Monday 4th March Bristol Avon

After the rain of Sunday where we had a welcomed 12mm but no where near enough to help us out for the spring and summer.

I looked at the river after the rain on Sunday and it hadn’t risen much and was quite clear. So I was shocked to find a very coloured river when arriving for a short afternoon session. I had wanted to trot maggots through for the chub, but with the conditions as they were it was going to be difficult. I met Clive (who is an excellent barbel angler) and his dog on my walk back to the car. He too was surprised by the height and colour of the river. My guess was that the water temperature had dropped too otherwise I would have fished for barbel.

So I jumped into the car and drove the 10 miles or so upstream to the upper river where I hoped the river was slightly clearer. Sure enough it was, but only just. A friend Bob was just packing up as I arrived and all he had caught was one chub on worm. So at least they are feeding.

Not only were the river conditions difficult there was a tricky gusty wind blowing upstream which made float presentation problematical. Never mind it was a case of getting out on the river and doing the best I could.

So not a bad session and at least I had my string pulled a good few times.