Admiring the first trout of a new season: ...

Good preparation and a willingness to allow the weather and river conditions to dictate your targets are key to catching in the cold

All the latest news from our local experts. The only monthly record of catches and news from the major fisheries of England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland

TIM'S TOP TIPS

With just four weeks left until the rivers close, I’m hoping that conditions improve, and if they do – here’s what I’ll be fishing for!

Rising, coloured water is the enemy of winter lure anglers but, with effort and exploration, bites are still there to be had, says Karl Bird