7-Day Fishing Forecast for Bristol: Winter Coarse Angling Guide (12.01.2026 - 18.01.2026)
Introduction
Welcome to your definitive 7-day fishing forecast for Bristol, focusing on winter coarse fishing. This forecast incorporates the latest weather data to inform your fishing tactics for species such as carp, pike, perch, roach, bream and tench during the colder months.
Weather Conditions
This week in Bristol, expect temperatures ranging between -6°C and 9.5°C with predominantly overcast conditions and occasional clear spells. Winds will generally be moderate from the west and south-west at speeds between 3 and 6 mph, though gusts can reach up to 17 mph, making exposed swims less favourable. Snow showers are predicted around midweek with possible light rain late in the week.
These cold winter conditions mean fish metabolisms slow down considerably. Anglers should adapt by focusing on tactical feeder fishing in sheltered waters to ensure better catches.
7-Day Fishing Forecast
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Expert Opinion
Winter Feeder Fishing Tips from Vladislav
Groundbait Preparation
- Never mix groundbait outdoors in winter to avoid numb fingers; prepare it at home.
- Use dark-coloured groundbait for coloured or turbid water; red groundbait is excellent alongside traditional black.
- Recommended mix: cold-water feeder blend with red roach mix, bloodworm and vanilla groundbait.
Live Ingredients
- Avoid overloading your groundbait with live feed since fish have slow winter metabolisms and fill up quickly.
- Sieve coarse particles to 0.2mm size.
- Exercise caution with maggots and bloodworms; consider adding casters for variation.
Rig Setup
- Use fine, smaller rigs with hook size #16 for precise presentation.
- Mainline strength of 12-14lb is ideal.
Hookbaits
- Choose white and red-orange casters or maggots as your primary bait choices.
- Keep worms as a backup option.
Swim Selection
- Avoid exposed, wind-blown swims; seek out sheltered spots close to trees, bankside structures or natural depressions.
- Keep away from areas with heavy ice formation.
Fishing Tactics
- Learn from previous anglers’ mistakes; observe disturbing activity in the swim.
- Use initial casts to locate depressions or holes and develop a baited area.
- Adjust hooklengths and hooks when aiming for specimen-sized fish like big carp or pike.
Species-Specific Advice
- Carp: Best targeted in sheltered bays with a carefully prepared feeder groundbait mix. Fish slower and hold your bait in one spot.
- Pike: Use lively baitfish near submerged structures but avoid windy banks which can ruin line control.
- Perch: Look for rocky margins and use smaller baits with light rigs to entice bites.
- Roach, Bream & Tench: Seek quiet, slightly deeper waters with some silt or weed cover and use the recommended groundbait mixes with maggots or casters.
Conclusions
This winter week in Bristol requires careful attention to swim selection and bait preparation due to cold temperatures and occasional snow. By following Vladislav's feeder fishing tips and focusing on sheltered areas, anglers should still enjoy brisk days with satisfying catches. Patience and precision will be your allies in this seasonal coarse angling challenge.
Prepare thoroughly and enjoy some quality winter fishing action in Bristol.
Author: Wild Fishing UA