Fishing: Manager's tip-off had the trout biting at Tweeddale

The snow was still lying quite deep in places and, pulling into the fishery, I noticed the bait pond was completely frozen, as was the next pond up.

So I was completely taken aback to see the top pond open and fish on the move.

Taking management advice to stay on the right-hand bank proved worthwhile.

I set up with a single lure, a black one, on a midge tip and I covered two banks without success.

Turning to come back the way, I changed to a Yellow Dancer and got a 4lb-plus fish on my second cast.

Fishing deep and slow was the best way, and as I approached the bottom bay, I saw one angler land two in quick succession

I waited until he moved and made my way on to the edge of an ice flow. Casting on to the ice and dragging the fly back was to pay handsome dividends.

I caught three fish. My first was strong but lean and feisty and just refused to come in. The second was a better-conditioned fish but the third proved to be the biggest and best of all.

I felt just the gentlest of touches but kept inching the lure back till the line locked and the water erupted.

The trout powered up the water and it took several attempts to turn it. As I was stooping to release the hook from its mouth, it gave one powerful shake of its head and was off, ending what was had been a really good session.