15th December

Went out for a couple of hours on Monday after pike from 2-30-4.30pm and didn’t have a take. Although I did see a few pike swirl on the surface nothing was interested in my dead roach and herring baits. I’m pleased I packed away at 4.30 as the rain really poured all night and for most of the next day. The river rose and rose which I hope has cleared away the debris of the last 10 months.

Today a friend Steve and I went looking for a couple of roach swims where I’ve seen some pretty big ones over the summer. On arrival at the river it must have been a good 3-4 ft up. Debris was still coming down but not too bad. Pipe reeds were hung up in every branch that were in the river.

We found one or two swims that looked for barbel too and I was very tempted to get the rods.

Eventually we found a friend Paddy fishing a great winter flood swim. We stayed chatting for a while about bits and pieces however Steve was on the afternoon shift and we needed to get back.

I’ must admit the river did look good, but since I’ve got man flu thing get worst as the day moves on. I would have loved to sit with Paddy and just chat, but then once back into the warm house again the enthusiasm for getting out again drained away.

Snow forecast for tomorrow, so more lemsips and some repair work to myself then I’ll be ready next week when the river should be in fine trim.

Nice to see the H.Avon and D.Stour too have had a good flush through.