Arrival time: circa 11.00 at first swim.
Weather: Cloudy bright with a fresh wind.
Tackle: 12' Korum Multi-feeder, simple SSG link, 6lb line, 8 hook.
Baits: Bread flake & cheese paste.
Fish: 2 chub

I was keen to try this little stream but realised that with my recovering hip it might be difficult. And so it turned out. There were very few swims and some of them were quite challenging, involving wading through undergrowth and nettles, and watching out for uneven ground that could easily trip me up.

The first couple of swims didn't reward me, but in the third I had a bite within minutes of casting, fairly typical of chub if they're in residence.

It wasn't a big fish, probably around ¾lb, but I was pleased to break the duck. Getting a fish in a new water is always a high point.

As is often the case, I didn't get another bite in that swim. Because of the distance between swims I returned the fish to the same spot; not advisable but in the circumstances the only real option.

I took another chub of around the same size in a swim further downstream. This spot was even more challenging, involving wading through nettles and leaving most my gear back on normal ground. Again it was a positive bite soon after casting. Having fought my way to this spot I decided to have another cast and was surprised to get another positive bite. I thought I was connected but found myself in sunken weeds. Either the fish shed the hook or I missed the bite and pulled into weeds. I can't be sure but that was the end of that swim.

I made my way to the end of the stream, the last fishable spot being occupied by a swan and cygnets so I stayed clear. At this point a branch of the main river, which the stream joins, is close by. I tried a few casts under a raft of debris, itself under an overhanging tree, but didn't get any takes despite it looking very 'chubby'.

I was now quite worn out, the frequent moves and walking over uneven ground causing some discomfort to my hip. I decided, therefore, to call it a day but dropped in one of the spots where I had caught previously, hoping that the swim had recovered. Unfortunately it wasn't to be so I packed up and made my way back to the car, a 20 minute or so walk that felt more like an hour. I think I overdid things somewhat!

But it was good to get out and although the fish weren't big I was pleased to have caught from a new water, especially given the challenges it presented.