Bristol 7-Day Fishing Forecast (10.01.2026 - 16.01.2026)
Introduction
Welcome to your detailed 7-day fishing forecast for Bristol. Whether you're a seasoned coarse angler or a specimen hunter, this forecast provides the latest weather insights and expert advice to enhance your fishing experience over the coming week.
Weather Conditions
Currently in Bristol, temperatures range from just above 6°C with overcast skies, light winds from the west-northwest at around 3-4 mph, and a high humidity level near 87%. Rain is expected around the middle of the week, so anglers should be prepared for light to moderate precipitation and gusty conditions reaching up to 14 mph in the later days. Daytime highs will hover between 5°C and 10°C, with nights dropping to near freezing. Winds will mainly come from the west and southwest, providing relatively calm fishing conditions early in the week, but turning breezier towards the weekend.
This mix of conditions is typical for winter coarse fishing in the southwest and offers opportunities for targeting species that remain active in colder water, such as roach, perch, and tench.
7-Day Fishing Forecast
Very good
Very good
Very good
Very good
Very good
Good
Good
Expert Opinion
Winter fishing calls for specialised techniques and baits to entice lethargic fish from their cold water slumber. Our top 5 winter ice fishing methods bring tried and tested approaches that can be adapted to the mild winter conditions experienced in Bristol.
5th Place: Bottom-Bounce Provocation Fishing
This method uses delicate baits like eggs, small shells, and balls to disturb the lakebed. The resulting sediment cloud provokes fish strikes, even from otherwise inactive fish. Ideal for targeting tench or bream in stillwaters.
4th Place: The Paternoster Rig (Garland)
Effective for coarse anglers aiming at larger species such as bream. Multiple small jigs or "devils" are fished on a single trace. An echo sounder is invaluable for exact depth control to maximise bites.
3rd Place: Vibes, Hoppers and Balance Baits
- Vibes (40 mm) deliver consistent action in winter and summer.
- Balance baits (15-20 mm) are especially effective for perch.
- Use a supple carbon rod with a sensitive tip.
- Beware smaller balance baits’ treble hooks being bitten through by aggressive perch.
2nd Place: The Bloodworm-Free Method (Jig-Only)
A streamlined approach using only weighted jigs - no maggots required. This is highly effective for predatory species like perch. Popular jig types include teardrop shapes made from tungsten wire, banana profiles dusted with powdered tungsten, and ant or nail designs. Heavy banana jigs also work well in deeper or windier conditions.
1st Place: Traditional Jig with Bloodworm
The classic and most versatile method, perfect for beginners as well as experts. It attracts both predatory fish such as perch and coarse species including roach and crucian carp. Bloodworm remains a favourite bait for winter anglers around Bristol’s coarse fisheries.
Source: IBIS. Fishing and Tourism
Conclusions
Overall, Bristol offers promising fishing prospects this week despite intermittent rain and freshening winds. Aim for sheltered margins during windy periods and target active species like perch and roach when water temperatures lift slightly during daylight hours. Using winter-specific tactics, especially jig techniques, will increase your catch rate considerably.
Engage with the local community via angling chat to share tips and reports from the field to get the most out of your sessions.