Frank’s Weekly Fishing Column
9th February 2001
Currently anglers on many fisheries across the country are reallystruggling so it is heartening to know that a visit to the Bridgewater Canal will not produce a blank session.
Lots of small fish, mainly roach, an explosion of small gudgeon and this past week small skimmer bream has started feeding. A few decent perch have been reported the best was a fish of 2-12-0 from the Statham area by Phil Heaton. Fishing the pole at 10 metres he was catching some better stamp roach when the predator took his single caster offering. Alan Harris had a surprise fish just over 2lbs from Beech Road on singlesquat.
Odd carp showing up in match catches but the good news is that roach aremaking up the main weights.
Grey Mist Mere is still suffering from high water levels due to aninadequate overflow pipe. This has been a problem for some time and we arehopeful that the BIFFA, the new owners of the adjacent disused tip sitewill reinstate the original 7inch-diameter system. In the interim they haveagreed a small scheme to repair pathways and improve access.
Only a few smaller carp reported.
Last year we had problems with day tickets being sold on our newly acquiredstretch of the Ribble at Balderstone. This problem now no longer exists andthe fishery is strictly for members only. The current arrangements stand,parking in the yard or bankside, the latter when conditions permit. Therewill be a new box system where members will put their money (£ 1 yard, £ 2field) in an envelope and place it with their vehicle number printedthereon in the box. Anyone trying to cheat the system will stand to lose theirmembership.
We intend to eventually construct a locked car park just outside thefarmyard area, which will operate with our security key system. When inplace members may not visit the fishery without having a key.
Tackle shops in Chester are currently taking part in a survey of catches onthe River Dee in order to assess the recovery from the pollution of lastyear. I sit on the newly formed steering group and I would also appreciateany information on catches. You can phone, fax, or email, details below. Onthe plus side, the Environment Agency re-stocked 5000 dace this past week.
Rob Clay highly rates our stretch of the River Vyrnwy at Llansantfraidwhere he has been regularly catching quality chub. The method and bait is simple, a small link leger and a loaf of bread. He gave me a late report from two weeks ago of a brace weighing in at 4-10-0 and 4-12-0. I agree with Rob’sobservation that the upper Severn catchment now supports more big fish.There are many reasons for this, but the bottom line is the poor frysurvival rate.
Members can ring me anytime with fishery reports on 01928 716238, fax on01928 713898, or email me at frank@warrington-anglers.org.uk
HQ Parker Street is open as usual on Friday night 7 to 9-30pm forsubscriptions, new members, or simply drop in for a chat and catch up onthe news.
Frank Lythgoe
RESULTS
Disabled & Over 60’s
1) John Clare 8-9-12
2) Barry Holbrook 3-3-0
3) Brian Pilkington 2-11-0
4) Harry Newton 2-10-12
COMING EVENTS
SATURDAY
Senior Open Match draw 11am London Bridge (pegs 301-550)
MONDAY
Disabled & Over 60’s draw 10-15am Star Inn (622-662)
