Early morning on the river

I was up at 6am this morning to try the river early morning. In truth it was the only way I could get out today as I was committed to a shopping trip in Manchester and an appointment with Jack Wills (teenagers will understand). A brisk walk down the valley from Littlemoss soon brought me to my senses at this unsociable hour. I only had until 11.30am so I needed to head to a spot with two or three close swims, so I could rotate between them after catching (positive thinking). The river was tinged with a muddy brown colour after the week rain but was clearing and was dropping to its normal level.

I tackled a couple of the swims, and after a bite less hour settled on the swim pictured above. this river never ceases to amaze me, and after a few casts I hooked a fish which was fighting like nothing I had hooked before in the Medlock. It took me several minutes to even see the fish. A prolonged battle ensued, and on fine lines I knew I had to tire this fish out rather than bully it. When it came into view I realised I had hooked a large brownie which was in no hurry to see daylight. It seemed an age before I slipped the net under a personal best trout.

I managed to catch a couple of smaller trout from a tiny swim that I had never considered before, both burying the float, quite unlike the earlier specimen. The swim is pictured below.

 Not bad for a cold winter morning, and a few leftover maggots from Thursday. No chub today unusually, which was my main aim. However I did lose a large fish at the end of the session which felt a little more sluggish than the trout. Not a bad morning's work in my book. This river has got right under my skin. I don't know what I am going to do when the season ends, I will have to dust off my pole and seat box.
There is still a few weeks to go until then though so back to this week and I should be out on Tuesday, though I am fancying the River Tame for a change. I plan to attend the Salford Friendly Anglers meeting on Tuesday evening so I won't be travelling far. Looking forward to this meeting, and learning more about Manchester's rivers. Off to Eastlands on Thursday as well to catch up with the blues in their European campaign. Lots to look forward to.