Hildreth nets 18lb 3oz pike

Despite the amount of rainfall we have seen during the past week local rivers have not, thankfully, suffered the fate of those in other areas of the UK and most river anglers have, like myself, welcomed the flush through.

As far as the fishing was concerned conditions last week were very favourable for a few days but deteriorated gradually as the rain just kept coming but the unseasonably mild weather gave the barbel anglers at least some hope of success.

Despite conditions looking good most found it tough going and the best returns once again came from the stillwaters although they were generally in a slightly dour mood.

Just as the rain has impacted upon the rivers so it did on the stillwaters and a massive input of cold water slowed the action down appreciably on all of the venues, commercials included, and catches were rather subdued.

One local angler who managed to get an excellent result just before the conditions worsened was Richard Hildreth who continues to enjoy an exceptional season on Finches Farm Fishery.

In a couple of separate visits to the top lake Richard netted a cracking 18lb 3oz pike on a herring deadbait floatfished on a single treble hook rig then took a very nice looking stillwater barbel of 8lb 10oz on a floatfished pellet.

Richard’s pike is the best reported to the column so far this winter and although the predator season is well underway it appears as if the mild conditions have kept many anglers fishing for other species rather than turning their attentions to pike.

Those who have made a start seem to have found numbers of smaller fish with double figure specimens very few and far between although Graham Cheeseman weighed one of 14lb in from the Thames at Marlow recently.

Graham fished from the lock area with a floatfished roach on size 8 trebles, 20lb wire and 10lb line and netted five jacks along with the bigger fish during a morning feeding spell.

Perch have proved to be a more reliable target for predator hunters with the Royal Berkshire Fishery remaining worth a look for fish to around the 3lb mark and sheltered areas of the Thames at Bourne End and Cookham still on form for plenty of fish in the 1lb to 2lb 8oz bracket with the occasional better specimen.

Stillwater carp and bream continued to feed sporadically last week and although weights were well down on many venues there were bites to be had on most venues with Sam Matthews using the feeder and corn to take five carp from Woolwich Green.

Stillwater roach prospects have, however, improved with good fish showing from venues such as Cottage Lane and Royal Berkshire with plenty of pound plus fish to be netted.

To report catches contact me on 07780 755138 or ian@bigfishtrail.com