Hi yaffle,
I can provide a bit of information, been finding the same out myself recently, looking for cheaper than day tickets.
The docks between the marina and the cottage pub is free fishing, just have to see the harbour master (office just past the cottage pub). There's an open match there every Thursday, run by someone from the Bristol Angling Centre.
St George's and Eastville parks are again free fishing, although St George's has from what I can find out, not a good relationship between anglers and other users of the park. Eastville park used to be an area where you didn't want being there near dark, but that was when I lilved over that side of the city about 15yrs ago.
I think there another lake but can't remember it, maybe snuff mills? not sure.
If you don't mind joining a club then Alcove Angling has a lake in fishponds (great name for an area ), used to be a quarry then swimming lake. They also have a lake between downend and yate, and two others by earthcott. I belong to it and although there's over 300 members, you wouldn't know it when you get to the lakes, most I've seen is about 5 other people when I go on a weekend with the kids.
Henlease swimming club (Featured on Robson Green's wild swimming) shares their lake with anglers ( 2 thirds to anglers during the summer, whole lake oct - april), but membership only accepted in Janurary/Feburary.
There's also Ham Green lake in Pill, day ticket, but also has a members only lake. Think it's easily reachable by bike as the bike trail goes past it. It been getting some good reports lately, I think they cleared the weed.
Hope this gives you hope.
Neil
