FROZEN waters stifled most Lymm Angling Club members' urge to fish last week, with only the most intent prepared to break the ice in order to whet a line.

The majority of determined pleasure anglers found their way on to one of the rivers. One was Mike Wilkinson, who chose to follow in the footsteps of Steve Daley and enjoyed a productive session on Wincham Brook.

Mike geared up for a roving style of fishing but found himself staying on the one peg, due to its productivity. Unlike Steve the previous week, who caught a grayling only bag. Mike did not see anything of this species but reported an enjoyable mixed bag of fish including chub, roach, dace, perch and trout.

Rivers throughout the freeze looked very inviting, running about at normal levels. On the Severn, barbel have been making intermittent appearances, with one or two in a catch all that can be expected. However, chub, roach, dace and pike have been filling the void well, with good nets reported on the Atcham and Rossall stretches.

Despite the disastrous pollution incident, which took place on the River Dee last year, signs bode well. The size of fish are on average a lot smaller than those made in pre-pollution catches, although the number of fish caught are very encouraging. Chub, roach and perch are forming the bulk of catches.

Locally, the River Bollin is fishing very well from Warburton Weir downstream to the Ship Canal. Again it is chub, dace, roach, perch and bream that are the species that are providing most of the action.

By the time of reading the weather should have made a marked change, with rain and high winds forecast. Hopefully this will help defrost waters without causing more of the flood conditions recently endured.

Work parties continue on Sunday, with participants again asked to meet at Whitley Pool Car Park at 9am.

Last Sunday's work parties commenced work on Grimsditch Mill Pool, where work to repair the bridges was initiated. Tree work is ongoing.

I can be contacted on 411774.

NEIL JUPP

Ice breakers