After a couple of weeks of freezing weather,last weekend turned out quite mild and getting out on to the banks was a real must, writes Andy Webber.

The cold snap has returned, but local angler Alan Storey made the most of his trip to the Thames at the top of the channel opposite Medley Manor Farm.

Fishing a waggler with maggot just off the barges on the opposite bank, he landed several decent chub on maggot.

Maggot is a good bait at this time of year, but you do need to cut down on hook size and the amount of feed you use.

Another good bait is bread, liquidised in a feeder with flake on the hook.

l TIMES are hard in this weather, and it’s not just anglers who are suffering.

Tackle shops are struggling as fewer people venture out, while it’s tough for the commecials too.

Trout fisheries are no different and Tim Small says that it’s been pretty grim over at Lechlade.

Some of his water has been frozen over all month, leading to a number of cancellations.

The far end of Lechlade Lake is completely shut, but using the lawn and two of the boats, it is just about possible to have ten anglers on the water. Bushyleaze Lake has remained shut.

Earlier this month, Lechlade has seen 89 anglers catch 274 fish with an average size is around the 6-8lb mark.

Bushyleaze has seen only 40 angers, who caught 156 fish.