As the colder weather approaches, some big chub are being caught from local rivers, some well over six pounds, writes Peter Stone.

Recently, a number of six-pounders have been taken from local reaches of the Thames, the biggest just a few ounces short of seven pounds.

For specimen hunters, the Thames has never been better when it comes to big chub. It's not that long ago that a five-pounder was the 'target' fish, but today, that figure has risen to six pounds.

And they are being caught all through the river. The 7lbs 12 oz monster, taken from Wallingford, is the biggest caught locally, but I don't think it will be very long before an eight-pounder is reported.

Meanwhile, the chub of 8.10.0 caught from a Welsh river a few weeks ago is under suspicion.

The fish, caught by two schoolboys, was dropped on to some rocks and died. It was taken to the National Museum of Wales where their senior conservation officer, Piers Langhelt, confirmed it was a chub. Photographs, however, suggest the fish could have been a grass carp. Said Piers: "As far as I am concerned, the fish I saw was a chub.

Meanwhile the pharyngeal (throat) teeth have been removed and sent to Alwyne Wheeler of the National History Museum for a second opinion.

A magnificent carp weighing 30.9.0 was captured from Orchid Lake at Dorchester last week by regular Simon Lewis.

Other carp over 20lbs have also been taken by various anglers.

Pike anglers in nearby Dorchester Lagoon have been enjoying good sport, the biggest so far weighing 18.0.0. Carp to 13.0.0 have always been caught from Club Lake.

From now until March, some big pike can be expected, not only from local stillwaters but the rivers.

If I was anxious to catch a big pike (which I am not), I would look no further than the Thames where there is no shortage of big pike not only that, but relatively few anglers fish for them.

One man who did just that last week was John Simms from Blackbird Leys. Fishing at Medley, he banked two crackers weighing 20.8.0 and 21.8.0. Legered sardine proved their downfall. Meanwhile, over at Lechlade Trout Farm, owner Tim Small has created a pike lake which can be fished either on season or day tickets.

From now until the end of the season, tickets are 75.00, day tickets 10. The lake is very clear and boats are available. Best pike so far is 28.0.0. For further details telephone 01367 253 266.