WITH the majority of Warrington Anglers' Association's still waters unfishable due to ice the rivers are the obvious choice for our members.

There are certainly plenty of venues in our control with some of them rarely fished. Now is possibly a golden opportunity to try somewhere different.

Adrian Howard fished the River Wyre on Sunday. Travelling light and moving swims brought an end of session tally of four trout to 1lb 5ozs 0drms and five chub to 2-9-0.

His successful method was a small free-running leger, 4lbs line, size 12 hook, feeding mashed bread with either flake or crust on the hook.

Kev Smith fished the River Dane on Monday. Using a small feeder and maggot he was pestered with minnows.

With only one chub and a growing number of minnows to his credit a change to double caster saw him catch another chub on his first cast. He ended the day with 14 chub to 2-8-0.

The River Mersey's form is dire with only odd fish being caught. A group of anglers last week ended with only one person catching a fish. One thing is certain, it cannot possibly go any worse.

Those who are prepared to break the ice are having reasonable sport on the Bridgewater Canal with mainly small roach, skimmers and perch. Punch bread, squat, pinkie, caster or chopped worm are all working.

Lots of small fish were caught in the open match on Saturday at Preston Brook with weights averaging almost 2lbs. Anglers fishing the same stretch on Wednesday still caught at the same rate.

HQ Parker Street is open as usual on Friday night for subscriptions, new members, or simply call in for a chat and catch up on the news.

I can be contacted with your queries and catch reports on 01928 716238, fax 713898, or e-mail frank@warrington-anglers.org.uk.

Frank Lythgoe

Results: Disabled and Over 60s: 1, Brian Davies 2-13-8; 2, Alf Seddon 2-3-4; 3,Denis Greenhalgh 1-8-7; 4, Bill Stockton 1-7-8.

Coming events: Saturday: Senior Open match, draw 11am, Star Inn (pegs 741-861). Monday: Disabled and Over 60s, draw 10.15am, Star Inn (360-400).