AFTER more than three weeks without casting a line I was determined to return to the water's edge somewhere, despite the icy conditions.

The car was stuck in the drive and the nearest venue to me is Bratton Water Trout Fishery.

It was likely to be partly frozen but I thought it worth contacting fishery owner Mike Williams just in case.

I was cheered to hear that 10% of the lake was free of ice and Mike was willing to venture out in his 4x4 to collect me.

It was snowing when we arrived at the lake, which had a clear section where the feeder stream enters the lake.

The water was crystal clear and as I peered in I glimpsed a couple of quality trout cruising slowly between the fronds of weed.

It was great to be at the water's edge once again despite the wintry landscape and flurries of snow.

I tied a couple of nymphs to a long leader and started flicking a line into the ice-free water.

The trout treated my offerings with contempt, frustratingly drifting into view from time to time then slipping out of sight beneath the icy sheet that covered the majority of the lake.

A tiny wren flitted past then paused upon the reeds at my feet, a robin alighted upon a nearby branch and a squirrel scurried in a tree.

These glimpses of nature punctuate the angler's day to delight almost as much as tempting a fish.

Three hours after arriving, my feet were starting to succumb to the cold snow.

Reluctantly, I admitted defeat and trudged through the snow to Mike and the waiting 4x4.

We slipped away through a winter landscape the like of which neither of us had seen for close to 30 years.

This prolonged spell of weather has had a devastating effect on angling businesses.

Many stillwater fisheries have been frozen over from bank to bank.

Stafford Moor was forced to cancel the Christmas Competition and New Year Match because of frozen lakes. Riverton Lakes have also frozen over.

I am sure tackle shops are suffering from a reduction in trade as anglers stay at home.

Even sea anglers are finding it hard going with road conditions far from conducive to travelling.

Even those anglers who are getting out are not enjoying good sport, as is to be expected with a prevailing easterly air stream.

The long-term effects on the fish we seek will hopefully be minimal.

The prolonged winter of 1963 had a devastating impact on some species of sea fish.

Ballan wrasse suffered particularly badly, with large numbers perishing in the waters of the South West.

Conger eels were also decimated in some areas, with large specimens washed up dead on beaches. In freshwater, most fish seem to survive with little ill effect, lying semi-comatose beneath an icy sheet.

Only shallow lakes are likely to be affected if there is a prolonged deep freeze.

Kingfishers are heavily impacted upon by severe winter weather and anglers will be saddened to see a reduction in the numbers of these beautiful birds that brighten many an angler's day with a flash of iridescent blue.

Whatever the outcome, nature will run its course and the angler will observe the outcome from the water's edge.

Ilfracombe Match Group chose to fish Ilfracombe's Lower Slade Reservoir for their first match of the year.

That was a wise choice as it was one of the only ice-free venues in the area. Fifteen anglers braved a chill wind, with only a handful catching.

John Bailey secured victory with a brace of bream for a weight of 6lb 12oz. John Lisle took runner-up spot with 6lb 10oz and Nick Blight third with 4lb.

The North Devon Branch of the Salmon and Trout Association are planning to hold several beginners' days in the coming year, giving the opportunity for young people aged nine to 11 to learn the basics of flyfishing from qualified instructors.

Last year's events saw young anglers land trout to more than 7lb.

Those interested should call 01837 871156 or e-mail duncmenen@aol.com. They will then receive advance notification of dates and venues for the coming season.

Could all club secretaries please send me their calendars of events for the year, so I can put them in the weekly column.

Diary dates

Sunday: Wistlandpound Flyfishing Club Winter Challenge Match, Blakewell Fishery.