Following the successes in the summer I returned to the Welland for some winter sport. A cold frosty morning following a period of wet weather. I arrived soon after 09.00.

As you would expect, the river was very different. There was much more water in it, the banks were more accessible as the profuse vegetation had died down and what weed there was in the river wasn't visible through the coloured water.

I headed for the bay where I had been successful in the summer and was surprised to see a chap in the spot just before it. In fact he was where the chap in August had been successful. I got the spot but later found out that the chap had already taken a 3lb chub from there. I tried my best but couldn't get a touch. Disappointing really given my previous success in this swim.

I tried up by the bridge but the water was quite turbulent there and, again, didn't get a touch. In the meantime the other angler had taken another fish. In fact he went on to take three, and lost one. He moved off back upstream, saying that the swim was now 'fished out'. I had a look at the spot and it seemed very tricky to fish. All credit to him for succeeding.

I tried again in the bay and then walked back towards the car park trying a few more spots; but nothing was taking. By this time (around 15.00 pm) I was getting very cold so called it a day.

So a blank. I did see a kingfisher, which was memorable, but as far as the fishing was concerned I think I have a bit to learn (or re-learn) about winter river craft.

My newly assembled stalking kit worked well.