WITH the rain abating for at least a few days Lymm Angling Club members enjoyed some autumnal sunshine and went fishing in numbers.

Ste Daley grasped a few spare hours to spend on the River Bollin at Warburton where he was suitably rewarded with all the usual riverine species from dace to roach and chub. But his fish of the day was a fine specimen of brook trout, which had come down the river during the heavy rain.

This bright dry weather has assisted letting the colour drop out of waters, awakening the hunting instincts of the pike and subsequently awakening the interest of the pike angler who often awaits this time of year to seriously start their fishing season.

Pike are a much maligned species, probable due to the fact that they can upset the shoals of fish that anglers have spent time in producing in order to enhance their days sport.

However, they are only doing what nature has designed them to do from primeval times and while they do require their numbers controlling from time to time, in some waters they should be respected for what they are - one of nature's wonders.

If you intend to start fishing for this species then it would be advisable to ask the assistance of an experienced pike angler before doing so. If you are not confident handling pike then you have no right fishing for them without experienced help.

This is why the club does not allow juniors to fish for pike without being accompanied by a senior.

Around and about the waters fishing requires the fining up of tackle in order continue a reasonable catch rate. Careful thought is also required in the use of baits.

Obviously as the appetite of the fish diminishes with the cooler weather baits must reflect this tendency, with smaller baits preferential and less groundbait and loose feed required.

Village Pool continues to fish well, as do New Pool, Founders Pool and the smaller waters on Belmont Estate.

The larger waters appear to be in their seasonal transitional period, with action slowing accordingly. But Lymmvale continues to fish quite well with specimens of tench, carp, barbel and golden orfe landed.

Belmont and Whitley Pools have slowed a little for most members, although it is very noticable that specialists to these waters continue to catch very well. This demonstrates the benefits of specialising in a particular water.

While such anglers miss out on the variety of fishing offered on the different waters, their efforts will be rewarded with the knowledge required to catch fish when everyone else struggles to get even one bite.

One such angler is Dennis Stokes, who catches fish on Lymm Dam when others struggle. Dennis is known for his almost disappointed comments on the amount of fish he has caught, when in fact most anglers would be well pleased with such a haul in the middle of summer, never mind during the first frosts of winter.

I can be contacted on 411774.

Neil Jupp

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