10am to 12 noon. As a result of yesterday's recce and 20 mph winds forecast I decided to miss the river for once and fish Dixons for roach in a sheltered spot. Air temp forecast 9deg C, though I didn't have a water thermometer, seemed mild enough for it not to be too hard. Started with float, but switched to maggot feeder when the wind moved round a bit to the west. 14 foot deep. Tried two swims on Dixons plus a few minutes on the Moor Ditch. Not a touch. Had fished the morning as Metcheck forecast this to be the drier time, but very wet and I forgot the waterproof trousers with inevitable result when I sat on the soaking wet chair!

I have rarely fished the lakes in winter, and decided I didn't know what I was doing. For example, there were many leaves around. Should I fish under trees in the margins which I know are productive for roach on some venues, or cast out where there are likely to be less leaves? In the end the appeal of a hot lunch and dry clothes was too much, and went home early!