Mudeford Quay
FreeA compact, easy-access mark at the mouth of Christchurch Harbour on Dorset's eastern edge, where the famous tidal 'Run' rips hard between the quay and Hengistbury Head as the harbour empties and fills, this is genuinely exciting water to fish when it's moving. It's a reliable producer through the warmer months for bass, mackerel, garfish and scad, with winter whiting, year-round mullet and the odd conger among the harbour structure keeping things interesting off-season too.
Access: Free shore access, no rod licence needed for sea fishing
Parking: Large pay-and-display car park right on the quay (419 spaces, 24 disabled, postcode BH23 4AB); further parking at Avon Beach (99 spaces) and Avon Run Road (222 spaces)
Last updated: 20 August 2026
Species you can expect
| Species | Best season |
|---|---|
| Bass | Spring, Summer, Autumn |
| Mackerel | Summer |
| Garfish | Summer |
| Scad | Summer |
| Whiting | Winter |
| Mullet | Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter |
| Conger eel | Summer, Autumn |
Fish the Run itself on a moving tide for the best bass sport, ragworm, sandeel, peeler crab and mackerel strip all work. Quieter in winter but rarely a total blank thanks to the resident mullet shoals. Christchurch Harbour has unusual double high tides, worth checking tide times carefully before planning a session.
Caught something here?
Upload a photo of your catch from Mudeford Quay → - not sure what it is? We'll help identify it.