Names can sometimes aptly sum up a person’s nature, no more so than in the case of Theo Pike. A dedicated river flyfisher, Theo has just written a new book, Trout in Dirty Places, which includes a chapter on the River Chess with mention of the River Colne and fishing at Rickmansworth.

The book also cites the 2006 BBC2 TV series The Accidental Angler by Charles Rangeley-Wilson, some of which was filmed in these parts.

‘There aren’t many cities where you can fish an urban river from the underground network’, writes Theo, but his enjoyment of the area is tempered with concern about the demands on the local water supply and the depleting effect this has on the river’s water levels.

As one of the key campaigners behind London’s highly successful River Wandle clean-up, Theo is a passionate conservationist. His book details meetings with local project officers and members of The River Chess Association to assess the current conditions and increase awareness about methods of improving conditions for anglers and naturalists alike.

Rickmansworth may be just a brief encounter in this comprehensive study of some 50 of the UK’s lesser known sites for urban fishing, but each chapter usefully concludes with notes on seasons, permits, fishing tips and contacts for getting involved in clean up or maintenance programmes on a local level.

Fishermen might also be pleased to note that a donation from all book sales goes to the Wild Trout Trust and the Grayling Society.

Details: 01584 877 456, www.merlinunwin.co.uk