THE River Mersey never ceases to amaze me, and this week is no exception.

Warrington Anglers Club's Robert Titchen was feeder fishing behind the allotments and catching roach up to 1lb when his tip slammed round with a vengeance and the fish was on.

It fought well on his light tackle but suddenly showed its true colours when it leapt out of the water - it was a beautifully marked brown trout that he slid into his waiting landing net.

For the record, Robert packed his feeder with groundbait and caster with double red maggot on the hook. The river is fishing well for roach, dace, and small chub, with plenty of bites.

Another river that can produce a few surprises is the tiny River Bollin where trout to 3lbs are always on the cards.

However, member Jim Williams, who already had a brace of trout, was trotting a small red worm down his swim when he hit into a fish that tore line from centre-pin reel.

After a few powerful runs he landed the culprit, a chub of 5lbs 8 ozs 0drms. His catch also included another smaller chub and four perch.

Our local bailiff Paul Buck reports that the River Derwent is producing some quality roach to 1-8-0, small grayling, and pike to 8lbs. Redfins are being caught in the margins on stick float and bronze maggot.

Not too far away, the River Trent is in poor form but it has a habit of suddenly bouncing back and producing some stunning action.

Grey Mist is fishing well for roach and perch. Only odd carp being caught during the night. Water levels at Rixton Clay Pits are still high making conditions under foot extremely muddy.

The Trent and Mersey Canal is still producing some large perch over 2lbs. Roach to punch bread or caster at Barnton Wides and Lodge Lane.

The trout scene has improved dramatically at Appleton Reservoir with a new batch of fish stirring the existing stock into feeding. Members catching up to six fish.

HQ Parker Street is open tonight as usual 7pm to 9.30pm for new members, etc or simply drop in for a chat. I can be contacted on 01928 716238 with your queries or catch reports.

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