Arrival time: 09.30
Weather: Beautiful autumn day. Mild and no wind. Perfect.
Tackle: 10ft Fishtec Compact Float, link leger, 6lb line.
Baits: Cheese paste.
Fish: Two chub

I had had a look at the stream at the end of the previous week and was encouraged by the fact that the level was up, creating some more attractive glides and slacks. But when I arrived to fish the level had dropped considerably. This ruled out some swims.

I set up at the pipe bridge swim but with the level so low wasn't over confident, and indeed I didn't get any takes. After trying a few other overgrown swims I arrived at what I call the tree swim where I have had success in the past. It was easier to access with the bankside vegetation having died down and after a couple of poorly placed casts I managed to get the bait where I wanted it. Following my slight movement of the rod, which might have provoked the fish to take as the bait moved, I hooked into a good chub.

At 3lb 3oz it turned out to be my best to date from the stream and gave me quite a tussle. I was, of course, anxious not to lose it once I saw how big it was.

That fish on its own would have made my day but I continued to fish, trying other likely spots, before arriving at the bypass swim as I call it. This is probably the most inviting swim on the stretch in terms of its 'chub' characteristics. After one not-so-good cast I placed the next just where I wanted it, close to the tree that was across part of the stream, such the the bait would roll under the partially submerged branches.

I didn't need to wait long and was into another good fish. Not as large as the first but at 2lb 7oz it matched my previous best from the water.

After this I tried a few more spots but without luck.

The day was only spoiled by the fact that a problem with my right leg, thought to be a pulled tendon, decided to play up big time. After a while walking became quite painful and caused me not to explore further along the stream. In fact the following day I was in some discomfort finding it difficult to walk. I had obviously pushed the injury too far while fishing. And, worse still, I'll need to wait for a considerable improvement before contemplating another outing.