7-Day Fishing Forecast for Bristol (19.01.2026 - 25.01.2026)
Introduction
Welcome to your comprehensive fishing forecast for Bristol covering the next seven days. Whether you're into coarse fishing, match fishing, or specimen hunting, this forecast will provide you with the latest weather conditions, species-specific fishing advice, and expert tips for winter fishing.
Weather Conditions
Currently, Bristol is experiencing a chill with temperatures hovering around freezing, including snow showers intermittently through the upcoming days. Winds are relatively moderate coming from the north-west with gusts reaching up to 15 mph at times. Expect visibility to occasionally reduce due to snow, but generally clear skies will prevail later in the week.
The temperature will range between -1°C and 6°C, with the coldest nights falling below -7°C, so appropriate winter fishing clothing and gear are essential. Precipitation is most likely in the early part of the forecast, gradually easing towards the weekend.
7-Day Fishing Forecast
This week's weather suggests a mixed bag for anglers. Early snowfalls and freezing temperatures will encourage fish like bream and tench to retreat to deeper waters, while roach and perch may still be active in shallower margins during milder daylight hours.
Good opportunities for pike present themselves particularly on warmer days or during late afternoons when temperatures rise closer to 3-5°C. Carp will tend to be sluggish but can be tempted with natural attractants and patience.
Match fishing conditions will require calm and strategically chosen locations sheltered from the wind. Ensure bait is fresh and suited for winter conditions.
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Expert Opinion
Winter Fishing: Expert Tips and DIY Guides
Preparing Your Rod
- Attach your line securely to the reel
- Coat the line with Vaseline using a cotton pad to prevent freezing
- Wind the line onto the reel
- Fit the bobbin to the rod tip
- Thread the line through all the rod rings
Making Your Own Jig
- Take a small sinker and a tiny hook
- Bend the hook using pliers
- Clamp a minute weight near the eye of the hook
- Paint the sinker with nail varnish
- Tie the jig to your line
Constructing a Maggot Box
- Cut two rectangles from polystyrene
- Hollow out the interior of one piece
- Join both sections with tape along one edge
- Place a piece of newspaper inside to retain moisture
- Pour in your maggots
- Secure with a rubber band
Natural Attractant from Mandarin Peel
- Remove the peel from mandarins
- Dry it thoroughly
- Crush it into fine fragments using your fingers or a coffee grinder
- Sprinkle into the hole
Setting Up a Dead Bait Trap
- Drill your fishing hole
- Add a small amount of oil to the hole to prevent freezing
- Lower the hook with your live bait into the water
- Wind in and set the flag
Heated Gloves DIY
- Cut two pieces of cardboard
- Make several slits across each piece
- Wind nichrome wire between the slits
- Prepare a charging cable: cut off the plug and strip the insulation
- Attach two wires (approximately one metre each) to the positive and negative contacts
- Insulate the connections
- Connect the wires to the heating elements
- Attach to a power bank
- Place the power bank in your jacket's inside pocket
- Thread the wires through your sleeves into your gloves
Storing Your Rod
- Cut a section from a wine cork
- Apply superglue
- Attach to the handle as a jig holder
Freeing Your Auger
- Submerge the auger in the hole for several minutes
- The water will thaw the frozen mechanism
- Your auger will come apart effortlessly
Conclusions
Fishing in Bristol over the coming week will demand patience and adequate winter preparation. Cold temperatures and snow may slow down fish activity, but with the right tactics such as using mandarin peel as a natural attractant and properly maintained gear, anglers can enjoy productive days by the water. Prioritise safety and comfort with appropriate clothing and equipment, and focus your efforts around midday to early afternoon when conditions are less severe.