VIRTUALLY no rain over the weekend caught most by surprise and few anglers were out to make the most of it.

This situation was probably compounded by the fact that many were out shopping, in readiness for Christmas.

Lymm Dam has benefited from the respite in the rain, with pike anglers taking advantage of the improved clarity of the water. It has been the day ticket anglers who have made the most of this opportunity with several scoring good doubles.

The best reported by our bailiff was a fish of 19lbs, caught off peg 96 by an angler using a small mackerel head. Bream, roach and perch have also given good sport, as has the occasional carp.

Abbey Lake is producing good roach, with the occasional crucien carp making a showing. Bailiff Cyril Wilding spent a couple of short sessions there last week while attempting to dodge heavy showers.

He reports catches in excess of 5lbs, which when you consider that his maximum stay was only two and a half hours, is very good indeed. Cyril was using red maggots and casters.

The Sankey Canal throughout phases one and two have been fishing reasonably well all week, with roach, perch, bream and pike providing the bulk of the action.

Anglers need to fish tight up to features to gain the best from this water.

The club's fur and feather is to take place on the canal, alongside the Tip Road, where the draw will take place at 8.45pm on Sunday, December 17.

There are still some pegs left, which members can book by contacting myself on 411774. Entry fees are £5, all inclusive.

Most waters are improving, although the old favourites are performing best.

On the river scene, reports are few, although our bailiff on the tiny Peover Eye reports excellent sport over last weekend, with brown trout readily snapping at anything trotted down.

However, best fish was a perch weighing in at 1-9-0, which fell to a large lobworm, which it found irresistible.

Unfortunately I have not received a single report for any of our other rivers. Such reports, good or bad, are very much appreciated as it allows me to pass on to enquiring anglers what to expect, and maybe even prevent them making an unnecessary trip.

I can be contacted on 411774.

Neil Jupp