I was on the river yesterday from 11 - 15. I caught a small roach at 14 - 45 then one about 5 ozs minutes later. Nothing then until 16 - 10 as the light was failing fast. I'd four Ide in four casts the best about a pound. Now this increase in activity as the light fails was pretty well as the script tells us it should be. BUT, if I fish any of the canal arms off the river, the same light failure means that bites cease totally. I've known this happen many, many times. On the canal the sports ceases, yet on the river and numerous local still waters bites increase :confused: :confused: Any ideas?

John, I haven't any idea of the answer, but it's a really intersting conundrum. Can you clarify, are we talking about the same species of fish? In my experience, fishing for GOOD fish the action often only starts as the light fades, though sometimes the little roach are most lively when the sun is out. But for bites to stop dead when it's still dusk (ie some light, still) I've never heard of that - have others?

I can't say I've experienced this phenomenon.
Makes one think, could it be any thing to do with the depth you are fishing at?
Could it be something to do with the amount of light filtering through the water? [IE.natural or electric]
Is there algae/weed in the water, affecting, light/oxygen?
Strange