AT the time of writing the situation is unchanged regarding Lymm Angling Club waters which are open to fishing.

Still, Lymm Dam, the Sankey Canal, Longbarn Pool, Grimsditch Mill Pool, Whitley Pool and Spring Pool remain open to all our members, while Village Pool, New Pool and Statham Pool remain open to members who have earned their gold overstamps.

Ominously the outbreaks of foot-and-mouth are getting ever closer with confirmed cases at Little Leigh and Knutsford. Therefore the circumstances can change at any time.

With all the precautions in place there seems little that can contain the spread of this disease, perhaps if we asked the crow, seagulls, geese, foxes, rats, etc., to dip their feet in disinfectant when coming and going, from one farm to another, it would help.

I understand that this comment is quite flippant, nevertheless I think it has some validity. The measures taken can only have a limited effect.

Grimdsditch Mill Pool continues to fish very well at the moment for rudd and skimmers. Most anglers have found the fishing quite easy with pole fished worm the best method at the moment, followed closely by tip and waggler methods.

The improved weather over last weekend certainly improved matters for the anglers, in terms of comfort. It will also spur fish to feed more readily due to rising water temperatures and an increase in the amount of food available.

Lymm Dam, similar to the Sankey Canal, has offered plenty of action from small silver fish although bonus fish among these are bream on the Dam and roach on the Canal.

Pike action is significant on Lymm Dam with several lower doubles landed last week. On the Canal it will not be long before its regulars turn to the tench. Spring tench action is second to none on this water, where the tell-tale needle bubbles give the feeding fish's position away, specially at first light when the sport will be brilliant.

On the overstamp waters, all three that are still open are fishing very well. Village Pool is producing some big rudd and roach to worm, with most coming from deep water a foot off the bottom.

On Statham Pool casters are reported as the best bait, with good sized fish taking on the drop, including roach, bream, perch, rudd and the occasional chublet.

Member John Weedon reported a good day on New Pool last Friday, with skimmers forming the bulk of his catch, although he was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the odd roach he landed.

I can be contacted on 411774.

Neil Jupp

Results of Club Championship Winter Series: 1, David Dunn; 2, Mark Dineley; 3, Terry Middleton.

Junior Section Spring Series on Sankey Canal: 1, Danny Holligan 1lb-10oz-6drms; 2, Chris Edwards 1-7-3; 3, Michael Williams 1-0-0.