SUNDAY is the final day of the traditional coarse season and the last chance to fish on many of Lymm Angling Club's best waters until June 16.

Steady sport is the norm on most waters with Whitley Pool showing signs of improvement. Luckily, Whitley is one of the nominated waters to stay open for those who have earned a red overstamp.

All is not lost to anglers who wish to carry on fishing as our day ticket waters remain open, with exception of the day ticket stretch of the River Severn at Atcham.

The Old Quay Canal is fishing well with most species obliging waters. The weed in places is still causing problems although these are features and can assist in improving catch rates.

Grimsditch Mill Pool has improved over the last fortnight and good bags of skimmers can be expected with a mix of rudd, the occasional golden orfe and the odd carp, which are the reason for a lot of snap ups.

Lymm Dam continues to improve although its a question of three steps forward and two back due to fluctuating weather conditions.

Fishing close in to features scores best for catch rate with plenty of fish caught, albeit the fish being on the small side. However, in periods when some of the colour has dropped out, good numbers of decent bream are caught fishing feeders on the tip.

As predicted Lymmvale exploded into trout action on March 1 with fast and furious action to all who have fished. The current rod average is 10.5, which is exceptional by anyone's standards.

The compliance to the game anglers' unwritten rules of etiquette is remarkable and fascinating - furthermore it works. It is obviously a system that has evolved over hundreds of years.

One of the situations it prevents is the hogging of fishing hot spots by individuals because etiquette dictates that each angler moves around a pace or two on each cast, giving everyone a chance at the best spots on the bank. This could be a famous pool on a river or a particular peg on a stillwater.

This system is fully encouraged by the club so can expect to be glared at if you hog a spot catching fish by the dozen to the detriment of all your fellow anglers, something that is considered un-sporting.

The next work party is scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, at Lymm Dam, commencing at 9am.

I can be contacted on 411774.

Neil Jupp

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.