ALTHOUGH Warrington Anglers' Association members are only able to fish less than half of the Bridgewater Canal due to the foot-and-mouth epidemic members are reporting good sport.

George Clare had an afternoon session opposite Australia Lane where he caught roach, bream and gudgeon steadily plus a small carp. Bread was the successful bait.

Sunday saw lots of anglers out between Cliffe Lane and Thelwall and all were catching roach and gudgeon. Caster seemed to sort out the better roach and increasing numbers of larger bream reported.

Broadheath area is also on top form and producing quality roach and bream to caster. Alan Simcock reported three roach around 1-8-0 taken on sweetcorn in a catch of skimmers and bream estimated at 25lbs.

Ian Dudley caught his first 20 at Grey Mist on Friday, a mirror weighing 23-6-0 taken on whisky boilies.

Ian Maudsley had four lower doubles on Saturday, three mirrors of 12, 13, and 15lbs plus a 13-8-0 common. Also included in his catch were two tench, the best weighed 6-8-0. All succumbed to Bandit Baits fishmeal toffee.

Anthony Outlaw also presented the same bait to catch six carp, all doubles, plus four specimen tench between 6 and 7lbs. Smaller carp and tench providing.

Rixton Claypits opened on Wednesday, giving anglers the chance to sample some early sport on this normally closed fishery. If my phone calls and e-mails are any indication this will be a popular move. Members as always are expected to give nesting wildfowl a wide berth.

Members are reminded that they must pay their 2001 subscriptions before they can fish. Some seem to be under the mis-apprehension that they did not need to pay until the 1.

You can contact me with your reports or queries on 01928 716238, fax 713898 or e-mail frank@warrington-anglers.org.uk.

HQ Parker Street is open as usual between 7pm and 9.30pm on Friday night for new members, subscriptions, or simply drop in for a chat about angling.

Frank Lythgoe