ANOTHER of Lymm Angling Club's waters now open to angling is Abbey Lake.

This water is noted for its roach, tench and pike population with each adding towards the delights of this water.

Abbey Lake is at this time of year approaching its top form with the tench now complimenting the brilliant roach fishing this water provides throughout the winter.

Red maggots and worm has in the past been the best spring time bait, although as the water warms up luncheon meat and sweetcorn take over, noting that bread baits are a sound bet at any time.

Set shortly off the M6 at Orrell, Abbey Lake is well worth a visit whether or not you are a member. Day tickets are available on the bank.

Shakerley Mere has provided some nice surprises. Members Alan Saxon and Dave Courtney report big bream coming out, specially on the high 30-50 pegs. Numerous slabs of up to 9lbs have been landed to anglers using mini boilies. Carp action is also steady, although there have been no reports of fish over 20lbs as yet.

Whitley Pool is improving day by day with tench becoming more and more a feature in catches of cruciens and carp.

Last Wednesday, member Doug Walker enjoyed a good day catching the expected species, when, to his surprise and mine, he started catching roach up to 12 ounces. Despite massive stockings of silver fish made in the early 1990s, this water is not known for them so when they made their appearance it was to some excitement.

Our members with gold overstamps report the fishing very good at Village Pool, Statham Pool and New Pool, and there are some early signs that Founders Pool is performing very well, following its opening on Sunday. I eagerly await official reports.

Lymm Dam, the Sankey Canal and Longbarn Pool are fishing quite well, with the fastest action on Longbarn Pool. Gone are the days when you could only expect small fish on Longbarn - roach, perch, bream, carp and pike are all present in specimen proportions. When fishing this water be mindful of the swans and other wildfowl, and take all steps to prevent any harm coming to them.

I can be contacted on 411774.

NEIL JUPP