On a dour, cold and miserable Sunday 20th November, all 17 winter leaguers assembled at Melverley Fishery to contest the second round of this year's Winter League on the Birches Pool. The forecast was ominous with big winds, torrential rain and a maximum temperature of 6C. But in the event, the wind died down by midday and the rain only fell in light spots now and again. However, the pool did not fish very well and some of those present actually blanked! Winner though was Tony Poolton from last peg 17. He fished chopped worm and caster on the long pole for a mixed bag of small carp, roach and a spanking bonus perch for 23 Lbs dead. Second was that man again, Ken Arnold, whose "just 4 carp" consisted of one of them being a "lump," which pulled the scales round to 19 Lbs 4 Ozs all taken on the waggler and meat (probably!). Third was yours truly (a frame at long last!) with 16 Lbs dead that consisted of 6 carp all taken on the method feeder. For the full result, click on the link.

WINTER LEAGUE 2017 POINTS MATCH 2 MELVERLEY FARM.xlsx (12.19 kb)

This is a new venue, so I am grateful to Kev Nicholls for the map below. Take the B5065 off the A49 signposted to Wem. The fishery is about 5 minutes down this road on the left. We will be fishing the "Canal Pool" which is the one with the island in the middle. You cannot fish it on a day ticket, as it is a syndicate water, but the cost is only £30/year. There is no phone number and the owners don't know its Post Code! Draw at 0845 Hrs. If you want a breakfast, Gordon Bradley recommends the cafe at the roundabout where the A41 meets the A49, just to the right of the petrol station, but not the truck stop. Gordon and Kev will be there from about 0715 Hrs. The fishery is 7 minutes from here.

For those travelling directly to the pools, Clive Biddulph has provided the following directions: 

The Post code for Hough Fishery is roughly SY4 5RT. This is for Hollies Organic Farm, which is just down the road on the other side of B5065.

Hough fishery is on left coming from Prees. It does have a sign and the entrance has two white gates with overtop latches like Buildwas car park.
Quickest way for me is Hodnet, then carry on up the hill, first left to Weston, then keep right in Weston, then over the A49 at cross roads a on minor road, then right up the B5065.

The first round of this year's Winter League was held on the river on 6th November. The conditions looked grim before the start; overnight frost (the first real frost of the autumn), high north wind that had blown half the tree leaves in Shropshire into the river, which was low and clear. I think all the 15 anglers that turned out were expecting it to be a grueller! However, against the odds, from peg 27, our Match Secretary, Will Carr, managed to put an excellent 23 Lbs 4 Ozs onto the scales. This consisted of some quality chub and a few dace all taken on the waggler and maggot. Second, with 4 barbel taken on the feeder from peg 95 for 20 Lbs exactly, was Colin Morris. Third spot was that extremely lucky angler (again!) as he was out of the wind in another world to the rest of us in his "favourite" peg 8, Brian Tinman, with another good bag of chub for 10 Lbs 6 Ozs. The next round is at Melverly, Birches Pool, so let's hope the weather might be a little kinder! For the complete resullt, click on the link.

WINTER LEAGUE 2017 POINTS.pdf (12.19 kb)