"Excuse me, Mr Fisherman, do you have any maggots?"

A couple of weeks of snow is fair enough, but this is getting silly now! Councils have ran out of grit, people have had enough and the Met office are predicting more snow. Mick and I were almost at our destination when the blizzard started, OTHERWISE we would not have ventured out. It is too dangerous.

I have a lot of respect for anglers who do not let the weather deter them from this wonderful past-time. After all, its normally just a case of dressing appropriately. However, when the roads are slippy and untreated it is a different issue altogether. You do not want to pay for your HOBBY with your LIFE.

I know that it sounds patronising, but do not go out in the snow and ice if the roads are untreated. And if you do, drive slowly, in a high gear and brake carefully. Don't worry about the people sat up your arse, if the truth be told they are very likely grateful that they have someone to follow in the snow.

Now, how did we get on? We weren't greeted by the winter wonderland like back in December. This was more like a bad day in Alaska (a slight exaggeration there!). It didn't feel like a scene from a Christmas card anymore, more like a reason to be indoors with a hot drink. "At least we'll have the place to ourselves" i suggested as we left the car outside the main gates and finished the journey to the bank by foot. As the words came out of my mouth i had a feeling that i would be eating them.

Sure enough, as we turned the last corner we were greeted by two fishermen. "More mad men!" exclaimed one of them upon seeing us. The gents were very friendly and kindly suggested a couple of swims that we could try. They asked how long we were staying and we explained only for a few  hours. This was a 'mid-week' trip and time was restricted. These nutters were here all week! Five days fishing in the snow. Now that's commitment. Or insanity. Not sure!

We moved on only to find our swim 90% covered in ice. Our hearts sank. What did we expect? It is flowing water at the lock-cut but, obviously, not fast moving enough to prevent freezing over. Still, we still had a bit of water to go at so in went the baits.

I went for a float fished half herring, while mick plumped for a sprat. The blizzard did its best to dampen our spirits and to some extent, it did! The importance of dressing properly had never been so apparent. Hot tea and snacks kept us warm and the friendly winter robins did their best to keep us amused. They really did put on quite a show, flying between the rods and landing nets and helping them selves to escaped bits of monster-munch!

Suddenly Mick through his tea and lunch to one side, which i felt was a touch rash considering the conditions. He grabbed his rod and shouted "Did you see that!". I hadn't, and quite frankly i'd have bet my last pound that it was just the wind moving his float (I was a little despondent by now, you see). Just to prove me wrong, mick deftly struck into a fish. Nice one. The fish tried to get under the ice, but it was no match for mick and his stout tackle. It was soon in the net and posing for the camera, well posing isn't exactly right. Once on the bank the fish came to life and refused to keep still! We eventually got a snap and then held the fish upstream until he strongly swam away. Just a Jack of about 5lb, but very welcome.

That really gave us a shot in the arm. To catch in these conditions was remarkable. With renewed faith i recast my bait. Now it was my turn, the float bucking and then moving slowly to the left. I struck and the fish was on. As it came to the top we could see that it was only just hooked, but the momentum that i had developed during the scrap saw the fish going straight into the awaiting mesh. Didn't need the forceps for this one, the treble came out in the net. We've had this one before - it weighs 6lb 8oz.

The snow stopped falling and time caught up with us. It was time for a very steady drive home. Luckily the roads were now a little clearer which made for an uneventful journey home.

Mixed feelings about this trip. Great to catch in the cold, but was it worth the risk? Think i need a 4x4!

TAKE CARE EVERYBODY, STAY SAFE IN THE SNOW!