THE Bridgewater Canal is definitely on form with plenty of fish being caught from the lengths that are currently open.

George Ellis had a three-hour session for 30 roach, skimmers and lost a large bream at the net. Members are enjoying good sport with roach, perch to 8ozs and gudgeon from Pickerings Bridge through to Grappenhall.

Best bait bread punch or pinkie. An all bream net of 30lbs reported from Hill Top and pike are still feeding and Shane Hartley had fish of 14 and 12lbs, Chris Stowels 10 and 9lbs, and Ned Barber 8, 9, and 13lbs all from the Statham area.

Joe Winnington had a mirror of 24lbs and a common of 15lbs from Grey Mist. A few doubles have been out during the week. The working party volunteers are doing a cracking job of repairing the annual flood damage to the pathways and pegs. If you fancy helping contact Ian on 819033.

Sport on Woodshaw Reservoir has suffered from the colder conditions, some anglers have been catching small roach and perch steadily while others have struggled.

Due to clear water conditions by far the best method on Ackers Pit for roach and skimmers is the waggler and maggot. Good news indeed is reports of some tiny tench being caught on pole and small cubes of meat.

Although almost 40 fisheries remain closed we have been advised that we can open Astle Poole, Wide Hole, and Sandiway. On the latter the whole of the small lake is open and the centre track side of the large lake from the island to the holly hedge car park.

Latest update on the other fisheries open: Bridgewater Canal, Preston Brook Tunnel to Moore Post Office, A56 Bridge at Walton to Lymm Bridge, Seamons Moss Bridge to A56 Bridge at Altrincham.

Trent and Mersey Canal: From Middlewich to Croxton Lane, Rudheath to Broken Cross Smithy, Soot Hill Bridge to A533 Road Bridge at Barnton (by Red Lion Pub).

Macclesfield Canal (Congleton) Henshall Hall Drive Bridge No. 73 to Lamberts Lane Bridge No. 77.

Grey Mist, Ackers Pit, Moore Quarry, Wide Hole and Appleton Reservoir (fly-fishing) are also open.

Members can contact me anytime with fishery reports on 01928 716238, fax on 01928 713898, or email me at frank@warrington-anglers.org.uk.

HQ Parker Street is open as usual on Friday 7pm to 9.30pm for subscriptions, new members, or simply drop in for a chat and catch up on the news.

Frank Lythgoe