THE River Dane is producing lots of chub between 1lbs and 3lbs with the odd fish to 4lbs.

Legered meat is the current hot bait and the Warrington Anglers' Association bailiff informs me that the river is carrying some colour, which will improve sport.

Another small river worth a visit at the moment is the Wyre, which is a favourite haunt of Steve Bewes.

On Monday, he tried a new swim that only produced a small chub and two sizeable brown trout, but making his way back to his car he flicked a free-lined lobworm under an overhanging bush and had his second biggest chub from the river at 4lbs 14ozs 0drms.

Moving on and changing tactics, he cast a six-inch plug out for pike and had a take that turned out to be a 4lb chub.

Despite a tide that topped the weir on the River Mersey, Sunday's Mersey Championship saw some improved weights put on the scales.

The winner was Kevin Green with an all roach catch of 9-10-0 taken on pole and flat-float with worm and caster bait.

The runner up was Phil Matthews, who fished a similar method for 5-3-0. Many thanks to Warrington Rowing Club members for their co-operation.

Our normally productive stretch of the River Ribble at Balderstone has fished poorly in the past week, although one member had a 12lb salmon.

If the colder weather conditions continue it is likely that some or all of the closed fisheries could be open within the next week or two.

I would ask members to be patient for a little longer to give our fish every chance of avoiding catching the virus and suffering a horrible death.

Also we are awaiting the start of an agreed sentinel fish test with the Environment Agency and CEFAS, which could provide valuable information on the unknown virus.

Best of luck to our intermediate and junior teams in the National Federation of Anglers Championships being held on Saturday on the Sankey St Helens Canal in Newton.

Please telephone me with any 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: Centenary Trophy: 1, Mike Chung 0-15-0; 2, Aaron Brown 0-10-3; 3, Jack Coker 0-8-11. TSB Rosebowl: 1, Pam Wyatt 2-11-0; 2, Lynda Lythgoe 1-13-0; 3, Marion Wharmby 0-13-0. Mersey Championship: 1, Kevin Green 9-10-0; 2, Phil Matthews 5-3-0; 3, Paul Healey 4-0-0; 4, Jeff Shaw 3-13-6; 5, Dick Wernham 3-8-7. Disabled and Over 60s: 1, Brian Pilkington 5-4-10; 2, Bill Owen 3-10-0; 3, Ken Graham 3-8-8; 4, Jeff Clare 2-3-6.

Forthcoming events: Sunday: Winter League practice, draw 9am at Star Inn, book in with Chris Grehan on 635373. Monday: Disabled and Over 60s, draw 10.15am at Star Inn.