Conditions are looking good

Yes its warming up, yesterday Monday the W/T on the River Ribble was 36 degrees F. Today its 40 degrees F all the ice has gone from the banks. Having checked my mink traps, then sorted out the store room where I found two rats which were quickly dispatched. I cleaned the cooker, chairs, table etc in the cabin, before sitting down to read the Angler Mail and have a brew. Despite the bank high river I thought I had a chance of getting a chub or two, I fished a couple of swims in the wood, with cheese paste catching 4 chub best at about 4lbs. After lunch I headed off down river a few miles where I fished a small area of quiet water downstream of a fallen tree, an area no bigger than a dining room table top, I had 4 barbel on cheese paste like peas in a pod probably averaging 5lbs. As I was talking with Will Carter the rod tip moved about an inch striking I thought I'd missed a fish. As I sat talking to Will I noticed the line going upstream. I said to Will "I must go I think I have fish". It was barbel number 4 which had picked up the bait then moved quickly out and upstream. Not into the snag which I thought it would do. How lucky can you get. At dusk with a clear sky and falling temperature I packed up and headed off home. The forecast is great all the week so I will be on the river bank every days, perhaps staying well into the evening. If the fishing is really good I will stay over night in my cabin. If you get the chance to get on the river this week take that chance I don't think you will regret it. Martin