ledgering & Deadbaits – For pike, a wire trace with smelt, sardine, or roach deadbaits is ideal. Always use appropriate tackle to ensure safe handling and release.
- Seasonal Approach – In summer, fish are often found in shallower, faster water, whereas in winter the deeper, steadier stretches can produce better results, especially for bream and pike.
Access and Etiquette
- Parking – Use the designated parking area by Bleadon Mill (postcode BS24 0BQ).
- Gates – Always use the gates provided to access Fields 3, 4, and 5. Please respect the farmland and do not climb fences.
- Old Axe Access – Only reachable from Fields 3–5.
- Fishing Boundaries – The Straight is fishable up to Cowbridge.
Why Fish the River Axe?
The Axe offers a genuine traditional river fishing experience in Somerset. With a variety of species, changing flows, and beautiful surroundings, it appeals to both pleasure anglers and those seeking a challenge. Whether you’re after a net of silver fish on the pole, a feeder-caught slab bream, or the thrill of a predator strike, the River Axe has something for everyone.
The mix of accessible straight stretches and the more secluded Old Axe meanders provide a blend of options – from match-style fishing in open sections to exploring backwaters for specimen perch and pike.
By fishing responsibly, respecting farmland, and following the club’s rules, anglers can continue to enjoy this unique venue for years to come.
Rods & Poles
- General Float Fishing – A 12–13 ft match rod (medium action) is ideal for waggler or stick float fishing for roach, dace, and perch.
- Pole Fishing – A 6–10 metre pole is perfect for juniors and pleasure anglers fishing the straight. Elastic ratings of 4–8 cover most silver fish.
- Feeder Fishing – A 10–11 ft feeder rod with a quiver tip, rated for casting 20–40g feeders, will handle bream, skimmers, and larger roach.
- Pike Fishing – A specialist 2.5–3 lb test curve rod or a medium spinning rod for lures is appropriate when targeting predators.
Reels
- Fixed Spool Reels (2500–3000 size) with a smooth drag system are versatile for float and feeder work.
- Larger Reels with stronger gearing (4000 size) are better for predator fishing with lures or deadbaits.
Line
- Float Fishing – 3–4 lb mainline with 1.5–3 lb hooklengths keeps presentation light but strong enough for roach and dace.
- Feeder Fishing – 5–6 lb mainline with hooklengths of 3–5 lb, depending on swim flow and target species.
- Pike Fishing – Minimum 12–15 lb mainline with a wire trace is essential for safety.
Hooks
- Roach & Dace – Fine wire size 18–22 barbless hooks for maggots, casters, or pinkies.
- Bream & Skimmers – Size 14–16 medium wire hooks for worms, corn, or pellet.
- Chub & Perch – Size 12–14 stronger hooks for meat, bread, or worm.
- Pike – Size 6–8 trebles on wire traces (barbless or semi-barbed for safe unhooking).
Rigs & End Tackle
- Float Rigs – Stick floats for faster water, wagglers for deeper, steadier sections.
- Feeder Rigs – Simple paternoster or running feeder rigs with groundbait or maggot feeders.
- Pike Rigs – Snap tackle (two-treble traces) with deadbaits, or simple wire traces for spinners and lures.
Baits
- Natural Baits – Maggots, pinkies, casters, worms, and bread are the most consistent all-rounders.
- For Bream – Sweetcorn, worms, and groundbait with added particles (hemp, casters).
- For Pike – Deadbaits such as smelt, sardine, or roach; lures such as spoons and soft plastics.
Essential Extras
- A landing net and unhooking mat (particularly for pike and bigger fish).
- A disgorger or forceps for safe unhooking.
- A keepnet for match anglers, if permitted by club rules.
- A tackle box or side tray to keep bait and rigs organised.
About
The River Axe is one of the most scenic and rewarding stretches of water in the Weston-super-Mare and Bleadon area, offering anglers the chance to enjoy peaceful surroundings with excellent fishing opportunities. Our association controls the fishing along the Straight, Paddocks, and Old Axe sections, with access from the designated parking area near Bleadon Mill (Sat Nav: BS24 0BQ).
Access to the water is via the gate located opposite the parking area. From here, members and day ticket anglers can reach both the Straight stretch of the river and the Old Axe meander. Fishing on the Straight runs as far as Cowbridge, while the Old Axe can be accessed through Fields 3, 4, and 5. Please respect landowners, use only the gates provided, and do not climb over fences.
Species You Can Expect to Catch
The River Axe is a mixed fishery that provides sport for anglers of all abilities. Species commonly caught include:
- Roach – These are one of the most prolific species on the Axe. They can be caught using light float or feeder tactics, with maggots, pinkies, and casters proving reliable.
- Perch – Often found close to features and along the margins. Worms and small live baits work well, but a simple maggot on the hook can tempt plenty of stripeys throughout the year.
- Bream & Skimmers – Particularly present in the deeper, slower areas. A groundbait feeder with worms, maggots, or sweetcorn is a tried-and-tested approach.
- Chub – Strong and hard-fighting, chub patrol many stretches of the Axe. Float-fished bread, luncheon meat, or pellets are popular baits, and they also readily take worms and maggots.
- Dace – A fast-biting species that can be great sport on light tackle, particularly in the faster-moving parts of the river.
- Eels – Present throughout the system and often encountered on worm, maggot, or deadbait rigs in summer evenings.
- Pike – The Old Axe, with its slower bends and deeper pools, holds a good head of pike. Spinning, lure fishing, and deadbaiting are all effective methods in the cooler months.
Best Tactics for the Axe
The Axe is a natural river, and conditions can change with the weather and season. Some general tips include:
- Float Fishing – Pole or waggler tactics with maggots, casters, or bread are very effective for roach, dace, and perch.
- Feeder Fishing – Particularly productive for bream, skimmers, and larger roach. Groundbait feeders packed with maggots or chopped worm can quickly draw fish into your swim.
- Ledgering & Deadbaits – For pike, a wire trace with smelt, sardine, or roach deadbaits is ideal. Always use appropriate tackle to ensure safe handling and release.
- Seasonal Approach – In summer, fish are often found in shallower, faster water, whereas in winter the deeper, steadier stretches can produce better results, especially for bream and pike.
Access and Etiquette
- Parking – Use the designated parking area by Bleadon Mill (postcode BS24 0BQ).
- Gates – Always use the gates provided to access Fields 3, 4, and 5. Please respect the farmland and do not climb fences.
- Old Axe Access – Only reachable from Fields 3–5.
- Fishing Boundaries – The Straight is fishable up to Cowbridge.
Why Fish the River Axe?
The Axe offers a genuine traditional river fishing experience in Somerset. With a variety of species, changing flows, and beautiful surroundings, it appeals to both pleasure anglers and those seeking a challenge. Whether you’re after a net of silver fish on the pole, a feeder-caught slab bream, or the thrill of a predator strike, the River Axe has something for everyone.
The mix of accessible straight stretches and the more secluded Old Axe meanders provide a blend of options – from match-style fishing in open sections to exploring backwaters for specimen perch and pike.
By fishing responsibly, respecting farmland, and following the club’s rules, anglers can continue to enjoy this unique venue for years to come.
Tackle
Rods & Poles
- General Float Fishing – A 12–13 ft match rod (medium action) is ideal for waggler or stick float fishing for roach, dace, and perch.
- Pole Fishing – A 6–10 metre pole is perfect for juniors and pleasure anglers fishing the straight. Elastic ratings of 4–8 cover most silver fish.
- Feeder Fishing – A 10–11 ft feeder rod with a quiver tip, rated for casting 20–40g feeders, will handle bream, skimmers, and larger roach.
- Pike Fishing – A specialist 2.5–3 lb test curve rod or a medium spinning rod for lures is appropriate when targeting predators.
Reels
- Fixed Spool Reels (2500–3000 size) with a smooth drag system are versatile for float and feeder work.
- Larger Reels with stronger gearing (4000 size) are better for predator fishing with lures or deadbaits.
Line
- Float Fishing – 3–4 lb mainline with 1.5–3 lb hooklengths keeps presentation light but strong enough for roach and dace.
- Feeder Fishing – 5–6 lb mainline with hooklengths of 3–5 lb, depending on swim flow and target species.
- Pike Fishing – Minimum 12–15 lb mainline with a wire trace is essential for safety.
Hooks
- Roach & Dace – Fine wire size 18–22 barbless hooks for maggots, casters, or pinkies.
- Bream & Skimmers – Size 14–16 medium wire hooks for worms, corn, or pellet.
- Chub & Perch – Size 12–14 stronger hooks for meat, bread, or worm.
- Pike – Size 6–8 trebles on wire traces (barbless or semi-barbed for safe unhooking).
Rigs & End Tackle
- Float Rigs – Stick floats for faster water, wagglers for deeper, steadier sections.
- Feeder Rigs – Simple paternoster or running feeder rigs with groundbait or maggot feeders.
- Pike Rigs – Snap tackle (two-treble traces) with deadbaits, or simple wire traces for spinners and lures.
Bait
Baits
- Natural Baits – Maggots, pinkies, casters, worms, and bread are the most consistent all-rounders.
- For Bream – Sweetcorn, worms, and groundbait with added particles (hemp, casters).
- For Pike – Deadbaits such as smelt, sardine, or roach; lures such as spoons and soft plastics.
Essential Extras
- A landing net and unhooking mat (particularly for pike and bigger fish).
- A disgorger or forceps for safe unhooking.
- A keepnet for match anglers, if permitted by club rules.
- A tackle box or side tray to keep bait and rigs organised.