MEMBERS are still catching well at Balderstone and junior angler Ryan Kay christened his new Warrington Anglers' Association licence with a personal best barbel of a little more than 11lbs.

His stepdad also caught a couple to 4lbs, while Andy Singleton fished the river on Saturday and caught four barbel to 7lbs as well as a chub to 5lbs.

Obviously the water is now carrying some colour and therefore recent conditions have vastly improved.

There have been reports of litter along the Sankey St Helens Canal at Carterhouse as well as unauthorised night fishing - both are unacceptable.

It is alleged that this is down to day-ticket anglers, and although they may think they are untouchable, all our rules still apply and their day-ticket facility can be withdrawn permanently.

Ackers Pit is fishing well with mainly roach and skimmers being caught, as well as a few carp that appear to have been unaffected by the recent virus outbreak stemming from the River Weaver, which killed 18 of the resident carp.

The carp virus situation is still being monitored closely on all our waters and further tests are shortly to be carried out by the Environment Agency in the hope of discovering the type of viral infection.

Pegs and paths on some of the closed fisheries have become quite overgrown over the period of closure. Work parties are being arranged to prune back bushes and reeds in preparation for the re-opening of the waters, which will hopefully happen in the near future.

It is a good opportunity to do some fish spotting and ensure the fisheries open as soon as possible. If you have some free time to spare, please let me know of your availability.

Members are reminded that anyone caught fishing during the closures still in place will be banned from the Association for life.

It is also imperative that any member seeing anyone fishing on those waters reports it to me immediately.

Please contact me with catch reports on 01928 716238, fax 01928 713898 or e-mail frank@warrington-anglers.org.uk.

HQ Parker Street will be open as usual tomorrow, Friday, between 7pm and 9.30pm for subscriptions and new members.

Frank Lythgoe

Results: Disabled and Over 60s: 1, Alf Seddon 4-4-8; 2, Bill Pickles 3-5-4; 3=, Ken Graham 3-4-10; 3=, Keith Tarbuck 3-4-10. Howleston Cup: 1, Aaron Brown 1-10-8; 2, Mike Chung 1-5-12; 3, Jack Coker 0-15-0. Senior Match: 1, Phil Mathews 5-9-0; 2, Gary Mannion 4-9-0; 3, Craig Ritchie 3-11-0; 4, Graham Belton 2-12-0.

Forthcoming events: Saturday: TSB Rose Bowl, noon at Acton Grange Bridge (pegs 256-280). Sunday: Mersey Championships, draw 9am in Weir Lane. Monday: Disabled and Over 60s, draw 10.15am at Star Inn.