I'VE found a delightful swim on the upper Weaver.

A sandbank drops away into dark water and slightly downstream willow forms cover and shade.

My avon drops two grains of corn into an inviting area above the willow. If I'm to catch, this has to be my best chance.

A glance down on to the sand reveals footprints from resident wildlife.

A fox, a badger and a mink have all visited the previous night. Also a heron has left prints that enter the water.

There's no sign of angling presence and I have the river to myself.

Suddenly my rod tip begins to move before flying over.

A spirited fish hugs the river midstream before a little pressure coaxes it towards my net. A chub of two pounds has found my sweetcorn to its liking.

After returning the fish, I carefully introduce more corn.

On small rivers it is important not to put too much free food into the swim, not until you've either spotted fish or at least had a bite or two.

I am confident more fish will follow as long as I follow these simple rules.

It's not long before another chub comes to my net. Again it is quickly returned.

Unless I'm after a photograph for a particular feature I won't retain any fish in a net.

Contrary to some ideas, releasing fish immediately doesn't have an effect on my catch rate.

When stalking on small rivers a keepnet would be a considerable handicap, so I never take one.

Should I need to move, a dripping net would restrict me.

For now though it seems my choice is correct as every time my bait enters the river there is some interest.

I don't understand why more anglers don't visit this delightful river.

Still, with the river to myself, I'm not complaining.

Wildlife abounds and chub become regular visitors to my quiet, simple approach.

There have been pollution problems this season on waters in Cheshire, including some of our own.

Fortunately this stretch of the river appears healthy.

Without anglers reporting problems to the Environment Agency, nothing can be done, so please remain vigilant.

Join me next time when I take a novice angler carp fishing.